I have been volunteering at the gallery since it opened in 2009. Many art and many shows later I have witnessed Jefferson city mature into a small haven for those that create. Art is not mainstream here by any stretch, but to have a place to show work and see others work is a form of therapy. Every time I walk into the gallery I act as if I have never been there before. I now it is childish, but it makes for an interesting walk into the womb of art. To surround yourself in beauty is just the first step. You must be able and willing to take time and enjoy it.
And as for this post, I share a first for me. I showed work this past year at the gallery that is a standard large piece for myself, but also a piece that is in honor of the main reason I took up art-Bob Thompson. A fauvist painter that did not live very long but one whom illustrated color the way I see and feel the world. He is a wonder and a pain at the same time. He died so young and it makes me feel sad to think about the paintings he didn't do instead of appreciate the ones he did.
I post some photos taken during the cities gallery crawl. My work of Thompson is seen in the background.
And another view of Thompson...
I know it made a difference to me to show the work. I felt proud if maybe for the first time in the cause of my own work. For a few weeks he was alive again on a wall in Jefferson city. A new york jazz painter came to Missouri.
Thank you.
PS...it is eddie vedders birthday today. Happy birthday Grunge poets.
http://www.pearljam.com/
