NEW BERN, N.C. – May 3, 2018
The Tryon Palace Commission is pleased to announce the unveiling of a portrait of the late Kay P. Williams, longtime New Bern resident and Executive Director of Tryon Palace. The portrait was unveiled at a Tryon Palace Commission meeting at the Craven Arts Council & Gallery Bank of the Arts, April 19, 2018. The oil painting, commissioned by the Tryon Palace Commission in October 2017, was painted by Sergei Chernikov. “We believe Sergei painted a beautiful portrait of Kay that not only looks like her, but captures her friendly and welcoming countenance,” said Dr. Ken Chance, Tryon Palace Commission. “Her devotion to the Palace and her tireless efforts on its behalf were her life’s work and passion.”
The portrait will be on display in the North Carolina History Center beginning May 4.
Williams served as Executive Director of Tryon Palace for 30 years. She provided leadership for the Palace’s first Capital Campaign, raising more than $60 million to design and construct the North Carolina History Center, which opened in October 2010. William died in her home in New Bern on October 14, 2012; she was 69 years old.