Stroke of genius

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

November 06, 2008 06:22 pm

— Looking for holiday gifts without spending a ton of money you don’t have? How about an original piece of art or a print from local and area artists?
Muskogee Art Guild is presenting its Member Show and Sale today and Saturday at Arrowhead Mall.
Artist Polly Moore said she enjoys being a member of the guild.
“I like painting because it lets me be free,” she said. “I work as a computer programmer and analyst, and it’s very detail oriented. When I pick up the brush for my watercolors, it just flows with no attention to detail.”
Linda Callaway, exhibit chairperson, said the show was originally held in the spring, but decided to show in the fall, just in time for Christmas.
“We want people to be aware of the talented artists in the area,” Callaway said. “This is an excellent way to support our arts and pick up inexpensive Christmas gifts at the same time.”
Paintings and prints in the show cost from $5 to $500.
“We have found that people will spend money at Hobby Lobby and other places on prints,” she said. “So we set our prices for competition with the retailers. People can come and buy original art by artists who paint better than what they can buy.”
If you usually visit the guild’s show in the spring, don’t worry, they will be there.
“At the end of Azalea festivities we will hold a judged show,” Moore said. “It will include several artists from around the region. There all types of mediums are shown along with paintings.”
Moore said the interesting thing about the spring show is that it is becoming a main attraction.
“We have people come just for our show,” she said. “Then they go out and enjoy the rest of the festivities. It’s a good draw, and it’s great for the community.”
Other than art shows, the Muskogee Art Guild is getting ready for its silver smith classes beginning the last week of January.
“There are classes for all levels,” Callaway said. “They always fill up fast and it’s a lot of fun.”
Reach Travina Coleman at 684-2901 or tcoleman@ muskogeephoenix.com.

If you go
WHAT: Muskogee Art Guild Member Art Show and Sale.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday.
WHERE: Dillard’s court in Arrowhead Mall, 501 N. Main St.
COST: Free.
INFORMATION: www.muskogeeartguild.org.

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