JAMES WOOD
Staff Writer
This is a continuation of last week’s article on the life and legacy
of Vannoy Streeter.
Streeter’s connections in the county have been numerous and very strong, while still maintaining a low-key lifestyle for someone who received the attention that he did. Across the county during his lifetime, he made strong bonds with many people not only through his art but on an interpersonal basis. Thomas Johnson, who knew him since he was in his teenage years and has collected numerous pieces of his (over 40), highlighted Streeter’s love of people.
“He had a great passion for people,” Johnson said, “That is actually how he got started in making the items and became a sculptor with wire.”
Growing up in Shelbyville, Johnson got to know Streeter on a personal basis and later knew him for much more than just his art. “We knew him as the bender,” Johnson said, “That’s what we called him.”
While Streeter received lots of attention for his artwork, his priorities stayed with those closest to him and his community.
Streeter had a large family, raising his stepchildren with his wife. “He had a really nice sized family. He married a lady that had children before they got married,” Johnson said, “He raised those children just like they were his.”
Streeter’s art has gone far and wide, however, with sculptures of his being owned by many notable figures such as President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Former Governor Ned McWherter, and more. His work even landed as far away as Beijing, China at the U.S. Embassy building, commissioned by President Bill Clinton. Jody Barnes-Turner, President of the Fly Arts Center said: “Despite these accomplishments, Streeter remained humble about his process and purpose.”
Streeter’s record also goes beyond just his artistic skills. His strongest connection to the Walking Horse scene could be narrowed down to his helping train Strolling Jim, the famous Tennessee Walking Horse.
“He loved what he did and he just lived a humble life,” Johnson said, “He wasn’t looking for a whole bunch of fame, although he got it.”
Streeter passed in 1998, leaving an extensive artistic legacy and a bond with the community.
“Whenever he passed away,” Johnson said, “there were so many people out of town, out of state, out of country.”
His best work is preserved in many notable places across the state, the Bedford County History Museum at The Fly Arts Center, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Gilliland Historical Resource Center, preserving African American history and culture in Bedford County. Jody Barnes-Turner made a statement behalf of the Fly Arts Center, “The Fly Arts Center is honored to preserve and share the legacy of Vannoy “Wireman” Streeter, a Wartrace native whose wire-woven creations continue to inspire wonder, pride, and appreciation for the beauty born from simplicity.”
Streeter’s contribution to the art culture of Tennessee cannot be understated in his uniqueness and connection to his community.