​Welcome to artCentral’s magical, artist-created HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE! Look for the twinkling lights and the elegant old white farmhouse bedecked with garlands and wreaths of greenery. Come up the drive to historic Hyde House at 1110 East Thirteenth Street in Carthage. The green door of hospitality will be open for you from 12:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4.

Though the weekend will be busy with lots of venues vying for your attention and time, be sure to put artCentral at the top of your must visit shopping destinations. Here you will find pocket friendly holiday magic in every nook and cranny, on every wall and in every shelf. The artCentral elves have been hard at work making uniquely splendid surprises to please and satisfy all your shopping needs!
 
Begin with a cuppa cider and a delectable nibble, then pick up a bright red shopping bag to start your gift gathering.
 
You’ll be dazzled by the foyer’s collection of limited edition Scarlet Amaryllis imported from Amsterdam. They are ready to bloom through the holidays and well into the New Year. At only $25.00 each, presented in sparkling crimson planters and garnished with lush green bows, these are perfect for decorating your home or office and for giving to family, friends, neighbors and business associates.
 
To find exquisite intimate art that is perfect for gifting or adding to your own collection, tour the SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction that rings around two galleries like brilliant gems on a glittering necklace. These 5x7 canvases have been created and donated by 48 artCentral artists eager to do their share to fundraise for artCentral’s work. Enjoy the fun of bidding and buying your favorites while you support artCentral to sustain and grow the cultural wealth of our community! (Bidding closes December 4, Saturday, at 7:00 p.m.)
 
In the enchanting Chandelier and Membership galleries the “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” exhibition features a retrospective of artworks by the multi-talented Jo Mueller as well as Lori Marble’s gloriously colorful abstract paintings which are available for purchase.
 
All through the house, downstairs and upstairs, too, you will find mini pop-up Boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind artfully charming offerings from artCentral artists: Artful Gifts by April Davis; Prints, Cards, Books and Coasters by Alice Lynn Greenwood-Mathé; Thread Art by Linda Kyger; Ornaments and more by Koral Martin; Glass Ornaments by Jane McCaulley; and Whimsical Wearables by Jason Shelfer.
 
For more HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE information call (417) 358-4404 and visit www.artcentralcarthage.org.
 
Coming and going to Hyde House you will discover artistic magic can be found all through our magical hometown—from the spectacular “Sparkle in the Park” to front yard displays scattered over lawns; with animations in the Way of Salvation drive-through and swaying decorations draped across quite streets; and all around the Square from the peace star above the courthouse to the wonderland painted storefronts to the skating rink just around the corner.
 
When you begin and end with artCentral’s magical HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE, your heart will find magic everywhere you look!

​Set for the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is a global, once-a-year opportunity to support the organizations and causes you love…like artCentral!
 
What does artCentral have in common with the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the National Gallery in London and Crystal Bridges in Bentonville? Like these world renowned art destinations, artCentral strives to support art and artists and to stimulate appreciation for art’s power to enhance our cultural life.
 
While the Louvre, the Met, the National Gallery and Crystal Bridges claim deep and broad sources for funding, the sustainability of artCentral as our hometown, non-profit arts center is built on the donations of our local community—people like you. Your generosity makes artCentral possible.
 
Give4ART on #GivingTuesday, and…
 
You make a difference in the life of a child exploring the joy of self-expression.
 
You make a difference in the life of an artist raising a family while making art.
 
You make a difference in our community where we treasure our cultural traditions.

​Please mark your calendar today for #GivingTuesday. On November 30 go to the artCentral’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ArtcentralCarthage) and click on the blue DONATE button. Easily, securely make your donation. When matched by Facebook your donation is worth two times as much!
 
Beginning at 7:00 a.m. CST on #GivingTuesday, Facebook will match donations on a first-come, first served basis until $8 million are matched.
 
