River to River Visual Arts Association
January 2012 Newsletter
Happy New Year to all! The U.N. has designated 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives and will commemorate the year by highlighting the contributions of “people who unite to meet common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations, through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.” The featured art organization this month is the Little Egypt Arts Association, a cooperative which has served the southernmost Illinois art community since 1995.
Little Egypt Arts Association Hosts High School Art Show
Artwork by area high school students will be showcased at the Little Egypt Arts Association gallery in Marion, Ill. beginning Jan. 16. LEAA’s annual High School Art Show will be on display for a month and will culminate in an awards reception on Feb. 19.
Patty Morrison, a longtime LEAA member, said the show was begun several years ago as a result of congressional redistricting in southern Illinois. Many of the region’s high school students who had previously submitted their artwork at the High School Art Show at Cedarhurst in Mt. Vernon were no longer eligible, so the LEAA membership decided to host their own art show to ensure the area’s high school students received recognition.
Geri Palmer, the curator for this year’s show, said that invitations have been sent to 28 high schools in the region. High school art teachers can select and submit up to pieces of art created by their students in any medium. Numerous awards are given to the participating students, including two best-of-show awards, five each of first, second and third place awards and a people’s choice award.
In addition, individuals and organizations can elect to present special awards to students whose work they feel is exceptional. Palmer said, “There are certain people who appreciate the work and effort of the students and go to great lengths to reward it.”
Last year, area businesses, not-for-profit organizations and interested individuals presented 18 special awards that ranged from art supplies to gift certificates and cash awards.
The awards ceremony and reception will be on Sunday, Feb.19 at 2:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend, and are welcome to view the exhibit anytime the gallery is open. For more information about conferring an award, making a donation or viewing the upcoming exhibit, contact Jeri Palmer at jpalmer48@frontier.com or by telephone (618) 993-2564.
Little Egypt Arts Association – 16 Years and Growing
Betty Jesse, the current president of LEAA, is proud of the many accomplishments the all-volunteer organization has achieved during the past 16 years. She is one of the approximately 20 founding members who pooled their talents and organizational skills in 1995, creating one of the area’s most enduring arts organizations. She said the membership today ranges between 170 and 180, and is “considered to be from 18 different communities.”
Jesse said the LEAA building at 601 Tower Square in Marion was donated to the organization in 1999. It has been renovated by the members who have dedicated their time and skills to repair the roof, paint and provide general maintenance. “Our members give so much.”
She said the organization has always been self-sustaining, and that is a key factor in its success. “Grant money is nice, but you can’t always count on it.”
LEAA has spawned several sub-groups over the past few years. ALPS was formed to meet the interests of photographers of all skill levels, and the group takes special photography field trips throughout the year. Jewelry makers can join BLING, while LEAFS supports fiber artists. LESA was organized for studio artists.
Jesse said these sub-groups provide “nutrition” for their members. “Artists with similar interests enjoy sharing, coming together and exposing each other to new methods.” She said she hopes pottery and glass sub-groups form in the near future.
One of LEAA’s outreach programs is the art history class taught by Bob Barnfield on Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Barnfield recently taught LEAA members about primitive art history, and is currently providing a class on Renaissance art, which includes the architecture and other cultural advancements of the time.
Looking back at 2011, Jesse said two of the organization’s most significant accomplishments were the High School Art Fair and the Herrinfesta Art Show. “There’s such a wealth of art in this region,” she said. Both of these events highlight the region’s finest art.
Jesse said her previous position as director of Southern Illinois Cultural Alliance helped prepare her for her duties as president of LEAA. She reflected that her lifelong interest in art had been fostered by her junior high art teacher and that when she was in eighth grade, she won an art contest at the Chicago Art Institute.
With a growing and diverse membership, Jesse is optimistic about 2012 and the future of LEAA. She said she envisioned LEAA as a “community of multi-visual artist groups” and that perhaps, a performing arts group would eventually become a part of LEAA.
For more information about LEAA activities, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
Congratulations to Four Carbondale Photographers
Four Carbondale photographers received honors at Shrode Art Center’s 2011 Photography Competition. Michael Burke Seltzer was awarded Best of Show for “Rothko’s Penguins,” Jo Kirch placed first with “Detour,” Samuel E. Phillippe placed second with “Untitled 3” and Mike Chervinko received an honorable mention for “Mississippian Beast of the Underworld and a Quartered Circle.”
