Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
From Wages: Like vinyl records? We do too! Let’s listen and socialize!
WHEN: Friday April 19th 5pm to close! This one features a theme of “Jazz/Lounge.”
* wear 1920s-1940s attire!
* era appropriate cocktail specials including BEES KNEES
* charcuterie platter by D’Liteful Bitefulls Charcuterie
Every 1st Friday of the month (and often 3rd Fridays), host Nicholas Haring brings his record player and a selection of LPs. PLUS, you can bring YOUR records too!
Folks pick a side, it goes into the queue and gets played!
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The American Legion hosts a breakfast on the third Saturday of every month as a fundraiser. All you can eat and lots of options at a bargain price!
Come down to Conjure House Coffee and enjoy some coffee, and hangout with other enthusiasts. All are welcome, so get those Cars, Bikes, and Trucks ready and we hope to see y’all there!
From organizers: Yarrr mateys! Sign up to audition today! https://shorturl.at/bDNW6
AUDITION DATES
April 20 and 21 at 7PM at The Grand Ballroom at Dev’s Steakhouse Piano Bar Lounge located at 37 Court Square, West Plains, MO 65775!
REHEARSAL DATES
May 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30, June 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 from 6-8PM, and June 17 & 18 from 6-10PM!
PERFORMANCE DATES
June 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, and 28 at 7 PM. Matinee performances are June 23 and 30 at 3PM.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
From organizers: Yarrr mateys! Sign up to audition today! https://shorturl.at/bDNW6
AUDITION DATES
April 20 and 21 at 7PM at The Grand Ballroom at Dev’s Steakhouse Piano Bar Lounge located at 37 Court Square, West Plains, MO 65775!
REHEARSAL DATES
May 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30, June 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 from 6-8PM, and June 17 & 18 from 6-10PM!
PERFORMANCE DATES
June 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, and 28 at 7 PM. Matinee performances are June 23 and 30 at 3PM.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
Visit the Avenue Theatre on Facebook for complete information, including how to reserve your audition time slot.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
A Meet-the-Artist reception will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display.
More about the exhibit and Marc Brannon, photographer: The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured late March through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, ‘Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains, MO. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
From organizers: Are you wanting to add some native flowers and grasses to your garden this year? This is the event for you! Ozark Soul Native Plant nursery will have a selection of native plants suited for any type of growing conditions. Plants will be available on site for purchase. There is also an option for pre-ordering from Ozark Soul’s website so you can pick up exactly what you want at the sale! Come see what they have to offer!
Visit the Avenue Theatre on Facebook for complete information, including how to reserve your audition time slot.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
From Wages: Open Mic Night returns to 4th Wednesdays starting April 24th with hosts Anthony Garner and Phil Wages!
Open Mic will run from 5 to 8 PM. PA system, mic, and right-handed electric and acoustic guitars will be available. So break out your guitar, ukulele, keyboard, or whatever, and prep your chops! Warm up your voice! Pick your favorite poem. It’s time to have a load of fun performing live!
Facebook event page here.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
From organizers: Our 6th annual poetry night hosted here at Wages by United Way to benefit local kids in the R-VII School District**!
No cost to participate, but….
Bring cash to donate and let’s raise some money to help local kids receive books that are much needed!
NOTE: by request, from 5 to 6 pm it will be PG-13 only. From 6 to 7pm adult subjects will be permitted.
HOW: Co-hosted with Stacy Tintocalis of United Way and Dave Malone, local poet.
GOAL: Proceeds support books and literacy materials for West Plains school district teachers and their students via local United Way. Our goal is to raise $500+.
**Wasn’t this a benefit for Imagination Library? YES it was, but that is now fully funded. United Way informed us that many students in the R-VII school district are in need of books, so we can all help local kids in a different way.
Follow Oz-Con 2024 The BIG 10! on Facebook or visit ozcon.com for additional details.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) and West Plains Public Library (WPPL) will partner to bring quarterly art displays to the library. Photography from local artist Marc Brannan will be featured through the end of June 2024. Visitors may view the display at the library during their open hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
WPPL Director Greg Carter shares, “Here at the library, our vision is that we are a space where all come to learn, create, discover, and connect. There is no better way to accomplish that vision than displaying local pieces of art for the community to peruse and appreciate. We are always proud to partner with the Council on the Arts to bring the beauty of art to our patrons.”
