Two (2) George Ayers Cress (Alabama/Tennessee, 1921-2008) abstract paintings, "Inlet (conte)" and "Near Orvieto, Italy". 1st item: Mixed media on paper abstract landscape painting, titled "Inlet (conte)", comprising brick red, grey, black, and white hues. Signed and dated "George Cress 1965" lower right. Paper label with artist name, title, and "coll. of Mary Hale, Chattanooga" and framer's label affixed, en verso. Housed and matted under glass in a wooden frame with chrome sight edge. Sight: 11 7/8" H x 18 1/8" W. Framed: 20 5/8" H x 26 3/8" W. 2nd item: Abstract watercolor on paper landscape painting titled "Near Orvieto, Italy" depicting a field with cypress trees situated before the Italian village of Orvieto situated on a hillside. Titled, in pencil, lower left, signed and dated "George Cress 1978" lower right. Housed and matted under glass in an ebonized frame with gilt trim. Sight: 8 1/8" H x 11" W. Framed: 15 1/4" H x 17 3/4" W. Biography: George Cress was born in Anniston, Alabama and studied at Emory University, American University, and the University of Georgia, where he studied under fellow Southern contemporary artist Lamar Dodd. He was a central figure in Chattanooga's arts community and served as President of the Tennessee Arts Council. He sat on the board of the Hunter Museum of Art. From 1951-1984 he was painter in residence at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. The Cress Gallery of Art at UTC is named in his honor. (Source: The Tennessee Historical Quarterly Vol. XLIV No. 2: "Landscape and Genre Painting in Tennessee 1810-1985").

1st item: Minute speck of material trapped under glass. Not examined outside of frame. 2nd item: Overall very good condition. Not examined outside of frame.