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Me at my art show opening of the 2006 "Nottely River Series".
My name is Al Garnto and I am a Professional Artist and Photographer. I am from the small North Georgia town of Blairsville, which is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. My interest in art began as a child, when my Mother taught me how to draw. By my early school years it was told that I was drawing extremely well for my age, but I was failing in almost everything except Art, Music, and P.E. I was expelled from the local school system at the age of fifteen. Citing that my inability to learn the fundamentals, and extreme amount of energy was causing such a disturbance that the other students were unable to learn. I spent the next seven years studying for my G.E.D.; I wanted to go to college to study art, but was unable without some sort of a Diploma. In 1990 I passed the G.E.D., and in 1992 I was accepted into Young Harris College as an art major! Finally I had achieved a long sought after goal. But here once again I was in danger of losing my dream. I was at the top of my class in art but was failing every academic course I was in. The teacher there knew I had some sort of learning problem but by law was unable to help me unless I was tested. Which screwed me one more time. These test were very expensive and I was very broke, but if I didn?t get my grade point average up, I was going to lose my financial aid and be forced to drop out. I had done everything I could to try to further my education, and my legs was being kicked out from under me yet again, and this time I didn't feel like getting back up. By the grace of GOD and Young Harris College a way was found to pay for my testing! These test and the teachers at Young Harris College changed the course of my life! These test came back just as everyone expected, that I had a severe learning disability. This learning disability is called Dyslexia. These test allowed me for the first time to see how my brain processed information, which is quite different from the rest of the population. It doesn't matter how far teaching technology has progressed to a person like me who processes his/her information in a completely different manner. These test allowed them to develop ways to help me understand and to overcome my learning disability. By the end of 93 I had brought my g.p.a. up to a 4.0! That year I received several awards for my paintings and sculptures, I was named to the Deans list, and at the end of that year I was presented with a Presidential Scholarship to The Atlanta College of Art! Finally my dream had become a reality!!! If this disability sounds like you or someone you know, please get help. It can change the course of your life! Keep HOPE, and strive to Never Give Up on your Dreams. To this day I still struggle with Dyslexia. But for the most part I have overcome my disabilities. After studying at The Atlanta College of Art I returned to my hometown of Blairsville Ga., and in 1995 I opened my own business, THE AL GARNTO FINE ART STUDIO. I have made my living for the past 13 years from my art. My art is collected throughout the south mainly through long-standing clients, gallery, referrals, and art shows. In closing I would like to say thanks to those of you who took YOUR TIME to read my Bio. I appreciate your patience.
Sincerely, Al Garnto
