Let's talk SMAC!
I've been thinking a lot about art this month. Duh, I'm an artist. Of course, I'm going to be thinking about art. But I've been thinking more about art in the general sense, how it reflects and affects our culture. We are surrounded by art. It blasts into our homes on widescreens, computers and phones. Outdoor billboards and business windows capture our attention while we are driving. We are inundated with colors and shapes, designs of every kind. Some would even go so far as to say this is the age of art.
If this is true, artists have a vast responsibility in creating art, knowing it will affect our culture and change lives. Because of that, I'm asking myself many questions these days. Will my art change someone's perspective? For good or for bad? Am I idealizing life too much in my art? Does my art reflect culture or create culture? Should I create pieces that speak more to social justice? Can't I just paint a pretty picture and not worry about culture? Maybe you've asked yourself some of these very same questions. I'd like to hear your thoughts on these questions. I'd really like to know what you think. Please send any thoughts or opinions my way, at info@smac.com to keep the conversation going. (Names are optional.)
Speaking of keeping the conversation going, has anyone gotten into an art show or exhibit this month. What about an art award. Don't be shy. We want to celebrate with you. Just send me the details (plus a photo if you have one)
to info@smac.com.
We have a lot happening this coming month. The opening reception for Ken Richardson's solo exhibit Blackbird Stew should be a blast. He's a sculptor who welds. I know some of you are very interested in learning to weld, so maybe, just maybe Ken would be able to point you in the right direction or help you get started. (Yes, I'm talking to you, Lura.) Unfortunately, Ken will be traveling the week after, so we won't be having a Night Out with an Artist this month.
We also are offering two classes with the amazing instructor Julie Zetina this month. She has a new steppingstone workshop and stained-glass lantern workshop for May. And, for those of you who have been waiting to hear about summer camps, we are rolling out a whole new program for kids this month taught by Lacey Finchum, who is awesome with kids. She is rolling out the new Nex Gen Creators Saturday Series with two workshops this month. Be sure to scroll down for all the details and all the other SMAC events for May.
We have new members to celebrate this month. Join me in welcoming Steven Hadar and Trevor McDonald. Welcome, welcome, welcome. We are so glad you joined. We appreciate you and can't wait to get to know you better. Welcome to the SMAC family.
Thank you all for being a part of SMAC. We can't do this without you! So now it's time to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let's talk SMAC!
--Lynnette Horn
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At a Glance...
"Blackbird Stew"
Ken Richardson Solo Exhibit
May 5-28
Opening Reception for Exhibit
May 5, 6-9 p.m.
321: Studio! with Olivia Stephens
May 9, 5-9 p.m.
Stained Glass Lanterns Workshop
With Julie Zetina
May 11 & 18, 6-9 p.m.
Next Gen Creators Workshop
Watercolor Patterns
May 13, 10-12:30 p.m.
Figure Drawing (18+)
May 19, 7-9 p.m.
Next Gen Creators Workshop
Bead Jewelry
May 20, 10-12:30 p.m.
Mosaic Steppingstones
with Julie Zetina
March 20, 1-4 p.m.
Cosplay Figure Drawing
May 23, 7-9 p.m.
Follow Southern Missouri Arts Connection
Facebook Page for Class or Event Additions
Scroll Down for Details
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Who would have thought Art in a Box?
SMAC had a great opening night turnout for Trevor McDonald's solo exhibit Inside the Box. Not only friends and family came out for the opening night, but many new faces and many familiar faces, making the night super special. The show was great. Trevor's art captured moments of his life in a surreal way. Some were nostalgic, such as his homage to 40s and 50s pin up girls and the culture that surrounded them. Other pieces spoke of the darker side of modern society. But most of the work touched on emotions--emotions Trevor has experienced as well as all of humanity. This is where I found the most profound connection to his work. Who would have thought the art created on the inside of Cheez-It's boxes could be so impactful. Thanks, Trevor, for a great show.
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SMAC hosts a Sculpture Exhibit Blackbird Stew
SMAC will be featuring the art of Ken Richardson, for his solo exhibit Blackbird Stew. The exhibit will run from May 5-28, in the SMAC Art Center gallery on historic Downing Street in Hollister. The opening reception is on Friday, May 5, from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Attendees may view the exhibit, tour the private studios and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The Vintage Paris Coffee kiosk will also be on site.
The exhibit is made up of a collection of assemblage artworks. “I like to use whatever is at hand to create my art,” Ken said. “My ‘stew’ includes all manner of media elements--salvaged, recycled, new, organic, inorganic, found objects and paint.” The materials dictated the direction for each art piece. Visitors to the gallery will encounter artworks that are whimsical, surreal, thought-provoking and so much more.
Each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local non-profit organizations that serves the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to the Branson Humane Society. The Humane Society aids in the alleviating of distress and suffering of animals, and promotes humane treatment through protection, placement and public education.
