As Mayfield's Icehouse Gallery celebrates 25 years as a community beacon of the arts, the gallery honors local artists in current and upcoming exhibits. Gallery Director Ric Watson speaks with Kate on Sounds Good today to share more about exhibits and events going on this month and next at the Icehouse.
The Gallery is currently showing works by artists Jennifer Fairbanks, Tom Powell and Lynn Bartlett. The exhibit will culminate in a reception and book signing this Friday, July 24th from 6 to 8 p.m.
A Murray native and Murray State Alumna, Jennifer Fairbanks went on to train at several prestigious art academies in New York City, mastering the technique of oil painting. She returned to Murray and opened her own gallery, workroom and studio.
Whether it's landscapes, still-lifes or portraits, Watson said Fairbanks "has a master's touch in everything she does." Fairbanks is exhibiting nine oil painting at the Icehouse Gallery.
Also exhibiting is Tom Powell, a Mayfield native, local healthcare attorney and self-trained watercolorist. Powell is showing seven watercolor works. Watson said Powell has a "wonderful portfolio of works of everything from diner scenes to street scenes, birds and wildlife."
Lynn Bartlett is also exhibiting photographs from her recently published book, "Tobacco Barns of Western Kentucky; And Things Along the Way." After living near Chicago and then Arizona for many years, Bartlett and her husband put their roots down in Benton where she developed a passion for photography.
A book signing will be held this Friday in conjunction with the exhibit reception.
Next week, the gallery will be accepting entries for its annual Arts in the Community Exhibition. Local artists, poets and writers can submit up to two works to be displayed during the exhibit.
"We bring in shows to show the community what other people are doing in art," Watson said. "The Gallery exists for community, so this is what we do to invite the community to come in to show their works and be a part of the Icehouse."
The Arts in the Community Exhibition will be open August 4th through the 29th. More information can be found at icehousearts.org.
