Mt. Sterling’s Gallery for the Arts Showcases Local, Regional Works
arts, culture, gallery for the arts, rob barnard,
The excitement reverberates throughout the Gallery for the Arts as the first-time visitors point at the abstract paintings‚ heartily discussing their views on the colors and shapes the artists have chosen. Questions of how and why and when pepper the air as the visitors boldly explain what they believe the artwork is about and then proclaim their favorites‚ loving nothing better than to defend their choice.
Off to one side‚ Executive Director Cay Lane quietly savors the moment. The newfound appreciation for arts she sees in their eyes is one of the reasons the gallery was opened in March 1977‚ and Lane knows that these elementary students will never look at art the same way after their visit today.
What they see at the gallery will never be the same either. Exhibits change monthly‚ covering the arts spectrum. Past exhibits‚ for example‚ have included quilts‚ pottery‚ Appalachian weavings and rugs‚ baskets‚ needlework‚ and even Lego creations.
“We alternate between contemporary and traditional exhibits‚” says Lane. “We want to give the community exposure to the different art forms.”
Lane says one of the gallery’s other goals is to give local and regional artists a place where they can showcase their work.
An exhibit late last year provides a good example. Rob Barnard is a native of Mt. Sterling who recently returned to the United States after studying in Japan for two years. His pottery was the featured exhibit in November‚ giving Barnard a chance to showcase his work and residents a chance to get acquainted with a local artist who has made a national name for himself.
Located at 44 E. Main St.‚ the Gallery for the Arts is actually just one of many projects and programs sponsored by the Mt. Sterling Council of the Arts.
“We try to offer community events that offer something for everyone‚” Lane says of the council’s work.
Toward that end‚ the council sponsors a festival each spring‚ a “community/unity” project aimed at familiarizing middle school children with other ethnic cultures‚ and an Advent musical in which 40 local and regional vocalists have the opportunity to sing while accompanied by musicians from the Lexington Philharmonic.
There is a regional art show in which elementary school children can compete to have their work displayed and the Missula Children’s Theatre‚ an opportunity for budding thespians to learn the basics of theater as they perform a play for the community. Each year‚ the council sponsors a summer stock theater camp for middle school children as well.
With each project‚ Lane hopes the participants are like today’s. For now‚ she gathers her eager art critics in a circle and begins a short course in art appreciation. “Children‚ let’s talk about this painting.”
Story by Debbie Gibson
Photo by Harrison McClary