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Ken Richardson--a Sculptor Extraordinaire
I am always amazed by the artistic talent found in the Ozarks. We have artists in every medium and artistic genre, all carrying on a conversation through their art that connects with people in many different walks of life. Our solo artist in SMAC's upcoming exhibit Blackbird Stew is just such an artist that leaves me gob smacked by his talent. Yet, when I caught up with Ken Richardson for this interview, I found him to be unassuming and humble.
Ken grew up in Wichita, Kansas but moved to Springfield to help out on his aunt's farm when he was 19. He stayed and "sunk down roots." He always wanted to work in the arts in some way or form. First, he tried music, playing banjo in a band during college and afterwards, but the realities of making a living drove him into teaching. He taught for 31 years. But he never buried his desire to be in the arts, especially visual arts. In 1990, he took some ceramic classes and started making bases for birdbaths, which led to getting into welding. "I did well in pottery, but doing shows was a lot of work," he said.
By the end of the 90s, he was ready for a break from pottery. He bought a Harley and rode it everywhere around the country. "Art just fell by the wayside," he added. When he got back from his travels, pottery still wasn't appealing. And firing up his propane kiln was cost prohibitive. So, using his welding knowhow, Ken turned to sculpting in 2009. He bought a place in Florida and connected with a gallery there. "She sold everything I sent her," Ken said. "I could create whatever I wanted, and it sold."
That heyday ended when Hurricane Michael whipped through Florida and destroyed the gallery. It never recovered. But during that golden era, he learned a lot. "It really was good to push myself to try new things," he explained. He still creates artwork for another Florida gallery to this day.
The Pandemic lockdown was a great time to expand his artistic talents. "My creativity took off and I really worked on my drawing," he said. "I'll draw some kind of character and then trace it onto steel, then cut it out. He uses 55-gallon barrels and other recycled materials to create his pieces, even furniture. He's created a freeform console table out of barrels that will be in the exhibit. And in the opening photo of Ken in this interview, he is standing in front of a couple of his "big heads" that he created out of barrels.
"Anytime I try to create with materials that I have to purchase," he said. "I'm never satisfied. So, he sticks with his barrels, found objects, old wood and a little paint.
I asked him if he always has a plan in mind when he creates. "Not always," Ken replied. "Sometimes, I have an idea and other times I just let it out." He uses a plasma cutter to cut out shapes and just goes from there. "I've never been locked into doing just one thing. It's always fresh."
Right now, he says his house is filled with pieces he's made for the show. "It has been a whole lot of fun working towards this exhibit," he said. He still plays banjo, and he explained his exhibit this way: "I can't play sad music on a banjo. The music is light and lively, just like my art." It sounds like this show is going to be fun, light and lively. Be sure to set your phones to reminders for the opening night this coming Friday.
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Explore your Creativity at 321: Studio!
SMAC will open the art center classroom to members and the community on Tuesday, May 9, from 5-9 pm for 3 2 1: Studio! This is a great opportunity to connect with other artists or try your hand at something new. 3 2 1: Studio! is an open studio, a set time when people can use the art center as a place to create their own work. You may bring your own supplies or use those available onsite. SMAC Artist in Residence Olivia Stephens will be there to answer questions and direct you to the supplies you need. SMAC provides you with a place to create and the supplies with which to do it. Maybe you've always wanted to paint or make a collage or use pastels. Open studios are great for trying new things. Maybe you just want to work on a current art piece in community. Maybe you are stumped on one of your pieces and want another set of eyes. All these and more are great reasons to join us at 3 2 1: Studio!
So, come make new art discoveries, creating with new and old friends. If you are an artist, bring whatever you are working on. If not, just come as you are. Olivia will help you get started. This is a free event and open to members and the community, alike. All ages are encouraged to attend, though children are required to be supervised by an adult. Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this fun opportunity.
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Summertime Lanterns!!!
Learn to create a beautiful lantern with beautiful stained glass, perfect to adorn your home or patio on May 11 and 18, 6-9 p.m. Julie Zetina will teach you the basics of working with stained glass and guide you in choosing glass pieces to create your own design, whatever suits your fancy. She will then instruct you in adhering the pieces to a glass container.
In the second session, she will teach you grouting. This is a fun workshop you won’t want to miss. All the supplies and tools are included in the fee of $55 per person ($27.50 for Hollister residents). Sign up alone or with friends and family. Either way you’ll have a great time and take home a unique stained-glass lantern. Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hollister Park and Recreation Department, SMAC can offer Hollister residents half off the normal fee. This workshop is open to ages 12 through adult. To register click on LANTERN. Remember SMAC members also get %10 off class fees.
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Join us for the First Next Gen Creators Workshop
Fee: $30, Hollister residents can attend Next Gen Creators workshop for half price thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hollister Parks & Recreation Department.