Marc Brannan grew up on his family farm near Willow Springs, MO., and currently lives and works in West Plains. He started playing with cameras and taking pictures at a very young age. He loved playing in the old barn and enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible surrounded by nature. His parents nurtured his desire to travel and see new places. His dad encouraged him to learn and enjoy history, especially the history of his family and where they came from.
Brannan says, “I have always enjoyed the stories of my mom attending one-room schools when she was a kid, and I think that is a big reason I seek them out to photograph today. There are fewer of them around every year, as a lot of them slowly fall into disrepair and collapse unless they have been cared for or restored over the years. I love incorporating them into my landscape photography as much as I can, especially as a way of preserving their history. I have started to reach out with my photography and have started trying to capture more shots in other areas, as well as different states, both in nature and landscape scenes. Lately I have focused more on reaching out to new parts of Missouri, and trying to show the viewer that there is so much more around us than we are used to seeing locally. The pictures that I have selected for this exhibition show a range of my photos that depict the history and outdoor settings that our area, as well as other parts of the country, are known for—whether historic or in the natural beauty that we might otherwise only see if you were to travel there and see for yourself.”
A Meet-the-Artists event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM, hosted by the library, 750 W. Broadway, in West Plains. The public is invited to attend, meet the artist, view, and discuss the pieces on display. Partial funding for this exhibit is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Greg Carter greg.carter@westplains.gov at the library or WPCA Coordinator Audrey Scott at Audrey.scott@zizzers.org
Photo courtesy of Marc Brannan
Answer sheet format. Four brain-teasing rounds. Want prizes? It’s a $5 buy-in for each player.
Follow Oz-Con 2024 The BIG 10! on Facebook or visit ozcon.com for additional details.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
Register HERE! https://form.jotform.com/240275816892162
Private Lesson will be available the mid day the 26th! Email Wheelsupmtb@gmail.com to book!
April 27th Wheels Up All Ages Learn to Jump Skills Clinic 10-12:30:pm $160 per rider –12 spots
April 27th Jump 2.0 Skills All Ages Clinic 1:30-4 $190 per rider –12 spots
April 27th Airbag Open Jump 4-6:30 $45 per rider
April 27th PRO FLAT BAG & OPEN JUMP 4-6:30pm (10 Riders ONLY)
Facebook page here.
From West Plains Playhouse: Your acceptance letter to a certain magic school has finally arrived!
“Puffs” auditions are happening at Southern Hills Auto Plaza in West Plains, MO from 6-8PM Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28. Register at https://shorturl.at/dmv89. For anyone ages 12 and older.
Rehearsals begin Friday, May 17 through July 25. From May to June, rehearsals will be every Friday, 6-8PM, and Saturday, 10AM-2PM to accommodate our other spectacular summer show Treasure Island.
A detailed schedule will be provided; at times, not all cast will need to be present for the full rehearsal.
“Puffs” lands on the West Plains Civic Center stage July 26-28.
“Puffs” is a non-musical stage play intended for younger wizards! Audition material will be provided — nothing to bring or memorize. This is a great opportunity to jump in, develop friendships, and learn the ins and outs of theater.
SYNOPSIS
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… Who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.
PLEASE NOTE
This show utilizes an extensive amount of unique props so we are in dire need of staff members for our Prop Dept.! So if you don’t necessarily want to act and just want to help the show and the kids and myself, please reach out! We would love to have you!
If you are creative, crafty, and want to join our PUFFS team, contact Tray at West Plains Playhouse at (417)293-3894 or twhizzler389@gmail.com to get started today!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Southern Hills Auto Plaza (and WP Playhouse owner’s father Ralph) for allowing us to use the space! Rehearsal space to be announced in the following weeks.
“Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.
Licensed through Concord Theatricals
Follow Oz-Con 2024 The BIG 10! on Facebook or visit ozcon.com for additional details.
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
From West Plains Playhouse: Your acceptance letter to a certain magic school has finally arrived!