The allotted $8 million sounds like a huge fund, but those dollars will be distributed globally to all eligible nonprofit organizations. There are many causes like artCentral hoping to receive a piece of Facebook’s $8 million pie.
 
Double your money! Set your alarm for 6:50 a.m. Be ready early to click DONATE. Your contribution made early in the day, has the best chance of being matched for the benefit of artCentral. Of course you can give anytime through #GivingTuesday. Not available to give on that day? Your gift any day will be greatly appreciated!
 
Whether you donate $5 or $400, every dollar you give makes a difference. Please help artCentral raise our goal of $2,000.00 for #GivingTuesday. Your gift will help double $2,000 into $4,000! Facebook covers all processing fees, so 100% of donations go directly to support artCentral.

​ Visit beautiful, historic Hyde House, December 3 and 4, 12:00-8:00 p.m., for artCentral’s magical HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE, the p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER Exhibition, SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS 5x7 Silent Auction and the Amaryllis sale! For more information call (417) 358-4404 and visit www.artcentralcarthage.org.

​Holiday Boutique time is only two weeks away! Beautiful Hyde House, artCentral’s elegant American foursquare farmhouse home on the hill, is dressed and ready in her holiday best. Betsy Flanigan, artCentral’s board president, Sierra Hicks, artCentral’s student intern, and I have spent a sunny afternoon hanging swags and wreaths of greenery on the porches and doors. The Christmas tree is splendidly decorated with last ornaments placed by members of the board of directors. Soon twinkle lights will be glowing inside and out. We are all very excited for you to come and be dazzled by all the artful treasures you are sure to find.
 
Admission is free. The public is cordially invited. The green door of hospitality will be open for Holiday Boutique guests on December 3 and 4, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Closing Celebration will be Saturday evening, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Mark your calendars for this must visit destination where scents of aromatic warmth and visual pleasure waft through every gallery downstairs and upstairs, too.
 
A host of artCentral artists have come together to create this winter wonderland to lift your spirit with inspiration, soothe your soul in the midst of the season’s rushing and satisfy your shopping needs with thoughtful, pocket-friendly choices for everyone on your gift list.
 
Again this year artCentral’s spectacular limited edition Scarlet Amaryllis imported from Amsterdam will be ready to purchase and bloom through the holidays and well into the New Year. At only $25.00 each, presented in sparkling crimson planters and garnished with lush green bows, these are perfect for decorating your home or office and for giving to family, friends, neighbors and business associates. All the proceeds are dedicated to serving our community through artCentral’s work on behalf of art and artists. Be sure to order the one or more you want. Place your reservation early at (417) 358-4404 or by email to artcentral@artcentralcarthage.org. All will be available for pick up during boutique hours.
 
In addition to the Amaryllis there will be a plethora of artful wonders waiting for you!
 
* In this year’s Boutique Pop-Up Shop original, hand-crafted selections by several artCentral artists will be available including a variety of stocking stuffers plus creations both whimsical and sophisticated.
 
* The magical Gallery Exhibition—“p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”—features a retrospective of artworks by the multi-talented Jo Mueller as well as Lori Marble’s gloriously colorful abstract paintings which are available for purchase.
 
* Additionally, again this year in the SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction you will discover two galleries filled with original 5x7 canvases created by artCentral artists and donated as their fundraiser to support artCentral’s work. Bid and buy your favorites for your own collection or to share with special folks you know. Bidding closes December 4, Saturday, at 7:00 p.m.
 
Shop local! Between now and Holiday Boutique weekend visit artCentral during Weekend Gallery Hours, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. made possible with the gracious support of Sharon and Lance Beshore and Old Missouri Bank. CDC protocols are practiced at Hyde House at 1110 East Thirteenth in Carthage. For more information call (417) 358-4404 and visit www.artcentralcarthage.org.

