Brian Nettles
Brian Nettles --- Sculptor Extraordinaire
Brian Nettles, a graduate from University of Southern Mississippi and former ceramics instructor, in 1998, installed all the tools of his trade at his display studio and gallery at the corner of Davis Avenue and Handy Street. One of his well-known sculptured objects is the "1997 Summer Olympics."
The affable young man extends a ready smile in demonstrating his works and welcoming new patrons to his studio showcase of art-works.
Nettles not only pursues his course of talents, but is applauded for his projects. The vase shown in the picture alongside him has won a significant number of First Place Awards.
In an interesting situation he was called on by John Currie to put a cap on the chimney at Woodland Cottage at West Beach Boulevard, one of the homes listed on the National Register. Currie demanded perfection in his home restoration project and first sought out the company in Alabama that made the original. Having no luck in his quest, he was led to Brian Nettles who immediately solved the problem by scaling the house roof-top and replicated a terra cotta chimney cap from its twin.
Nettles was also commissioned to build a special potter’s kiln for the George Ohr Center.
One of his first productions after arriving in Pass Christian was a replica of the landmark stone marker that heralded d'Iberville's founding on the Gulf Coast at "Old Biloxi". The historic marker was unearthed near Fort Maurepas in Ocean Springs sometime in the 1930s, and the original is on display at the Cabildo in New Orleans. The Nettle’s replica is the first reproduction of its kind and is permanently exhibited at the PC Historical Society. The art piece was a gift to the Tricentennial historical exhibits in 1999.
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