Transitions: Presented by the Prairie Palette
By Mary Mies
October 07, 2009
Harvest Festival weekend signaled the opening of the newest art
exhibit at the Prairie Palette Gallery. On Friday, September 18th,
visitors who stepped into the newest display were greeted with the
sweet sounds of dulcimer music from Janet Thomson, and a punch and
cookie reception served by PORTA Art Club members. Visitors viewed
an outstanding variety of artwork and were able to meet the many
artists in attendance who were happy to talk with them about their
creations.
The continuing display features watercolor scenes of “old
Petersburg” and New Salem as seen through the eyes of noted local
artist Louise Basso. These original works are on loan from the
National Bank of Petersburg for the duration of this show. In
addition, original watercolors and limited edition prints from
Aneita Gates, Libby Trone, Rich Ford, Marian Pfeiffer, Janet Smith
and Kate Worman-Becker line the walls. PORTA graduates Jessica
Brown and Bridgette Davis are among the talented local artists
whose paintings are also exhibited. Lynn Westfall’s unique jewelry
and glass creations fill the shelves, while wood carvings ranging
from chainsaw figures to intricately carved fish, ducks, and busts
of American Indians complete the display. The show also includes
beautiful hand-pieced quilts created by master quilter Charlene
Koelling. Athens wood chip carver Judy Mogle offers several
original chip-carved boxes and decorative items, along with wall
pieces from carver Sharon Sponslor. Photography, fused-glass
sculpture, hand-made dulcimers and student art creations from last
summer’s classes can also be viewed.
Regular gallery hours for this show are: Saturdays from 12-5 and
Sundays 12-4 through November 15th. Groups or organizations
interested in after hours viewing for their members may make
arrangements by contacting CmPS Sponsor Mary Mies at PORTA High
School, 632-3216. The Prairie Palette Art Gallery is the project of
the PORTA Community Problem Solvers Team.