​​Again this year at the end of August I brought them in. The Amaryllis. I had purchased them last year in December at artCentral’s Holiday Boutique. After enjoying their blooming indoors through the holidays and into spring, I put them outside in a semi-sunny corner of the herb garden. When I lifted their pots out of their summer home, I pruned back their leaves and my husband carried them down to the basement. Tucked against the stone foundation and covered with a colorful, old serape, they have rested in dormancy for the last two months.

​Now is the time to bring last year’s Amaryllis upstairs to sit beside a sunny window, to freshen their home with a new blanket of Spanish moss and to start their watering. I will buy and bring home a new artCentral Amaryllis or two to join last year’s. Before we are even ready to open our presents, they will all be blooming.

​When did I start celebrating the holidays with scarlet Amaryllis? So long ago I cannot remember. I had them in University Park in Dallas and in NYC walkups in Chelsea and Greenwich Village and Carroll Gardens; in my remote wilderness rental beside the Little Buffalo River and as the resident artist/gardener on a large private property on top of Mount Sequoyah in the Ozark Highlands of Fayetteville, Arkansas. I had them in my wee Forest Street Cottage when I first came to Carthage, and now David and I share them in our big, old house we love to call Paradise.
 
The dramatic beauty of scarlet Amaryllis will fill and brighten any home, modest or grand, with winter radiance and good cheer. I can’t imagine the holidays without them! Thankfully, artCentral, now through December 4, is again offering elegantly stunning scarlet Amaryllis bulbs cultivated to bloom through the holidays. They are presented this year in festive crimson planters bedecked with forest green bows. Modestly priced at $25.00 each, they are perfect for decorating homes and gift giving for your family and friends and business colleagues, too. You may want to purchase more than one.
                                               
This year’s Amaryllis edition is limited, so put your order in soon at (417) 358-4404 or artcentral@artcentralcarthage.org. All proceeds are dedicated to artCentral’s work on behalf of the art and artists that enrich the cultural life of Carthage and our neighboring communities.
 
The genus name “Amaryllis” comes from the Greek word “amarysso”—an ancient female name that means “sparkling” or “to sparkle”. Greek mythology tells us that Amaryllis was a shepherdess who loved Alteo, a strong and handsome shepherd. He had a passion for flowers.
 
Looking into the symbolism of the Amaryllis we learn this flower signifies pastoral poetry as well as determination, exquisite beauty and pride.
 
During the 18th century, Amaryllis bulbs were labeled as lilies. Amaryllis in South Africa is the March lily; the belladonna or Jersey lily in the United Kingdom; and the Madonna lily in Italy. The Portuguese name for the Amaryllis means “St. Joseph’s Staff” in reference to the legend that the staff of St. Joseph burst into bloom as a sign of his selection as the spouse of the Virgin Mary.
 
The Amaryllis is said to be native to tropical regions of the Caribbean, Mexico and Cape Province in South Africa. Some botanists believe that Portuguese explorers probably first brought the Amaryllis bulb to Europe around the early 16th century. Today Holland is a major grower and exporter of the festively colored Amaryllis. The Amaryllis bulbs that are shipped to artCentral are from Amsterdam.
 
Shop local! Order your artCentral Amaryllis early, and before we begin our seasonal twirl, be sure to pause and give yourself a pre-holiday treat! Through December 4, visit Hyde House at 1110 East Thirteenth in Carthage and see how artCentral is celebrating this inspiring season with the gracious support of Sharon and Lance Beshore and Old Missouri Bank. Bid on and buy your favorite SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS. Spend time with “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”—the extraordinary mixed media exhibition by Lori Marble and Jo Mueller. Weekend Gallery Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with CDC protocols practiced at artCentral. For more information call (417) 358-4404 and visit www.artcentralcarthage.org.

​Julian wrote her “Revelations”, as a recluse at Norwich, supported by the Benedictine convent of Carrow. Anchorite seclusion was a rather common form of life in 14th century England among Christians with high spiritual aspirations. 

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well,” I whisper to myself. When I say this to others in uncertain situations, the question often comes, “But how will all be well?” Ah, this is the mystery. We do not know the how, and yet we must keep whispering “all manner of thing shall be well” until the shift comes.
 
