Ah, spring! We have waited so, so long. Finally, finally our wait is over. Finally artCentral’s green door of hospitality is once again swinging open in celebration! Just as Mother Nature’s yearned for gifts are emerging from the earth all around us, the gallery walls of Hyde House are resplendent with the dynamic creative energy we have anticipated for months and months.
After a year’s delay the Opening Reception for Philip Ledbetter’s PAINT in MOTION was a beautiful beginning for this stunning exhibition. As CDC protocols safely welcomed guests, the evening could not have been more picture perfect— at the finish of a Blue Moon, lovely clear skies and gentle breezes wafted with the scents of early blossoms and the last minor notes of winter’s departing chill.
The artist came early, looking as dapper as ever and with him bringing a collection of libations to please every thirst. The evening’s impresarios, artCentral board members Doug Osborn and Jason Shelfer, capably assisted by volunteer Jeanine Poe, offered greetings on the front porch and safely served party fare on the flagstone patio. David Greenwood-Mathé, artCentral’s prepitor (art handler) strummed and sang acoustically as guests gathered, socially distanced, while briefly waiting their turns to see the show inside.
Oh, what a show was waiting for them indoors! The Reception table featured the implements of Phil’s creating strewn over the artist’s studio drop cloth topped by a giant rabbit backpacking delicate sprays of dogwood blossoms. Rendered with Phil’s signature aplomb, twenty-three original works—painted canvases transformed with flowing lines and splatters of latex—filled the gallery walls downstairs and upstairs, too. I was kept busy writing receipts one after another. Before the Reception concluded seven paintings were purchased—a record for opening night transactions!
At the Reception the painting titled “The End of a Perfect Day” was the first to be claimed by a delighted patron. While other works were quickly spoken for, this one was a particularly popular depiction—an olive-adorned martini glass painted with fluid white latex lines on a rich blue background. At least four other guests, besides the one who spoke up first, were hoping to hang this gem in their homes. Not to be daunted before taking their leave, alas they each chose other favorites they found equally appealing.
If you missed this memorable evening, do not despair. All twenty-three of Philip Ledbetter’s PAINT in MOTION creations are still on display and will remain in Hyde House through Saturday, May 15, 2021. Weekend Gallery Hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Phil will be serving as the Gallery Docent for all Saturdays during the run of PAINT in MOTION. I will look forward to greeting you on Fridays.
Come see for yourself all these attention winning works. There are still sixteen waiting to find homes. Quite possibly one will suit you perfectly! Before your gallery visit you can preview all Phil’s PAINT in MOTION creations in photo albums on artCentral’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ArtcentralCarthage and artCentral’s website at artcentralcarthage.org under Events.
In addition to PAINT in MOTION other spring excitement is happening at artCentral. Sign up your young aspiring artists, ages 8-14, and/or your own grownup self for screen-free fun, exploring, learning and creating at 3rd SATURDAYS artCAMP at artCentral: April 17, May 22 and June 19. The fee for each 3rd Saturday class is $20.00. (Scholarships are available!) All supplies are provided. You can find registration forms in the red information box on the front steps of artCentral at Hyde House up the hill at 1110 East Thirteenth in Carthage and on artCentral’s website artcentralcarthage.org. For more information contact artCamp Director, Alice Lynn, at (417)358-4404.
Calling all artCentral artists! Now is the time to harness your spring fever, go into your studio and put your best energy into creating your newest masterpiece for artCentral’s juried ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP EXHIBITION: June 4 through July17, 2021. Delivery date is May 16 for your submission accompanied by a digital photo of your image and a $15.00 entrance fee. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a cash award while you have your art seen and celebrated as spring rolls into summer!