“Puffs” auditions are happening at Southern Hills Auto Plaza in West Plains, MO from 6-8PM Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28. Register at https://shorturl.at/dmv89. For anyone ages 12 and older.
Rehearsals begin Friday, May 17 through July 25. From May to June, rehearsals will be every Friday, 6-8PM, and Saturday, 10AM-2PM to accommodate our other spectacular summer show Treasure Island.
A detailed schedule will be provided; at times, not all cast will need to be present for the full rehearsal.
“Puffs” lands on the West Plains Civic Center stage July 26-28.
“Puffs” is a non-musical stage play intended for younger wizards! Audition material will be provided — nothing to bring or memorize. This is a great opportunity to jump in, develop friendships, and learn the ins and outs of theater.
SYNOPSIS
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… Who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.
PLEASE NOTE
This show utilizes an extensive amount of unique props so we are in dire need of staff members for our Prop Dept.! So if you don’t necessarily want to act and just want to help the show and the kids and myself, please reach out! We would love to have you!
If you are creative, crafty, and want to join our PUFFS team, contact Tray at West Plains Playhouse at (417)293-3894 or twhizzler389@gmail.com to get started today!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Southern Hills Auto Plaza (and WP Playhouse owner’s father Ralph) for allowing us to use the space! Rehearsal space to be announced in the following weeks.
“Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.
Licensed through Concord Theatricals
Free to the public for viewing during hours that civic center is open, typically 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
From organizers:
West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by area artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from March 30 through May 4, 2024. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
“This is a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork created representing an eclipse, beautiful night skies, and other skyward representations,” organizers say.
Featured artists’ statements:
Robert Anderson – West Plains native Robert Anderson used his travel as a Forest Pathologist to capture the culture and landscape of many areas of the world. Now retired, he focuses on the Ozarks – landscapes, buildings, people, animals, and whatever presents itself for a picture.
Marc Brannan – For the Sky High exhibition, I have selected three prints that exemplify the joy and beauty that I try to bring out when I am taking evening landscape photography. Something that I feel can be seen in a lot of my photographs is how the evening or night sky can bring out a whole different light to be shown on the landscapes that are all around us. The titles that I will be showing include “A Fire in the Evening Sky”, “Day or Night?”, and “Like a Rainbow Tonight.”
Terri Combs – Art is the way I express my creativity and imagination through experimentation, exploration, and playful use of materials. These pieces were chosen to invite viewers to explore and examine the skies and solar system of the mind. My goal is to inspire viewers to create a story or message through personal perspective.
Lee Copen – The title of my painting is “Morning Glory.” It is a large oil painting of an amazing sunrise. I find that the sky is an endless source of inspiration. My goal is to paint fleeting moments of beauty in nature and share that beauty with others.
Becky Earls – This abstract Oil pastel piece is entitled “Rocky Mountain Sun.” It was inspired by deep reflection and study of the solar system and tectonic plates that bring forth land formations. I’ve had a deep interest in earth science geography since childhood. It’s a very free-spirited form, yet it’s an expressive piece that is beautiful.
The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Sol Alegre.” It is a whimsical view of the sun before an eclipse. Our sun in all its glory has been celebrated by cultures throughout the history of mankind. This piece was a result from studying various cultures, views, and legends concerning the sun around the world. “Sol Alegre” has a tribal, nostalgic, boho feel and will bless any viewer with feelings of joy and warmth. I love to study various artworks and cultures.
Nicholas Hackworth – I’ve captured all my photos in and around West Plains and the Ozarks. Having grown up and still living here, I’m fascinated by the beauty and charm of the region. The Ozarks are an incredible subject for photography, and they always inspire me to capture their wanderlust.
Janey Hale – The title of my collage is “Newsworthy” which refers to both the actual event and the natural phenomenon that should direct us to the wonders of the world God created. My art usually focuses on trying to capture the natural world through landscape painting. My goal is to try and tell a story that will resonate with the viewer.
