Special to the Scoop
Mooresville Arts is celebrating two new exhibits on display. The 150 Challenge Group Exhibit and the Emergence: Under 40 Juried Exhibit can be seen now through Sept. 21 at the Depot, 103 W. Center Ave.
The 150 Challenge Group Exhibit is being showcased in the Depot’s Center Gallery. Twenty-nine local and regional artists are participating in this celebratory show, honoring the Town of Mooresville’s 150th anniversary. A variety of subjects are captured in this exhibit, including iconic Mooresville landscapes and streetscapes, florals, figures and more.
This is a multimedia exhibit and wonderful showcase of Mooresville-inspired and 150-themed artwork, featuring paintings and drawings, photography, fiber arts, woodwork, pottery and mixed media.
Mooresville Downtown Commission is the show sponsor, and participating artists include Andy Mooney, Ann Parker, Anne Harkness, Becky McCall, Brad Lephew, Brenda Pokorny, Carleen Davis, Charlotte Lundy, Eileen Covington, Irene Jahns, Janet Visser, Kathy Murray, Kristen Simmons, Laurie Basham, Louis Schwartz, Lynda Santoni, Marcela King, Mark Jones, Martha Crespo, Mary Jo Gunning, Michael Murray, Nina Everson, Pat Lacovara, Patrick Turner, Sandra Eaton, Sheila Isenhour, William Hook, Zan Thompson and Zora Harmeling.
Mayor Miles Atkins served as guest judge, viewing the show entries and ultimately selecting Janet Visser and her Illumination Sesquicentennial Anniversary Mooresville, NC as overall Best of Show winner.
“Mooresville is in full stride in celebrating our sesquicentennial, and the spirit of that historic milestone has been beautifully and artistically captured in this exhibit,” Atkins said. “I want to commend Mooresville Arts and the 29 artists who shared their vision for the meaning of this celebration through their submissions. I appreciate all the works on display, and there are many that resonated with me.”
The mayor said one piece, however, “truly captures the essence and spirit of our 150th celebrations,” which kicked off with the 150th Anniversary Fireworks Spectacular, one of seven scheduled events throughout this year. “This piece is a skillful work of art that highlights the artist’s talent, and the use of color on canvas portrays the feeling of our yearlong Mooresville 150th anniversary celebration.”
Emergence: the Under 40 Juried Exhibit is a fantastic collection of various art media, all created by younger artists within the Mooresville community and surrounding region, and is being showcased in the Depot’s Skylight Gallery. Twenty artists, ages 16-39, are featured in this group exhibit. This, too, is a multimedia exhibit, showcasing paintings and drawings, digital art, photography, fiber arts, clay, and paper mache. Subjects include figures and portraits, pet portraits, abstracts, landscapes and more.
Visitors to the Gallery can cast their vote for their favorite piece in the show; a People’s Choice winner will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibit. Participating artists include Addie Clark, Ashton Martin, Brock Hollister, Bryant Portwood, Ekaterina Mazeina, Elijah Kell, Esther Moorehead, Hannah Johansen, Jack Nelson, Jake Mikeal, Jessica DeHart, Katie Vernon, Kristen Simmons, Leah Jancic, Meredith Templeton, Pooja Roy, Sara Simmons, Sarah Kadlecik, Tinashe Vincent and Zora Harmeling.
An artists’ reception was held on Friday, Aug. 11, and nearly 200 people were in attendance.
With numerous art media and subject matters, these exhibits are a wonderful showcase of artistic talent and ideas; there is something for everyone, and you won’t want to miss it! Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 12-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Most of the artwork is for sale, and art sales directly benefit participating artists and Mooresville Arts, a nonprofit arts gallery and organization. For more information, call 704-663-6661 or visit mooresvillearts.org.
