Artist creates work in memory of April 2006 tornado victims

The tile mosaic piece ‘Dogwood Memories' features a dogwood blossom for each of the 16 Dyer Countians who died in the April 2006 tornadoes. Georgia-based artist Alison Keogler, whose family is from Dyer County, created the piece. [Click to enlarge]

Alison Tucker Keogler was working out when she learned through CNN the devastation that hit the town she considers home.

She quickly left the gym, calling friends and family to make sure those she knew were OK while at the same time wanting to do something for the 16 who died in the April 2006 tornadoes.

She delivered that emblem of love during a recent visit to Newbern, presenting it to the Newbern Historical & Preservation Society on Oct. 11.

Standing in front of the 16 dogwood trees planted in memorial of those who died in the April 2006 tornadoes, artist Alison Keogler presents her own memorial of the event to members of the Newbern Historical & Preservation Society. Attending the Oct. 11 presentation were, from left, George Butler, Josie Zimmerman, Olen Parker, Tom Parnell, Cindy Brock, Keogler, Carla Murray and Mary Dycus.

Originally from Atlanta, Keogler now lives in Marietta, Ga. However, her whole family is from West Tennessee -- her grandparents are Edward Huie and Drucilla Huie, her parents are Jennifer Huie Tucker and Stephen Tucker.

"I spent my summers here as long as I can remember," she said. "Now that my family's dispersed, Newbern is home. ... Newbern has been such a piece of happiness for me. As a child, every time we left Tennessee for home, I'd cry as we pulled out. The people here are so special to me. There's a kindness, a neighborliness here that you don't see in a lot of places."

So "when I found out about the tornado ... it's a small town and so many to die ... it's a tragic thing," she said. "I couldn't believe it."

After signing her piece ‘Dogwood Memories,' artist Alison Keogler adds the names of those whom the piece's 16 dogwood blossoms represent. [Click to enlarge]

She began doing tile mosaic art in 2001. "I was drawn to it," said Keogler, who had her first art show last October.

Using the talent she taught herself, she decided she wanted to create something for the city of Newbern to memorialize those lost in the tornado.

"It's something I felt moved to do -- to give back to a town that's done so much for me," Keogler said. "The neat thing about being an artist is you get to leave something behind. I wanted to do it because Newbern means so much to me."

But "I had a hard time coming up with what to do," she said. "I didn't want anything too dark. I toyed with many ideas."

She visited Newbern around the same time memorials -- a granite marker and 16 dogwood trees -- were placed at the Newbern Historic Depot in remembrance of those who perished in the tornado. She decided her art piece would be a reflection of that.

"Dogwoods represent rebirth," she explained.

She started on the piece the beginning of summer and finished it in early October. Titled "Dogwood Memories," it features 16 dogwood blossoms, one representing each person who passed away. The pieces composing it are mostly plates, a broken ceramic angel wing and tile.

"Dogwood Memories" is on display in the Depot museum, which is open from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays and from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

"We're just honored that she did this," said Olen Parker, president of the Newbern Historical & Preservation Society. "It complements the marker and the trees. One and a half years later, we still haven't forgotten. This is another way to memorialize (them)."