I first met Gene Threats (pronounced Threets), at the Sea Island Black Heritage Festival at Gascoigne Point. I saw his art work from across the park where I stood and felt drawn to take a closer look. The intricate detail of his colored pencil drawings is amazing. Time and patience show through, his blending of color and texture.
Gene is a very accomplished artist who follows his heart and creates works that are unique and speak to social issues as well as history.
He’s been drawing all of his life. His mother, Minnie Pearl, worked as a clothing designer and seamstress. Gene would sit on the floor sketching away as his mother worked. She always encouraged his creativity and saw to it that Gene got his degree in art from Valdosta State when the time came.
As so often happens in life, Gene could not find work in his field once out of college. He took a job in a bank in Brunswick and worked his way into a good paying position. In all, he worked in three local banks, excelling at each one and finally being asked to use his art in his final position at First Georgia Bank to produce graphic artwork as continued his other work.
In 1996 a sudden illness struck Gene, sending him to the hospital for a one month stay. He received a diagnosis of renal failure, a complete surprise since he had no signs of the illness and there was no history of it in his family. He recalls clearly hearing the voice of God saying not once, but twice, “Now you have time to do your artwork.” His mother repeated the same words to him and brought his colored pencils and all of the materials he needed to begin drawing as he went through dialysis for hours at a time several days a week.
Unable to work at a full time job any longer, Gene began to work at his art. A kidney became available for the transplant he desperately needed in May of 2000 after which he has regained his health and stamina. He became a spokesperson for the Kidney Foundation and to be an advocate for disabled artists. He began to show his work at local festivals and art shows, always placing and always winning recognition and a prize.
Although many of his paintings reflect his Black heritage, Gene says that art is of no color, it’s what you feel and see. He teaches when he has the opportunity and tells his story with passion and emotion. His work has been heavily influenced by his love of the soft blended colors of the Impressionist period.
A year ago, Gene lost his beloved mother and mentor. He cared for her in her final years and speaks so fondly of the inspiration and guidance she always provided. I felt her lovely presence when he shared the last photo he took of her.
Gene is an accomplished photographer, teacher and artist. You can contact him about his work and commissions at 912-996-9057,
2 Responses
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B.Dismer Says:
Thanks for sharing the work of this talented local artist.
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Margaret Edmunds Says:
Gene Threats is a talented artist and my beloved friend of more than 20 years. I have a wall in my home dedicated to his works, he is a committed artist and a true shining star. Much love to you.