In my role as artCentral’s Executive Director-Curator, the solo staff member of our non-profit hometown arts center, whether cloistered in Hyde House or at home in my upstairs studio office, I get my work done by looking ahead, visioning strategy to accomplish all that needs doing and then putting my head down and being laser focused on the task most immediately before me. Laser focus serves me well except for those times when my concentration causes me to miss the obvious. That’s when I most appreciate the messenger delivering a revelation that illuminates what I have not seen.
 
Recently my husband David and I were very happy to have a long delayed visit from my west coast son and his wife. Both techno gurus, they generously answered my computer related questions. My son expressed his amazement for what I am able to accomplish working with an antiquated and overloaded laptop and inadequate supporting components.
 
He furrowed his brow as I explained my ongoing consideration for artCentral’s non-profit bottom line that causes me to make-do with what I have rather than invest dollars in new equipment. To my great surprise he appeared at dinner one night toting a brand new keyboard, mouse and two laptop memory sticks to “buy me some time”—stop gap fixes until I could conjure a new computer capable of handling my work load. I promised I would pursue acquiring the upgrades that have been needed for a very long time. Not knowing from where the money would come, I whispered to myself, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

grant of $2,500 from Carthage Community Foundation to purchase an Office Computer & Equipment.” Oh, happy day!

The mission of the Carthage Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Carthage through resource development, community grant making, collaboration and public leadership. artCentral is honored and truly grateful to receive the support of Carthage Community Foundation in affiliation with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
 
Through December 4, come to Hyde House at 1110 East Thirteenth in Carthage and see what artCentral is able to do with the support of Carthage Community Foundation, Sharon and Lance Beshore and Old Missouri Bank. Bid on and buy your favorite SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS. Spend time with “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”—the extraordinary mixed media exhibition by Lori Marble and Jo Mueller. Weekend Gallery Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with CDC protocols practiced at artCentral. Face masks and social distancing are required for everyone entering Hyde House. 

​When you walk through artCentral’s green door of hospitality you will see before you 5x7 creations ringing around the foyer walls and on around the front gallery walls, too, creating a necklace of brilliant jewels for your viewing and bidding and choosing. A few three dimensional creations are displayed on the Hyde House credenza. The works of two ever popular artists are displayed on a large pedestal.

Most opening bids begin at $10.00 and bidding continues with raises in increments of $5.00 or more. Accompanying each 5x7 is a bid sheet with the artist’s name, the title of the artwork, the opening bid and the amount for raising a bid.
 
Andy Thomas, an artCentral artist and hometown hero, a Carthaginian through and through who happens to be an art world celebrity, is among the artCentral artists who are donating their immense talents and doing their part to raise funds to support artCentral's good work for the love of art and artists. This year once again I approached Andy, our always in-demand, hard-working local hero to ask, "Please, will you paint a 5x7 canvas to contribute to artCentral's annual fundraising Silent Auction?” Once again, after our rambling art-centric conversation enjoyed sitting on his porch, his generous response came with a smile wafting on an end-of-summer breeze, "Yes!" Having Andy’s exciting and incredibly generous donation in Hyde House is a dream come true for artCentral and can be a dream come true for you, too! Make your bid or buy now and this stunning original will be yours to begin or add to your Andy Thomas collection. “Rough Ride”, rendered in oil, has an opening bid of $500. Raises are by $50.00. The “buy now” is $2,900.00. All proceeds go to artCentral’s GIVE4ART fund!

​Selections with a “buy now” bid allow you to make a bid that closes out that stream of bidding and guarantees that artwork will be yours while bidding continues on other works. For instance, on the Auction’s opening night, Andrew Batcheller’s “Pink as a Promise”, an oil with delicately painted rainbow-colored butterfly wings above an azure ocean, began with an opening bid of $50 and a “buy now” of $200. By the end of the Opening evening the bid on Andrew’s was $80. The following day I received a phone call and accepted a patron’s credit card purchase for $200 to close out the bidding on this piece and guarantee “Pink as a Promise” will go to this happy patron.   