The first workshop in a new series of Nex Gen Creators Saturdays will be May 12, 10-12:30 p.m. Your student, ages 6-15, will have a blast learning basic watercolor techniques and mark making in Watercolor Patterns workshop with Lacey Finchum. By the end of this class your student will have created several patterned designs and images worthy of being framed or used as cards or stationery. This is a great way to enter the world of painting. And the best part is that your student can create as many designs as time permits. The fee for this class is $30 per student. Even better is that this workshop is half price for any Hollister student, thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Department. To register go to WATERCOLOR.
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Mosaic Steppingstones with Julie Zetina
Bring a little bling to your garden with your very own one-of-a-kind mosaic steppingstone that you design, using a variety of materials: stained glass, tile, metal, glass beads, mirror and assorted goodies. The workshop, led by Julie Zetina, will be on May 20, 1-4 p.m., for ages 10 years old through adult. No experience is needed. Everything you need to make your steppingstone is included in the fee of $50 per person (only $25 per person for Hollister residents). Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Department, Hollister residents may take this workshop at half price.
Although everything is included, you may want to bring your own FLAT pieces of glass, pebbles, stones, or marbles to add a personal touch to your work also. Plastic items are not suitable. Julie will guide you in designing a steppingstone that will be pleasing to you. All stones will be poured offsite and returned to SMAC for pickup. The pickup date will be announced in the workshop. (Curing times vary with weather conditions.) Sign up through the SMAC website at www.smac-art.org.
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Have Fun with Beads Workshop
Making your own jewelry is a hot craft these days. And your student will love the variety of beads and charms to choose from for this Bead Jewelry Workshop. The second in the Next Gen Creators Saturday Series will be on May 20, from 10-12:30 p.m. Instructor Lacey Finchum will show them simple ways to create beautiful jewelry pieces that they will want to wear and show off to their friends. If your student has a special charm at home, they are more than welcome to bring it with them so they can incorporate it into their unique jewelry design. There will be time to make at least one necklace and/or bracelet. If time and materials permit, they can make another piece of jewelry. This workshop is suited for ages 6-15 and the fee is $35. Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Department, Hollister students may attend the workshop at half price. You can’t buy a piece of jewelry for that price plus your student will have the fun of making it. To register click on BEADS. Scroll down to see what all we have lined up for the year. Pick and choose the activities that interest your student the most.
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Join a Fun Night of Drawing Cosplayers
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The next Cosplay Figure Drawing event will be May 23, 7-9pm. It is always the fourth Tuesday of the month, unless notified of a cancelation. If improving your drawing skills is on your to-do list, this event is for you. Each session, a model comes dressed in a different cosplay costume. Poses are timed, starting off with short periods in the beginning to get you warmed up, then, poses gradually get longer so that you have time to focus on details. Of course, you don't need to be a gamer or a comic fan or cosplayer yourself to enjoy Cosplay Figure Drawing. It's a perfect way to learn to draw clothed figures in a plethora of poses.
Practicing drawing with a live model also creates muscle memory so that your skills improve and helps your mind translate three dimensional objects into two dimensional representations. This can't be learned by practicing from photos. This family-friendly drawing event is perfect for all ages, though we ask that children be supervised by an adult. It's also a safe zone, where you can explore drawing without feeling intimidated by more experienced artists. Everyone who wants to learn how to draw has to start somewhere, even if it is stick figures. What better way than in a safe, encouraging environment. I hope you'll join us. A $10 donation to help cover the cost of the model is encouraged but not required. Last month Anthony Hunter donned his Indiana Jones outfit and modeled. Six attended. Glad to see everyone getting into the modeling act. Way to go Anthony!
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April Memories...
Opening receptions are always a great time to connect with friends (from left to right): Carol Ramirez chats with Mary Evelyn Tucker.
On opening night, we saw some new faces...
...and some familiar faces (from left to right): Larry and Julie Ross.
And more familiar faces (left to right): Lacey Finchum, Mary Evelyn Tucker, Tenille Blair-Neff and Mary Arneson.
Trevor McDonald's friend, James Kaiser and family, Andrew Venturella, Heather Alder and Emily Alder Venturella came to view his art opening night.
Luis Cortes takes a moment to get creative at the opening reception.
Trevor McDonald talks about his art at A Night Out with an Artist.
Six artists or aspiring artists came out for Cosplay Figure Drawing in April.
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Do You Know Your SMAC Board?
All the board members can be reached by leaving an email message to our general mailbox, info@smac-art.org.
Tenille Blair-Neff: President, Programing Chair
Christine Riutzel: Vice President, Art Center Coordinator, Public Art Chair
Lynnette Horn: Secretary, Communications Chair
Anthony Hunter: Treasurer, Cosplay Facilitator
Lacey Finchum: Board Member At-Large, Teacher
Jennifer Smythe: Board Member At-Large, Social Media Coordinator, Teacher
Mary Evelyn Tucker: Board Member At-Large, Gallery Chair
Julie Zetina: Board Member At-Large, Teacher
Andrea Rosser-Pate: Board Advisor, Policy Chair
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