By Ann Mann
There is something deeply restorative about standing before a beautiful work of art. For a few quiet moments, the noise of everyday life fades, our attention slows and we are reminded of the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us. That is precisely the invitation awaiting visitors at Lamar Arts this summer.
Beginning Friday, July 10, Lamar Arts will present “Our Living World: A Realist and Impressionist Exhibition,” a collection of paintings that celebrates the beauty, diversity and resilience of the natural world through the eyes of seven remarkable women artists.
The exhibition opens with a public reception on Friday, July 10, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Lamar Arts Depot in Barnesville. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and experience an inspiring collection of artwork that reflects both technical excellence and a deep appreciation for God’s creation.
Curated by Eleanor Stecker and prepared for exhibition by Angela Preston and Bob Barber, the show features the work of Pat DeVane Burns, Melanie Handy, Shelby Kasulka, Tracy Muise, Bambi Rogers, Sharon Smith and Eleanor Stecker.
While each artist brings her own unique style and perspective, the exhibition shares a common purpose: to celebrate the wonder of the world around us.
Stecker says the inspiration for the exhibition grew from a desire to offer something hopeful. “My impetus with the show was to show artists painting realistically while depicting the beauty and wonder of this world.” she explained. “I wanted this show to remind people of the beauty that still surrounds us.”
Stecker notes that the participating artists are all accomplished painters and many have spent years studying under Marlin Adams, Professor Emeritus at Gordon State College, whose influence continues through his private studio where he still teaches today.
Although each artist’s work is distinct, their paintings are united by a shared sense of wonder. Award-winning artist Melanie Handy hopes visitors leave with a renewed sense of joy. “My hope is that people find joy when they view the pieces in the show,” she said.
For Shelby Kasulka, the exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible gift of sight. “We are blessed to see so many colors,” she reflected. “Most animals cannot see the range of colors that we can see. I want my paintings to convey the beauty of God’s creation.”
Portrait artist Sharon Smith believes every painting becomes a conversation between artist and viewer. “Each viewer brings different things to their viewing of the painting, so they see different things,” Smith explained. “When I am painting, I really want to capture the essence of the person in the portrait.”
Nature also serves as both subject and teacher for watercolor artist Tracy Muise. A lifelong educator with a passion for science and the outdoors, Muise has created five watercolor paintings on historic topographic maps originally produced during planning for the Walter F. George Dam along the Georgia-Alabama border.
For artist Pat DeVane Burns, painting is an act of faith as much as creativity. “As I move forward in my art and life journey, co-creating with my Abba Father, I keep discovering facets of the unique design He has placed within me,” Burns writes. “It is my hope that my artwork opens doors of curiosity, creativity and reminds people they, too, are filled with God’s colors, light, and beauty.”
The exhibition also includes the luminous watercolor paintings of Bambi Rogers, whose lifelong love of watercolor embraces the medium’s unpredictable movement as pigments flow together to create scenes inspired by the world around her.
Visitors will also enjoy Stecker’s own paintings, reflecting more than three decades as a painter, illustrator, art director, teacher and portrait artist. Whether working in oils, watercolor or pastel, she believes every successful painting begins with one essential skill. “Drawing is the engineering of visual imagery,” she says. “It is the basis for both fantasy and reality.”
“Our Living World” offers far more than a gallery of beautiful paintings. It is a reminder that even in a world often filled with uncertainty, beauty still surrounds us. Through landscapes, portraits, wildlife, flowers and scenes from nature, these artists invite viewers to slow down, look closely and rediscover the wonder that has been there all along.
The exhibition will remain on display through August 9. Gallery hours are Fridays from 11.a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays from 10.a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
For more information, visit lamararts.org or email info@lamararts.org.
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