​Garry's biography in a nutshell...

Garry’s college career started at Sewanee, the University of the South, where he earned his bachelor's degree in art and religion in 1977. From there, he spent a year at Indiana State University and then went to Ohio University, where he taught classes in art appreciation and critical analysis, receiving his doctorate in comparative arts in 1985.
 

After his college journey, Dr. Pound came home to Columbus, Georgia where he turned his love for the arts into a successful career. In addition to being a sought-after portrait artist, Dr. Pound is also well known for his landscape work and illustrations. He has lent his talent as an illustrator to a popular children’s book titled Oliviatown, architectural guides, non-fiction books and other published pieces – the majority of which feature Georgia and his hometown. 
 

Garry Pound is active in the Columbus community as a lifelong parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church, lending his voice as a proud member of the choir. He gives his time and talents to various art organizations, most recently as a board member of the Columbus Museum and the Columbus Symphony. He is especially proud of his close association and work with the Historic Columbus Foundation. Dr. Pound has served on the board in various capacities for 40 years, is a past president and is now Director Emeritus. Additionally, Dr. Pound has personally invested in and renovated 13 historic properties in Columbus’ original Historic District, including a former synagogue that he transformed into a vibrant art studio.

 

Starting in the fall of 2023, Dr. Pound found a new kind of recognition, thanks to a book published by longtime friend, Allen Levi. Not only was Theo of Golden based on Garry's permanent portrait exhibit in a Columbus coffee house but a major character in the book (Asher) was based on Garry himself. Theo went on to become a breakout hit of 2025 and 2026. As of August of 2026, it has sold more than 2.5 million copies and is published in 40 languages worldwide; it will soon be made into a move! You can find Garry's artwork on the back cover.

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In 2024, Dr. Pound was named the featured artist for Steeplechase – an annual fundraiser for the arts, is a past recipient of the Sarah Turner Butler Award for Historic Preservation, was the 2021 honoree for Columbus State University’s Broadway Ball benefiting the university’s dance program and was featured in the Amazon series The Story of Art in America. In December 2024, Dr. Pound was named as an honoree for the annual Governor's Award for the Arts & Humanities for his life of work and historic preservation. ​

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