GRAYSON, Ky. — The monthly Final Fridays Art Walk at the Grayson Gallery & Art Center (GGAC) was celebrated with an opening reception with more than 200 visitors who enjoyed the “Peace & Love” show on Feb. 26.
Dan Click GGAC coordinator, said the level of artist participation was surprisingly pleasant.
“We were all pleasantly surprised at the artist participation as well as the record attendance of this monthly Final Fridays event.,” Click said. “The more artists we have on exhibit really helps build the crowd as they have family, friends and patrons that come out to see their work. It’s also a big plus when we are able to offer awards and recognition and to be able to give a little something back to the artists who share their work and make it all possible at the Grayson Gallery.”
This third annual “themed” art exhibit attracted 37 artists who participated in the main gallery, along with a special presentation of artworks by five local Kentucky Special Olympics athletes (Bruce Allen Conley II, Colton Leach, Amie Lowe, Blaine and Gabe Skaggs) who delighted the crowd with their talent and creative take on the show theme as well.
Music by “Luke and the Somethings” kept the space energized with their youthful exuberance, Click said. Refreshments were provided by “Catering by Laura” were much enjoyed.
The awards presentation, with cash prizes given for two Al Collinsworth & Susan Downing’s “Jules Downing Art Appreciation Awards” of $30 each (awarded to artists who are relatively new to participating with the gallery): one to Julie Lewis, for her mixed media piece “Jasmine Heart” and the other to Tim Harris for his “Little Wren” photograph; the People’s Choice Award of $50 (by popular vote) went to David Thomas for his photograph “Missouri Memories” and the $50 GGAC Board Choice Award was given to Diane Smallwood-Arthur for her “Peace Talks” batik piece.
Click said one the highlights of the evening was GGAC’s first marriage proposal.
“One of our newer artists, Autumn Glass, was pleasantly surprised when Joe Colvin carried out his plan, with our help and a “fake presentation,” when he got down on one knee to ask for Autumn’s hand in marriage, and she said yes by the way,” Click said.
In addition to the different forms of advertising to spread the word about the event, Click said he also attributes the success to art classes offered at GGAC and an incredible amount of support from the community.
“We also had an increase in participation due to exposure to the gallery from art classes and workshops given by GGAC Education Coordinator Valerie Everman and son, Austin Everman,” he said. “There were additional donors and supporters as well to start off the new season so we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Grayson Tourism & Convention Commission for allowing us use of the space, the City of Grayson/Mayor & City Council for their financial support, Marilyn Thompson of Lighthouse Framing and Gallery for preparing our artist ID cards, Ralph’s Foodfair for donating soft drinks and water, Bush’s Blue Ribbon Floral for the table arrangement, Sheila and Rex Collins and the Grayson Beverage Center, Julie Lewis/Grayson RECC and, of course, the Grayson Gallery Board of Directors for manning the ship and to all the artists, family and friends, without whom this would not be possible.”
Upcoming events include the Art & Music Circus set for March 12, the annual “Women in the Arts”exhibit which will open during the March 25, Final Friday event and April’s “Celebrate the Earth” show on April 29.
For more information contact Dan Click at: [email protected] or text 606-922-0927.
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