A
Tradition of Excellence
Madison
Art Club regional show
returns for 11th year
Nationally
recognized painter
Carter to serve as judge
Lela
Jane Bradshaw
Contributing Writer
(September 2010) When the Madison Art Club
began in 1949, the founders had a plan for the future. Elle Smith explains
that the initial group of artists had a motto that each year they would
have a bigger and better show. We try to uphold that dream.
Over the years. the format of the art exhibition has evolved and changed,
but club members have that goal of expansion and improvement at the
front of their minds.
|
Photo
provided
John
Michael Carter
of Louisville will
judge this year's show.
|
The 11th annual Madison Art Club Competition and Exhibition
will run from Sept. 19 through Oct. 8 at the gallery at 301 East Main
St. The exhibit has become a showcase for artists from across the region.
Show chairman Smith explains that the contest attracts entrants from
as far away as Maryland saying, This is not just a local show.
Last years show featured approximately 150 entrants in categories
including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, and other media.
This year the club is particularly excited to have attracted nationally
renowned landscape and portrait painter John Michael Carter to serve
as the shows judge. Our judge this year is a very distinguished
judge and artist, says Smith. Carters works have been recognized
for their excellence by the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters
of America, the Hoosier Salon, and Indiana Heritage Arts.
His portraits have received awards in international competition, and
his commissions have included United States Senators, Governors, and
university presidents. Carter is also gifted at capturing childhood
moments in his work and many parents have sought out his talents as
a way of preserving special memories.
Over the years Carter has shared his talents not only through exhibitions
across the country, but also through teaching fellow artists. In addition
to 10 years teaching drawing and painting for the University of Kentucky
at Jefferson Community College, he has also presented workshops for
the Scottsdale Artist School, the Dallas Arts League, and the Arts Club
of Cincinnati.
It was after a Madison Art Club member took lessons with Carter that
discussions began about inviting the artist to Madison. Lillie Wingham,
a Madison Art Club member for 30 years, was particularly impressed with
the individual attention Carter gave each artist in the
class. He was just very helpful, she says of Carters
instruction.
She describes the artist moving from student to student and working
personally with each painter. As soon as word spread throughout the
club that the respected artist and popular teacher would be presenting
a workshop in Madison, the slots quickly filled. We now have a
waiting list, says Smith of artists still hoping an additional
place might open up.
Like the founders of the Madison Art Club, members today have their
own ideas for the future. The club continues to work to bring in members
from across the region.
Members are also active in promoting the history and landscape of southern
Indiana to artists in order to attract artists to the area. We
really want Madison to grow as an arts center, says Smith.
For more information, visit: www.MadisonArtClub.com.
Back to September 2010
Articles.