You may also view all 48 SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS, make bids, raise bids and buy works online. Just visit artCentral’s media platforms at www.artcentralcarthage.org and on Facebook at ArtcentralCarthage. Once you select the works for which you want to place bids, just give me a call at 417-358-4404 or send your bid by email to artcentral@artcentralcarthage.org.
 
The SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction will continue through the Closing Celebration on Saturday, December 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Silent Auction bidding ends at 7:00 p.m.
 
To see, bid on and buy your favorite SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS, visit Hyde House at 1110 East Thirteenth in Carthage through December 4. Weekend Gallery Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with CDC protocols practiced at artCentral. Face masks and social distancing are required for everyone entering Hyde House. Please help us keep each other safe and healthy.
 
While you shop the pocket-friendly SMALL WORKS be sure to spend time with “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”--
the extraordinary mixed exhibition by Lori Marble and Jo Mueller also showing in Hyde House and online through December 4.
 
Again this year as a favorite fundraiser, artCentral’s signature limited edition Scarlet Amaryllis from Amsterdam are being cultivated to bloom for the holidays. Preorder yours today! At $25.00 each in a crimson planter with an elegant bow, they are perfect for decorating and gifting. Like roses and 5x7 canvases, they, too, can be even better by the dozen!   

​To carry on when faced with unexpected challenges, this is an identifying attribute of the heroic. To be in the presence of heroic persons is uplifting and inspiring. Just so was the Opening Reception of artCentral’s newest exhibition, “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”, showcasing the mixed media creations of Lori Marble and Jo Mueller along with the fundraising SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction featuring artworks on 5x7 canvases donated by 48 artCentral artists—heroines and heroes one and all.
 
Lori and Jo, as their powerfully beautiful art attests, are a duality of heroines—each seasoned with her own challenges—each a Wonder Woman imbued with special creative powers as recognized by all those who attended their celebratory Opening. Stormy weather had been predicted for their special occasion, and yet as though all the forces of nature were aligning with them and their art, from porch through all the house and out onto the patio, the doors opened to welcome the exquisite loveliness of a perfect early autumn evening.
 
Steadily the folks flowed in. Again and again art was admired. Arty conversations wafted about in every gallery. Observations were made and one and another and then another works were chosen and purchased.  What joy for me to be in service to sharing Lori’s and Jo’s heroic ways of creating and living! I am honored.
 
Personally I am quite familiar with heroic ways, for I live with my own super hero. After waking each morning at 5:04, while I do my yoga practice, my hero of a husband David goes downstairs to tend our furries and make and carry up our coffee and fruit and then our breakfast, too, before commuting off to his full-time day job as a front line essential worker in food production at Ajinomoto.

I could not do my job without David. Creating a gallery installation with him is pure bliss. David is my super hero!

​David’s standing modestly, quietly on the sidelines as the reception comments were offered, made the evening so right, especially as another super hero stood strong and brave just paces away. 

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to David and to Don and to all those who gave their heroic efforts to create and stage “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”: Sharon and Lance Beshore, artCentral Sustaining Members who graciously provided much appreciated special support; Old Missouri Bank, the exhibition underwriter; Betsy Flanigan (artCentral’s board president and reception impresario) and Bren Flanigan (host extraordinaire); Lori Bigley (always adept in facilitating sales) and David Bigley (special events greeter of guests); Maddie Capps (board secretary, excellent photographer and adept sales assistant); and Sierra Hicks (intern attending to preparation details). I am especially grateful for all the artCentral members, patrons and guests who came to make this special event a gloriously shining success.
 
In Hyde House through December 4, 2021, “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” and the SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction will continue through their Closing Celebration on Saturday, December 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Silent Auction bidding ends at 7:00 p.m.
 
