LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Ah, sweet February—a bouquet of chill, cloudy days with ones of sparkling sunshine, too. February when every day love is in the air—above us, below us, shining all around us—wrapping us in an encircling embrace of vibrating bliss. February love arrived early this year with a special artCentral delivery made in the last days of January. Fifty-two artists, members of the Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC), one by one and as couples and sometimes in clusters, carry their mixed media art to the check-in desk attended by Andrew Batcheller and Daria Claiborne. |
As the exhibition’s highly qualified juror, Cleo Copeland of Joplin comes to select the outstanding art to receive special recognition. At the Opening Reception these recipients are announced and honored with ribbons and cash awards. Honorable Mentions go to Jim Bray, Josie Mai and Brad Mace; Jodie Sutton, Steve Doerr and Cheryl Church receive Third, Second and First Places respectively; and for his stunningly expansive oil on stretched linen, Andrew Batcheller is awarded Best of Show.
While Pat Goff and Bren Flanigan greet guests and offer libations, as with many an artCentral celebration, Judy Goff, culinary creative supreme, well-assisted by Betsy Flanigan and Kelly Heidlage, presents a festive table of delights including her artistically iced sugar heart cookies and Andrew’s divine chocolate balls. The basketed centerpiece assembled by my David and filled with winter twigs, colorful ranunculus and my own heartful images, perches atop a wooden birdfeeder abundant with sunflower seeds for the love of our winged friends.
“Love Languages” remains on view through February 19th during weekend gallery hours: Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5:00 pm: Sundays, 1-5 pm. Information: (417 358-4404).
Come. Walk through artCentral’s signature green door and fall in love with the inspiring art of “Love Languages”.
For me love walked through artCentral’s green door the fortuitous day my beloved David made the first of his many courtship visits to the galleries last spring. He’d seen my photo and profile in the “Singles in the City” issue of “Show Me the Ozarks” magazine.
We’re honored and pleased in this 2017 month of love, to be featured as “Show Me’s” cover photo couple with a lovely feature article telling of our romance. Copies are available in area venues. While they last at artCentral, drop in and pick up yours.