The annual competition was open to southern Illinois photographers 18 years and older and artists could submit photographic film, digital photographs and digitally altered photographs. The exhibit is on display at the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst in Mt. Vernon through Dec. 31.
“Do we want the wealthy to give money to the arts...or not?”
This was the topic of a recent “You’ve Cott Mail” newsletter. Thomas Cott, a self-described “news junkie” compiles a provocative and informative weekly newsletter covering items of interest to professionals in the arts. For more information and to sign up for his free newsletter, visit
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1k115/id2.html.
January and February Events
January 2012
Michael Onken Paintings at the Gallery Space of the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey
When: Dec. 5 - Jan. 25
When: Dec. 5 - Jan. 25
Where: 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro
Description: On display is the first group exhibition of work created in the last three years by local artist Michael Onken, emeritus professor, SIU-Carbondale. Works are available for purchase by private arrangement with the artist. For more information, visit Facebook-The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey or call (618) 684-8668.
LEAA High School Art Show
When: Jan. 16 – Feb. 19
Where: Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion
Description: LEAA hosts an annual competition for regional high school students. LEAA will also be showcasing the exhibit during the Marion Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” program on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Awards will be presented at a reception on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information contact Jeri Palmer at (618) 993-2564.
February 2012
SIUC School of Art and Design Visiting Artist Program
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 1-3
Where: SIUC University Museum Auditorium
Description: Sheila Stewart-Leach, Curator/Gallery
Coordinator for Averitt Center for the Arts, Statesboro, GA and oil painter Larry Leach, an outreach artist for ColArt America will be the featured speakers. On his website, www.larryleachart.com, Leach said his favorite themes are “the strong light of dawn and the last strong rays of sunset.” The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.artanddesign.siuc.edu or call (618) 453-4315.
LEAA Art Exhibit: Celebrating Southern Illinois Diversity
When: Feb. 13 – March 31
Where: Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion
Description: Different cultures and occupations of people who call southern Illinois home are the themes of this multi-media art exhibit. For more information, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
SIUC Valentine’s Day Craft Sale
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: SIUC Student Center Art Gallery, First Floor
Description: The Valentine’s Day Craft Sale fits the bill for those last minute shoppers, including students, faculty and the community-at-large who are searching for the perfect gift for their valentine. Application deadline for booth space is Feb. 9, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.siucstudentcenter.org or call (618) 453-3636.
2012 Regional Art Shows
Following is a list of regional art and craft shows for 2012. This list is intended to be used as a planning guide only, and may not be complete. I’ll provide updated information in subsequent newsletters as it becomes available. Please check websites or contact the event planners for further details.
Makanda Spring Fest
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6
Where: Downtown Makanda
For more information visit the website at
www.villageofmakanda.com/events.html or email Janelle Weber at makandainn@gmail.com.
HerrinFesta Italiana 2012 Art Exhibition
When: Thursday – Monday, May 24 - 28
Where: HerrinFesta Italiana Art gallery, 3 South Park Avenue, Herrin
For more information visit www.herrinfesta.com , or call Little Egypt Arts Association (618) 998-8530
Fourth Annual Town and Country Days Art Show
When: August 25th – September 16th
Where: Eldorado Memorial Library, Eldorado, IL
For more information, contact Janet Bixler by phone at (618) 273-9596 or by email at magic124@shawneelink.net.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Fall Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1 and 2
Where: Downtown Park, Cobden
For information visit www.shawneewinetrail.com
Cedarhurst Craft Fair
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9
Where: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Rd., Mt. Vernon
For information, visit http://www.cedarhurst.org or call (618) 242-1236
Murphysboro Apple Festival Arts & Crafts Fair
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-16
Where: North 13th Street, Murphysboro
For more information, visit www.murphysboro.com or call (618) 684-3200
Illinois Wine and Arts Festival at Rend Lake
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23
Where: Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center, Whittington
For more information visit www.museum.state.il.us or contact Mary Lou Galloway at (618) 629-2220.
Makanda Vulture Fest
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21
Where: Downtown Makanda
For more information visit www.villageofmakanda.com/events.html, or email Janelle Weber
at makandainn@gmail.com.
