Anna Arts Center Begins its Third Year
Joanne Blakley, director of the Anna Arts Center, said the organization began several years ago as a writer’s group that met regularly at the Stinson Library until that space became too small.
The group then went to the city of Anna with a proposal. They would buy the old city hall and firestation on West Davie Street, which had been sitting empty for about six years, and restore them for use as a writing and literacy center. They were able to purchase both buildings for $10 with the caveat that the buildings would house an arts center and include visual and performing arts.
With a considerable amount of elbow grease from many volunteers, the buildings have fresh new facades and inviting interiors.
Anna Arts Center, located at 125 W. Davie St. recently acquired an adjoining church building which it converted to “The Master’s Center” for stage presentations.
Some of the events held at the Master’s Center in the past included the Blackwood Brothers Gospel Group, an a cappela du-op band and several very popular “Your Stage” events, where members of the community are invited to perform.
Blakley is preparing for the Civil War Weekend of Union County, an event co-sponsored by the Shawnee Hills Arts Council and P.A.S.T., a Union County organization dedicated to preserving the area’s historic buildings,, on Feb. 10, 11 and 12. More information about this event follows below.
In April, the center is planning a dinner theater with Brian Caraker, a locally well-known singer who will present “A Night with Sinatra.”
“Brian sings Sinatra better than Sinatra,” Blakley said.
Other programs the Arts Center promotes are classes in art, guitar, singing, acting and writing. Blakley said a live model painting class taught by several local artists is in the works.
She said a book club will also be forming in the near future. The art center offers books for sale, many of which are classics or out-of print.
The Center houses the works of several local visual artists, including Nancy Young, Carol Dooley, Dave O’Melia, Kenneth Burnside and Abraham Hunter.
For more information about the programs at Anna Arts Center, call (618) 697-6285.
Civil War Weekend in Union County
Two Union County organizations will be presenting a series of activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
The Shawnee Hills Art Council at the Anna Arts Center and the PAST organization of Union County plan to sponsor a Civil War Weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10-12. The events will be held at the Anna Arts Center and the Masters Center, 125 W. Davie St., Anna, Ill.
Events include a Civil War history exhibit contest, the annual Lincoln Legacy Dinner with special guest speaker s Dr. Lynn Steveson and recently neamed Illinois state history teacher of the year Darrel Dexter and a musical presentation of “Lincoln: The Life and Times.”
In addition to the speakers listed previously, author Mike Estel of Anna will discuss his recent books, “Love Until the End” and “Civil War Tale: The Last Hope,” Mike Jones, curator and director of the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro will present a documentary of Civil War stories and Dr. Susan Sitter Whitemountain will talk about her experiences of finding civil war camps near Anna and how she prepared a map of their locations.
For a complete listing of activities, visit http://www.pastonline.org/ or call Lee Hackney at 618-833-6525.
February Events
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.
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.
18 Tigers Art Show
When: Feb. 1 - 29
Where: First Floor Rotunda Morris Library, 605 Agriculture Drive, SIU Campus, Carbondale
An exhibit of art inspired by the killing of the 18 rare tigers in October opens at Morris Library at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. More than 15 local artists (and one group of children) demonstrate how the extinction of tigers charges them emotionally, changes their perspectives, and inspires them to do good works.
The show runs throughout February. The grand opening is Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information, call 618-453-4097 or email bmartell@lib.siu.ed.
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.
“Is it still rare for
disabled arts to reach
‘mainstream’?”
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.
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
WSIU Announces Debut of “Expressions”
WSIU Public Television, the public media arm of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) announced the debut of Expressions, a new weekly local series that turns the spotlight on regional artists and their work.
Each half-hour episode follows artists on their journey toward creativity and showcases both their inspirations and the various techniques they use to create works of art.
Hosted by Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, an internationally recognized artist and an Associate Professor of Art in SIU Carbondale’s School of Art and Design, Expressions will air Thursdays at 9pm beginning January 19, with repeats on Sundays at 6:30pm. Season one will feature 13 episodes and will showcase one to two artists per episode.
Episode one, which aired January 19, introduced custom motorcycle artist Anthony Spinazola of Cobden, Illinois and ceramicist Chris Scamehorn of Makanda.
On Jan. 26, nationally-acclaimed sculptor and metalsmith John Medwedeff of Murphysboro and painter Fran Jaffe of Anna, who is known for her use of aboriginal dot art techniques on gourds were featured..
Upcoming episodes and their airdates include: photographer Fern Logan of Carbondale and watercolor artist Mary Pachikara (February 2); painter Robert Ketchens of Grand Chain (February 9); and fiber artist Robin Haller of Carbondale, who is known for non-traditional quilting techniques, and wood artist and craftsman Kyle Kinser of Makanda (February 16).
Expressions was conceived by Darryl Moses, WSIU’s Associate Director for TV & Video Services, who had seen a similar production on Mississippi Public Television, and is produced by Chicago-area native Tamara John, a graduate student in SIUC’s College of Mass Communication & Media Arts and a Graduate Assistant at WSIU Public Television.
Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome and should be directed to John at (618) 453-8096 or tamara.john@wsiu.org.
A website for the series will be available soon at www.wsiu.org and will include programming information, archival episodes, photos, and more.
Expressions sponsored by The Glass Haunt of Benton, Illinois and Mark Williams Outdoor Equipment of Murphysboro.
Additional sponsors, who provided materials and furnishings for the colorful Expressions production set, include Ashley Furniture HomeStore of Carbondale (furniture), Calico Country Sew & Vac of West Frankfort and Carbondale, Illinois and Paducah, Kentucky; Lowe’s of Carbondale; and Stevens Floral Gifts and Framing of Marion (custom floral arrangements),
“Sustain” Exhibit at SUIC
“Sustain,” a juried art exhibit featuring the work of student artists who use recycled material will open at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s University Museum on Feb. 3.
Nate Steinbrink, curator of exhibits for the University Museum, and the Museum Student Group, a Registered Student Organization, created the exhibit.
Art submissions included at least 70 percent waste material, which must have been turned into art. The exhibit is open only to college art students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students.
In addition to the focus on recycled materials and the art, Steinbrink focused on environmental responsibility as he and the students designed the exhibit. The exhibit will use LED bulbs instead of halogen bulbs, resulting in a 73 percent reduction in energy usage.
Pedestals for the exhibit will be made of recycled materials, and printing materials promoting and describing the exhibit will use paper with a minimum of 60 percent recycled content.
Recycled art pioneers John Drury and Robbie Miller are jurors for the competitive part of the exhibit. Awards for the top three entries will be announced at the opening reception on Feb. 3. The reception is 4-7 p.m. The exhibit runs Feb. 3 through March 9.
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 businesses 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 incorporated in December 2011 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.
Information in this newsletter can also be found on the RRVAA blog at r2rvaa@blogspot.com.
