(The following story by Nevin Batiwalla appeared on the Commercial Appeal website on July 10.)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kenny Hays is a musician and songwriter who is also an artist, so it is really not surprising that music has found a way into his art.
An opening of his new exhibit “The Art of the Instrument” was held Saturday at Artists on Central in Midtown.
Kenny’s job as a brakeman for Union Pacific Railroad has provided inspiration as well. “I started noting stuff on the ground,” next to the railroad tracks, he said. He has used many found items in his sculptures, including shells, scrap metal and bird feathers.
“From that it evolved becoming friends with the people from Amro Music,” Kenny continued. “They started giving me (musical) instruments that couldn’t be repaired, and I started incorporating them into my art.”
Jane Croy, the curator at Artists on Central, said that in looking at Kenny’s sculptures, “you are looking at the beauty of the instrument itself.”
“It’s amazing how he puts everything together to create (these sculptures),” said Tammy Hill, who attended the reception. “It’s very unique.”
Tammy Hays, one of Kenny’s sisters-in-law who attended the opening, said “When I tell people he is an artist, he’s not just an artist on paper. Everything he does comes from a life experience.”