The 36th Annual Heritage Festival at Southeastern Illinois College
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4
Where: Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg
For more information contact Donna Hearn (618) 252-5400 ext. 3213 or email donna.hearn@sic.edu
AutumnFest Art and Craft Show
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11
Where: John A. Logan College, Carterville
For more information, visit www.jalc.edu or call (618) 985-3741.
SIUC Student Center 34th Annual Holiday Craft Sale
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 - 8
Where: SIUC Student Center, Carbondale, IL
For more information, visit the Student Center website at www.siucstudentcenter.org or call (618) 453-3636 or (618) 453-5209
2011 SIUC Holiday Craft Fair
The SIUC Annual Holiday Craft Fair is one of the region’s premier events for vendors and shoppers alike. Ninety vendors set up booths in the SIU Student Center and shoppers, including students, faculty and members of the community, poured in to scoop up one-of-a-kind creations. Featured here are a few of the many exhibitors who participated in the 2011 fair.
Leann Gehm, owner of “Miranda’s Loom,” said the show is always one of her best each year. Gehm, a full-time artist who resides in Carbondale, displayed her loom-woven rugs, wall hangings, table runners and scarves at the fair. She said depending on the size and complexity of the pattern it takes about 25-30 hours to complete a rug, from dressing the loom to adding the finishing fringe. Gehm designs all of her own patterns and currently is experimenting with a four-color complex weave. To view Gehm’s work and to read about Miranda’s Loom, visit http://www.mirandasloom.com.
Erin Alice Gray, owner of “Alice Art,” creates mixed media paintings and encasings. She is a professional graphic artist who said she took up painting and collage work a few years ago to give her a creative outlet that didn’t involve a computer. Gray shops for her art supplies at “old junk stores, then I sit on my floor with a big mass of mess,” and arranges her encasings. She uses such items as old viewfinder discs, buttons, sequins, photos and old jewelry for her creations. To see Gray’s work visit www.etsy.com/shop/erinaliceart.
Roberta Elliott, owner of The Velvet Hammer Ltd. In Cobden, is a self-taught decorative blacksmith. She has been creating her forged steel designs since the late ‘70s and recently added Best of Sculpture awards at both the 2011 Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield, IL and the 2011 Art and Air Show in St. Louis, MO to her impressive list of awards. She and her husband, Tim Francis, a woodworker, work travel to shows around the country, but their work can be seen locally at both the anthill gallery and Village Art and Gifts in Cobden. To read more about Elliott, visit http://www.velvethammerltd.com.
REGIONAL ART GALLERIES, BOUTIQUES, AND STUDIOS
Shopping locally for one-of-a-kind art is satisfying on so many levels. Supporting local craftsmen, who in turn support other local business is good for the economy and the environment.
Following is a list of art galleries in southernmost Illinois that feature works by regional artists and craftsmen. (Please phone or check websites for updates):
Angie’s Originals, 312 E. Fifth St., Metropolis
Angie Shelton is the owner of this charming weekend boutique which houses original art and crafts by southern Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri artists. Angie’s Originals features pottery by Craig Rhodes and Diane Bremer, alpaca products by Lisa Turner, jewelry by Jane Plain, oak baskets by Darrell Thurston and fiber art by Karen Linduska. For more information about Angie’s Originals or to view pictures of the latest inventory, visit the website at www.angiesoriginals.com.
Anna Arts Center, 117 W. Davie St., Anna
Anna Arts Center houses the works of Nancy Young, Carol Dooley, Gail McIntosh, Dave O’Melia, and Judy Trexler, among others. For more information, contact Joanne Blakley at (618) 697-6285, or visit their website at www.annaartscenter.com.
anthill gallery & vintage curiosities, 102 Front St., Cobden
Owners Linda Austin and Bob Hagemann offer works by more than 60 regional artists, as well as selected vintage and gift items. anthill gallery & vintage curiosities coordinates its exhibitions with The Yellow Moon Cafe’s Luna Gallery, located at 110 North Front Street, just a few doors north of the anthill on Cobden’s historic elevated sidewalk. Luna Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. anthill is closed from Dec. 24 - Feb 21. In mid-March the works of ceremacist Darby Ortolano and painter Judith Bush will be featured in an exhibit. For more information, contact anthill gallery at (618) 303-3183 or visit www.anthillgallery.com.
