FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arts & Culture Alliance Presents the Merleville Watercolor Society
(04/18/2012/Knoxville) – The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a new exhibition by the Merleville Watercolor Society entitled “Merleville Watercolor Society Hangs It Up”, featuring original watercolors and oils by 15 local artists. The exhibition will be displayed at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from May 4-25, 2012. An opening reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on May 4 from 5:00-9:00 PM.
The Merleville Watercolor Society first formed in 2007 when a small, eager group of art enthusiasts met at the home of Merle Hancox-Stair in Maryville. Merle, a seasoned artist, and Kay Alexander, a budding artist, had previously met at a workshop in Boone, North Carolina and discussed the idea of a painting group with whom to improve their watercolors and to encourage one another to develop their individual style. Over the past five years, this initial group of seven artists has grown to include fifteen members:
Kay Alexander (Dandridge)
Elaine Brekke (Knoxville)
Lil Clinard (Tellico Village)
Merle Hancox-Stair (Maryville)
Mary Holley (Knoxville)
Betty Kirkland (Farragut)
Bonita Malone (Loudon County)
Roy and Kate McCullough (Knoxville)
Larry and Helen O'Connor (Knoxville)
Rob and Jane Pearce (Knoxville)
Doris Prichard (Knoxville)
Linda Stutzenberger (Farragut)
The first priority of Merleville Watercolor Society is to “leave your ego at the door”. At the bi-weekly meetings, artists work on their own paintings and solicit advice and critiques from fellow members. They share new techniques learned at workshops attended by group members and occasionally attend workshops as a group or meet at specific locations for plein air painting sessions. Most members have studied under well-known artists at workshops in Tennessee and other states; upon their return, they show work produced during those sessions and answer questions about what they've learned that could be helpful to fellow members. “Encouragement is a big part of what we do,” says artist Jane Pearce. “We've watched each other mature and improve dramatically since the group first convened.”
“Merleville Watercolor Society Hangs it Up” will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, May 5, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit the Web site at www.knoxalliance.com.
About the Arts & Culture Alliance
The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission (www.tn.gov/arts).
Contact: Suzanne Cada
PO Box 2506
Knoxville, TN 37901
(865) 523-7543
sc@knoxalliance.com
www.knoxalliance.com
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