October, November and December Weekend Gallery Hours are each Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with CDC protocols practiced at artCentral. Face masks and social distancing are required for everyone entering Hyde House. Please help us heroically keep each other safe and healthy and ready for the coming season of celebrations!

​​Hyde House, artCentral’s elegant home on the hill, is vibrating with excitement for our beloved Maple Leaf Festival and the holiday celebrations just beginning! All the artCentral galleries are fabulously filled with amazing holiday art at pocket-friendly prices for everyone!
 
        A long anticipated day has finally arrived! Friday, October 1, 2021, the “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” Opening Artist Reception and GREAT WORKS|SMALL WONDERS Silent Auction bidding take place FROM 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

October 1 through December 4, 2021, “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” and artCentral’s annual fundraising SMALL WORK|GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction will be in Hyde House, made possible by the graciousness of Sharon and Lance Beshore, artCentral Sustaining Supporters, and with underwriting by Old Missouri Bank.
 
At high noon, October 1, artCentral’s vibrant green door at 1110 East Thirteenth Street in Carthage will open to reveal two remarkable collections of totally enchanting art created by artCentral artists. Be the first to come and see and savor these visual feasts! Meet the artists! Shop for your gift list! Post your bids! Make your purchases!
 
Lori Marble’s and Jo Mueller’s creative collaboration, “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER”, was set in motion over a year ago and brought to life before Jo learned she would be losing hers to a terminal illness. Jo created as long as she could, and then with a great and quiet dignity she took leave of her dear artist friend and their collaboration that she so dearly loved. In the midst of Lori’s vibrantly joyful and colorful abstract paintings, Jo’s presence is still with us in a poignantly beautiful retrospective collection of her creations.
 
Lori Marble is the Director for Strategic Innovation at Mercy Hospital Joplin. Before entering health care, she held public relations positions in higher education, government and as an independent practitioner, serving a client list including Spiva Center for the Arts. Lori is a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows member. She is involved with Mercy’s Women Leader’s Mentoring and Sponsorship committee, Pro Musica Joplin, the Neosho Arts Council, Joplin Regional Artists Coalition and Friends of St. Avips. Lori’s work has been shown at Bookhouse Cinema, Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, Urban Art Gallery, Spiva Center for the Arts (membership exhibits) and various Joplin Regional Artists Coalition exhibits. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations from Oklahoma State University and a Masters of Liberal Studies in 20th Century Art History from the University of Oklahoma.
 
Jo Mueller (1950-2021) over much of her career demonstrated a passion for the arts and the business of art, filling management positions in film, dance, theater and visual arts organizations. From 2003 until her retirement in 2016, she served as executive director of George A. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin. Before and between those earnest and arduous not-for-profit adventures, she worked as a telephone installer, completed a year of dental school, and twice indulged her inner Martha Stewart as a bed and breakfast innkeeper in the Northwest. Jo was recognized numerous times for her accomplishments at Spiva and in 2016 received the prestigious statewide Leadership in the Arts award from the Missouri Arts Council. She served on the board of directors for Connect2Culture and enjoyed memberships in artCentral, Joplin Regional Artists Coalition, Spiva Center for the Arts, and Crystal Bridges. Jo’s work is held in private collections and has been shown locally in solo and group exhibitions. She was awarded a B.S. in organizational management from Colorado Christian University, Denver.
 
The SMALL WORKS | GREAT WONDERS Silent Auction features 48 artCentral artist-created 5x7 canvases which the artists have donated to help raise funds to support artCentral’s work for art and artists. Most opening bids begin at ten dollars. First bids may be placed when the gallery opens on Friday,   October 1, at noon.
 
To see and purchase the art in “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” and to see and bid on the SMALL WORKS|GREAT WONDERS visit artCentral online:
Events at www.artcentralcarthage.org and at facebook.com/ArtcentralCarthage.
 
