Sorry, Terri, for the blurry pic! But I wanted to share the owner of Gallery 313. Terri is a very sweet and gracious lady. You can see the framing supplies behind her as well as some of the art displayed in the gallery. The pieces were selected from entries for the 35th Annual Juried Art Show produced by the Anderson Arts Center. (Two of my favorite pieces are here. Love their drama.)
Friday, April 9 was the Opening Reception for the 35th Annual Juried Art Show at the Anderson Arts Center. I’m not sophisticated enough to know this on my own — a good friend always clues me in and takes me. It’s a pleasure! We started our art feast at Gallery 313 on Main Street, which displays selected art entered in the juried show. Pieces are available for viewing through May 28, 2010. One delight for opening night was the above pianist. He tinckled the ivories at Gallery 313 as we chatted, milled, and oooed and awed over the art. (I’m afraid I didn’t ask his name. Does anyone know?)
The above is one of my favorite numbers in this year’s production of the Anderson Senior Follies. The accompanying music is “I Can Only Imagine,” a soft country song about the “what if’s” of heaven. The flowing skirts and blue light emphasize the mood of the song, and the dancers’ ethereal movements seem to illustrate some of the lyrics. They also use sign language for some of the words. Overall, it’s probably my favorite part of the show this year. (Oh! One comment: I shot this pic during rehearsal. At the performance the dancers are all dressed in white.)
Saturday I had the privilege of watching the Anderson Senior Follies in action. This year’s production: “It’s a Southern Thing.” I really enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the show, the humor, and the music. (And seeing my mom in action. 🙂 )
I had the pleasure of meeting Anderson artist Terry Laughlin at the Belton Juried Show. You can see his piece, Climbing Higher, just behind his shoulder to the right.
Friday night I had the pleasure of accompanying a friend to the Belton Juried Arts Show. It was my first time going, and I loved the intimate, friendly atmosphere. The Belton Center for the Arts is housed in an older store front, and it was fun exploring the building’s brick and wood as well as the art. The above (acrylic) painting caught my attention. I love the size, the color, the direct gaze of the subject. The artist is Ricky Morgan from Anderson. Mr. Morgan won a Merit Award for this painting, sponsored by City Glass.
Anderson has embarked on a public art project involving quotes placed along downtown spaces. I personally haven’t heard this quote before, but “tell the truth” reminds me of Tom Riddle’s order to Professor Dumbledore. To my mind’s ear, Tom-the-orphan’s arrogance was MUCH stronger in the book than in the movie. But I digress…”tell the truth,” an excellent value and motto. (And any astounding is always fun.)
Behold: the sidewalks of Anderson have become a much wiser place. The city along with the Anderson County Arts Center have begun a new public art initiative in downtown. A very interesting and intellectual idea, no? 🙂
After a delicious lunch at The Meeting Place, my mom, my aunt, and I walked a bit downtown. “Who is this?” they asked. And I was relieved to be able to explain Mr. Whitner’s presence on the courthouse grounds. “I just found out what he’s looking at,” I shared — and they both promptly, with straight faces, joined ole William in gazing at the electric street lights. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, and Aunt Ann — and thanks for always looking for the smile in every situation.
During the Soiree last week, I noticed that William Whitner was getting some extra special attention. I imagine even a sturdy statue needs a cleaning now and then. Mr. Whitner, the engineer responsible for bringing electricity to Anderson, stands in the Anderson County courthouse square.
After quickly Googling the Whitner statue, I stumbled upon a possible answer to my long-held question: What is William Whitner looking at? At this site, it claims the statute is looking up at the electric lights. Apropos, no?
ANDERSON DAILY PHOTO 