The Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) sponsors a new project to promote the visual arts plus several of Starkville’s own artists. Five artists will open their personal studios to the public for tours Saturday, May 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tours will help the public grasp the amount of effort, practice and time it takes to create an art object, whether it be a two dimensional drawing or painting, or a three dimensional sculpture.
Starkville architect W. Briar Jones will show his studio and his watercolor paintings of local scenes, as well as those from his world travels. He intends to be working on a piece entitled “How to Open a French Restaurant” during the tour.
Laurie Burton’s artwork extends beyond her WildRose Studio and Gallery to the retaining wall out front with its charming faux lattice and roses. Visitors will view her unique style of creating art using found objects. Additionally, some of Joe MacGown’s paintings will also be available.
Gerald Richardson will display the results of years of his woodcarving. He was a wood carver for Howard Family Home Furniture years ago and can carve anything from the family dog and gnomes out of cypress knees to creches.
Kathryn Ramsey creates with watercolors and vibrant colored pencils. Besides neighborhood and travel scenes, she often depicts the orchids her husband, Kenneth, raises. He will share his hobby for those interested.
Betty Jane Chatham will be in her studio behind her home during the tour. Her paintings, which incorporate several media including oil and watercolor, create serene, calm scenes.
Tickets may be purchased for $10 each at the SAAC office, Suite 18, 101 S. Lafayette St. in Starkville from noon to 3:00 p.m., and all day at East Mississippi Lumber Co. Get tickets May 10 at the Starkville Community Theatre Playhouse on Main foyer from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the SAAC, 662-324-3080.
The SAAC is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the GSDP and Art Works.
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