A unique art exhibition is coming to Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025. This one day event celebrates the creative legacy of one Tennessee family whose artistic talents span generations. The exhibit brings together the works of Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, and their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, in a moving tribute to family, heritage, and the enduring power of art. A pillar of the Riddleton community since 1798, the family has long encouraged excellence in academics and encouraged perseverance and problem solving that the arts require.
Wilma Riley Draper, the matriarch of the family, was known for her bold and colorful abstract paintings that radiate energy and emotion. Her husband, George Mack Draper, created striking portraits that captured the essence of his subjects with sensitivity and precision. Their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, carries forward their artistic spirit by blending her mother’s vibrant abstraction with her father’s refined portraiture. Her work honors both parents while establishing her own distinct voice. In addition to her paintings, Mary is the founder of a successful stationery company Mary Draper Design, where her whimsical card designs have gained recognition for their charm and creativity. This exhibition will feature both her fine art and selections from her stationery line, offering a full view of her artistic range.
“This show is more than an exhibition—it’s a story of love, family, and the way creativity can be passed down and transformed across generations,” said Mary. “Visitors will see how each artist’s work stands on its own, while also speaking to one another in a dialogue that only a family could create.”
The exhibit will be on view at the Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025 where you can meet Mary Draper Hager and experience the collection firsthand.
Exhibition Details
Exhibit Title: Generations in Art: The Draper Family Legacy
Artists Featured: Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, Mary Draper Hager
Location: 185 Gordonsville Highway, Carthage, TN 37030
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Exhibit hours: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
About the Artists
Wilma Riley Draper: Known for her bold, colorful abstracts that celebrate movement and emotion.
George Mack Draper: A portrait artist whose works capture the depth and humanity of his subjects.
Mary Draper Hager: A painter and designer who blends her parents’ styles into a unique artistic voice, while also running a stationery company featuring whimsical cards.
