"The Jack." A Monumental Painting Honoring Barbecue

By Doc Lawrence

"The Jack." by Olivia Thomason

My greatest moments as a journalist have been those October weekends in Lynchburg, the incredibly lovely Middle Tennessee village known the world over as the home of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. The picturesque countryside hosts the globally-acclaimed Jack Daniel’s International Barbecue Competition, bringing the best barbecue teams on earth to compete for cash, awards and prestigous recognition. 

The event is universally known as “The Jack."

For many years, I served as one of the Kansas City Barbecue Society-trained judges, rubbing elbows and sampling ribs, chicken, brisket and more with legends like Tennessee football great Johnny Majors, restauranteur “Famous Dave” Anderson, Memphis’ peerless raconteur Silky Sullivan plus TV legends, celebrity chefs, tourism officials and people chosen for their love of America’s favorite food. 

I knew almost instinctively that the pageantry, diversity, spirit, aromas and unspoiled beauty should be honored in a painting. Officials allowed me to bring  a guest each year and I convinced one of America’s top folk artists to join me and hopefully be inspired to create on canvas what could not be accomplished on a photograph.

After several years of watching, walking, chatting and immersing into the event, Olivia Thomason began paining her interpretation of this magnificent example of Americana. Called “The Jack: The World Comes to Lynchburg,” it is a masterpiece. Wherever she exhibits or appears, this painting is the center of attention. “After all,” she often says, “who doesn’t love barbecue?”

Prompted by friends and colleagues, I suggested that the award-winning artist produce at least a few high-quality print reproductions. Now, a very limited edition of beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints are available. They are on fine museum paper, numbered and signed. It's easily framed. 

For those who have experience first-hand the excitement of “The Jack,” this painting is a daily reminiscence, a reminder of what barbecue paradise looks like. At $74.00, it is a bargain.

Allow me to introduce this gifted artist with some aspects of her career. A native of Hendersonville, NC, Olivia has been painting and operating a gallery for many years in the Atlanta area. Her acclaimed gallery near Emory University won multiple awards as gallery of the year. She garnered several artist of the year trophies.

Ms. Thomason’s notable paintings can be found in top corporate and professional collections throughout the country. 

I offered to send this information on her behalf. I invited her to “The Jack,” I’ve written many magazine and newspaper stories about the event, and I have been a very fortunate judge who has met many teams, celebrities, sponsors and visitors. Most important, I really enjoy good barbecue.

Order by email to Olivia. You’ll be provided information as to payment and delivery of your print. This is not a mass sale. No marketer is involved. She will do what she says she will do.

Order: bigoart1@yahoo.com. Checks should be made payable to Olivia Thomason, 933 Gordon St., Stone Mountain, Ga 30083. Shipping cost will be provided. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. 

Olivia Thomason