October 2 through December 4, Weekend Gallery Hours are each Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with CDC protocols practiced at artCentral. Face masks and social distancing are required for everyone entering Hyde House. Please help us keep each other safe and healthy for the coming beauty of a Carthage autumn and all the holiday celebrations waiting to unfold while artCentral has holiday art for everyone!

October 1 through December 4, 2021, “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” is in Hyde House, made possible by the graciousness of Sharon and Lance Armstrong, artCentral Sustaining Supporters, and with underwriting by Old Missouri Bank. The Opening Reception is Friday, October 1.

​Every exhibition has a backstory!
 
Just like Alice falling down, down, down through the rabbit hole, artist Lori Marble, with one misplaced, clumsy step, fell tumbling down, down, down through the dark in the middle of the night. From the kitchen to the basement, down the stairs she fell.
 
All through childhood Lori’s missteps were attributed to clumsiness: a clumsy child became a clumsy adult. No one knew her motor skills were compromised by hemidystonia—a condition that affects muscle groups on one side of the body and can cause a loss of balance and difficulty moving. Lori’s hemidystonia made her sometimes drag her left foot.
 
Like so many of us who have taken a significant life tumble, Lori had a wakeup call that came at the bottom of her spill: she needed to do something to improve her ability to safely navigate through her days…and nights! She did. She had a deep brain stimulation device surgically implanted to help with her condition. Now she totes a battery pack in her chest and a pacemaker in her brain. They control the motion on her left side. They help and so does painting—Lori’s therapy of choice.
 
After her 2018 surgery, Lori began to explore her brain and creativity connection. Though her dominant side is her right side, she began painting abstract art with her left hand, the side affected by her hemidystonia. At first she had to hold a rock in her right hand to train that side to be still. Now her right side is content to stay at rest as she moves her brushes across picture planes. Left-handed painting has become Lori’s everyday habit.
 
Like Alice, Lori took a tumble and ended up in a land of magic. Alice found her Wonderland populated with a plethora of colorful characters and fascinations waiting to be found; likewise, Lori, led by her hemidystonia discovered a colorful inner life waiting to manifest!
 
Of course, Lori was not on her own as she made her recovery and journeyed into a new way of living and moving and painting. Among her many friends, artist Jo Mueller, former director of SPIVA Center for the Arts in Joplin, was her partner in discovery while Lori explored and exercised her new found creative passion.

As Lori’s and Jo’s mutual love for art continued past Jo’s retirement and Lori’s surgery, from time to time they showed up during weekend gallery hours at Hyde House to take in an exhibition where one or both had artwork on display. They both contributed individual donations to artCentral’s 5x7 fundraising Silent Auctions. All the while, as I am prone to do, I was keeping my eyes and ears on the pulse of the art world in southwest Missouri, tracking progress in the work of various artists. Lori and Jo were on my radar.
 
When I pitched to Lori the possibility of doing an artCentral exhibition with the proviso she propose another artist to be her exhibition partner, she immediately suggested Jo. Jo said, “YES!” Dates were selected. Their creative collaboration was set in motion, and “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” was underway.
 
Lori and Jo were in daily conversation choosing creative parameters and a ten month production schedule. For each month they identified three challenges—words and colors and motifs.
 
Words: The mothers of both artists were both librarians who serendipitously were born on the same day. Both raised their daughters with a love for words. Quite naturally, Lori and Jo took great mutual delight in choosing a different quote to inspire their creating for each month.
 
Colors: Lori and Jo took turns selecting a triad of colors to be included in every creation for a particular month.
 
Motifs: A specific motif/marking/Zentangle was designated to be used in each artwork made in a month.
 
Thus “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” was brought to life before Jo learned she would be losing hers to a terminal illness. She created as long as she could, and then with a great and quiet dignity she took leave of her dear artist friend and their collaboration that she so dearly loved. Jo’s presence is still with us in this remarkable body of work. Come and see: “p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER” is in the House!