Wartburg, Tennessee - In celebration of National Park Week and the upcoming National Park Service Centennial in 2016, the Obed Wild and Scenic River will be hosting an exhibition featuring watercolor paintings by East Tennessee artist Tony Kampwerth. The exhibition will open on Friday, April 24, at 5:00 p.m. (EDT) at the Obed Visitor Center, located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg and will feature Kampwerth's paintings of the Obed and surrounding area.

For over 30 years, Kampwerth has been capturing the natural beauty of East Tennessee through the watercolor medium. Kampwerth's work has been featured at numerous art shows across the eastern United States. "When possible I like to paint on location," said Kampwerth, "because you get a better feel for the subject. "Kampwerth's watercolors will include paintings created just for the event and will be on display for a month following the start of the exhibition.

At the April 24 event, two authors will also be on hand to autograph their unique books which prominently feature the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Master nature photographer Byron Jorjorian has compiled over 90 of his color photographs in "Treasure Untold," a coffee table book filled with stunning photographs taken across the state. Additionally, avid whitewater boater Kirk Eddlemon will be on hand to autograph his "Whitewater of the Southern Appalachians, Volume 1," the comprehensive guide to the whitewater streams of the Cumberland Plateau.

The park will also be taking advantage of this event to gather feedback from the public as centennial celebrations are being planned. Reception attendees will be encouraged to provide input on topics such as why Obed is important to them, what are their favorite park activities, and what else would they like to see at the park.

The two hour reception will include music and light refreshments. Please contact the park at (423) 346-6294 for further details and information.