Dayshift Boutique, 101 W. Monroe Ave, Carbondale
Chris McKinley, owner of Dayshift, represents over fifty regional artists who produce a wide range of merchandise, including handbags, clothing, jewelry, fine art, photography, blown glass, kitchen and dining room decor, metalwork, ceramics, rugs, pet items, wine racks, greeting cards, and children’s accessories. For more information, call (618) 529-DAYS (3297), email dayshiftshop@gmail.com, or visit Facebook – Dayshift Carbondale.
Fern Fair Gallery, 8609 Giant City Road, Carbondale
Fern Logan, a retired professor of photography, opened a new facility in Southern Illinois to serve the artists of the region. She offers space so artists can exhibit artwork or take a workshop. Fern Fair’s specialties are photography and graphic design, but will occasionally offer workshops in other media. For more information, visit www.fernfair.com or call (618) 529-3376.
Gallery 624, 624 Pershing St., Herrin
Shawn Spooner owns and operates this gallery. Shawn uses her studio to educate individuals about the arts, and to display works by local artists as well as her photography, jewelry, and other hand-crafted art. For more information about Gallery 624, contact Shawn Spooner by phone (618) 694-4634 or by email at shawnspoonerphotography@gmail.com.
The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro
The Gallery Space is an exhibition and reception venue for local artists, and has recently displayed the works of Karen Linduska, Eric Johnson, Tom Bell, Bob Angarola, Mary Pachikara and Fraenze Reichard. For more information, visit Facebook-The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey or call (618) 684-8668.
Grace Art Gallery & Girly Nature Gift Shop, 210 S. Broadway, Goreville
Rowena Montgomery and Tanya Eddleman own this delightful combination gallery/gift shop which houses the paintings, photography, and jewelry of local artists, as well as Girly Nature personal care products by Tanya. For more information call (618) 694-5892, or visit www.girlynature.com.
Little Egypt Arts Association Gallery, Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion
LEAA’s membership produce and display a wide variety of art exhibits throughout the year. Upcoming exhibits for spring and summer include “Celebrating Southern Illinois Diversity,” “Life Threads,” “A Different View” and “Historic Structures & Machinery VI.” For more information, visit www.littleegyptarts.com or call (618) 998-8530.
Makanda Boardwalk, Downtown Makanda
Often referred to as the “Valley of the Arts”, the restored Makanda Boardwalk is home to Visions Gallery, Rainmaker Studio, The Makanda Trading Company , the Smelly Hippie, and the Makanda Country Store. Allan Stuck Studio is nearby. For more information, visit www.villageofmakanda.com or email Janelle Weber at makandainn@gmail.com.
Southpass Beads, 203 Ash Street, Cobden, IL
Southpass Beads offers a wide variety of beads, findings, tools and bead making supplies as well as bead-making classes. Beadmaker J-Bird Elwell and beadweaver and designer LouAnn Elwell create handmade beads and jewelry for sale at their location. For more information, call (618) 893-6170 or visit www.southpassbeads.com.
Village Art & Gifts, 100 N. Front St., Cobden, IL
Owners Rick and Joan Ball opened their business in Cobden in October 2011. The shop features local art works, antiques and collectibles, gifts, and plants. Dozens of local artists have their work displayed, including Sandra Warhurst, Beverly Lueking, Jan York, Abraham Hunter, Jeff Engbring, Roberta Elliot and Eldon Benz . Village Arts will be closed from Dec. 24 - Feb. 21. For more information contact Rick Ball at (618) 893-4439.
River to River Visual Arts Association was recently incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with the mission of promoting the work of artists living in southernmost Illinois and advocating for their cultural and economic value to the region. One of RRVAA’s goals is to collect, compile, disseminate and archive information about the area’s rich and varied visual art.
If you would like to post information about an upcoming art show, exhibit, or class in a future newsletter, send an email to sharonwittke@yahoo.com by the 18th of the month. There are no fees associated with the RRVAA newsletter.
If you prefer not to receive this newsletter, please let me know, and I’ll remove your name from the email list. Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to others who may be interested in the arts and art related activities in southernmost Illinois.
RRVAA wishes everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