Terry Hampton – “Turner Mill” is a collage made using images from the West Plains visitors guide. The mill wheel shown in the piece stands 25-foot tall in a secluded and shaded spring in Oregon County, Missouri. But here, I’ve removed it from its setting and made it the center of attention, thinking of the total solar eclipse, when the sun is not as we usually see it, and it’s the focus of all our attention.
“The Portal” is a piece just for fun. I’ve imagined a sky where something unusual has happened, where another dimension has intersected with ours. Ancient peoples were frightened of total solar eclipses because they were so rare, unexpected, and unexplainable. Even though we understand eclipses today, they are nonetheless a bit unsettling.
Rosemary Landers – These photos were taken at the last total solar eclipse in Missouri on August 21, 2017. Our family traveled to Hermann MO to experience this special event together. Our daughter Christina (Landers) Thompson lives in Atlanta GA with her family. She designed our “event” shirts! Her son Ethan was 9 months old in 2017. He is 7 years old now. Not many children can claim that they have witnessed 2 total solar eclipses at that age!
Donna Lay – The title of my Mixed Media piece is “Inexorable.” This abstract multilayered environmental painting portrays the eclipse as viewed from the space station which orbits our planet. The celestial movement of the earth around our sun, accompanied by our moon is inexorable, unstoppable, and relentless. It is majestic and full of grandeur and reminds us of the wonder of our universe.
Michael McClure – There is a world around us that we see, and there is a world within us which we feel. My work involves exploring where those two places meet. Some days my mood leans more towards simply appreciating the beauty I see all around me, and some days I need to express my emotions via color and light. Of course, moods change fairly quickly, which is why I prefer to finish a painting in the same session I started it, whether in the studio or outdoors en plein air. I find that working this way encourages a spontaneity that is guided by my intuition. I hope you will experience joy when you view my work, just as I experienced joy while creating it.
Diane Pence – I have always been drawn to the beauty of clouds and the night sky. Attempting to capture a moment in time, as a photo or a painting, is exciting to me.
Rhonda Richter – Painting “Evening on the Wabash” required navigating rapidly changing light. Every sunset is unique, difficult to depict, and impossible to revisit. Likewise, the drama of the eclipse will be quickly changing moments which will bring a distinct visual awareness of the immensity of creation.
Barbara Robinette – In my art, I am trying to show a moment of life and the feelings that might go with it. My aim is to “paint the poem” using images rather than words. Hopefully, the viewer can see and feel something ethereal, something out of this world, in each of my paintings: “Creation” seems of movement, like how the earth began with the sun shining warmth and life-giving growth to the rocks, plants and hills, including the waterfall. “Idea” shows a burst of energy and creativity when just thinking about something new. It might be like how God felt before making this earth long ago. “Sun” is an abstract of the beauty of a sun on blue sky, with a few clouds, and one weed welcomes the new day looking upward with open branches.
Gary Sanders – Astrophotography – This is the greatest way to give people appreciation for the dark sky and see the stars in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Kathy Schloss – Kathy Schloss’ oil pastel with colored pencil painting titled “Tranquil End” was chosen for the calming representation of our universe besides showing a one-point perspective. Her acrylic abstract, titled “Mystical Freedom” represents an otherworldly scene that relates to this special event and affords each viewer the freedom to explore their own interpretation. Kathy celebrates her love of nature through her paintings.
Cindy Temple – “Party in the Dark” This painting is all about fun, the chaos that might be happening in the dark, and the diversity of people coming to witness a total eclipse!
Mark Wallen – In my work, I love landscapes and am usually happy with my skies if nothing else. Eclipse and more fell into the portion of a painting I enjoy most. This is why I guess I like the Russian artist “Levitan” and The Hudson River Valley art Group. Both painted intense skies. The “ANNULAR ECLIPSE” is a work that fits the events showing, though not a total eclipse. The “AURORA BOREALIS” while not tied to the eclipse is an effect due to increased solar activity that shows up at Night.
Dolores Winkler – The world above us – The movement of Alcohol Inks and in bold Color! My dream is to live a life centered in creativity. I want to make amazing art, being around other artists, and to take the time to look around and really see this glorious world. Mostly I want to be able to make the kind of art that I love and that speaks to someone.
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center, as part of the “Party in the Path” Eclipse Celebration. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.