Henry Callahan

Henry Callahan  was born in Athens, GA in 1947. His parents had met at the University of Georgia prior to World War II. In 1953, the Callahan family moved to LaGrange, GA.

“I began my education and was encouraged to pursue my interest in art with courses at the local art association, and through private tutoring with Marge Schilling who helped me develop my interest in painting by exploring relationships between color and form,” he explains.

Despite his love for painting, he studied Architecture at Auburn University. Finally, Art won out and he transferred to Auburn's School of Art where he studied Visual Design with a minor in Painting. “I flourished in this environment especially with the encouragement of my painting professor Hugh O. Williams, who was inspirational and a dominant figure in my life by encouraging my understanding of color relationships and texture,” he says.

Callahan was graduated in 1969 from Auburn University with a BFA and moved to New York City where he worked as a graphic designer.

"The New York period of my life was an exciting one spent in exploration of the opportunities presented by the current art scene through visiting galleries and museums, and connecting with artists throughout the city," he says. "In my quest to explore more of the world, I left New York and traveled throughout Europe and North Africa where I painted constantly," he continues.

 

Callahan Portrait

In 2000, Callahan moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL where he maintained a residence. His plan was to pursue his dream of a full-time painting career.  “This was a very creative time, during which I painted regularly, and traveled, establishing gallery representation and setting up exhibitions,” he says.

However, the crash in 2007 and the ensuing financial upheaval hit hard. Callahan felt he needed to return to the career that had given him so much success. He took a position as Director of Client Services with a thriving branding and marketing agency in Fort Lauderdale. Now he balances that demanding career with his lifelong love affair with art.