Vernon County Arts Council to host Fall Fine Arts Fair

"It's another opportunity we want to provide to generate some local interest in art, and to give artists in this region the opportunity to show and sell their art work."

So said Al Fenske of the Vernon County Arts council, in reference to the upcoming Fall Fine Arts Fair. Hosted by the Vernon County Arts Council, registration is under way now for the three-day event, to be held Nov. 12- 14. in the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center in Nevada.

The event is an annual project of the arts council, and has been held at various sites in Nevada in the past, but "Now that the community center is up and running again, we think it will be a great place," Fenske says.

Artists with fine-art quality work, such as paintings, photography, wood carving, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and more can purchase a booth space at fees ranging from $20 to $30.

"It's really very reasonable, and there is flexibility there," in size and location of space within the fair.

Each artist is responsible for supplying their own materials for the booth display. Work must be suitable for viewing by children and families. Booths must be attended at all times and participant displays must not be dismantled prior to the end of the show. Customers who purchase art pieces can remove them at the time of the sale. Works that are for sale should be clearly marked with the price; works on display that are not for sale should be clearly marked "NFS." Booth set-up will be from 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, Nov. 12; the exhibit will be open noon-5 p.m., Nov. 12; 9 a.m.-5 p.m ., Nov. 13; and noon-5 p.m., Nov. 14. Exhibitors need not be members of the arts council to participate.

"Space is limited, so get your space right away. I'm sure some of the arts council members have already selected and paid for their spaces, so you need to get in touch with them right away," urged Fenske. Booths are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve booth space or for more information, call Ladine Casey at (417) 667-4695 or Jeanne Board at (417) 667-52890

The Vernon County Arts Council also is always seeking members; and annual dues are $20. The group actively promotes local art and provides opportunities throughout the year for its members and other area artist to exhibit and sell their work. Recently, an exhibit in the PEO Gallery, inside the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts at Cottey College, displayed the works of several area artists. The council also is working hard to maintain Nevada's rich resource of murals. One such mural, "The Train Arrives," painted by El Dorado Springs artist Ed Koski in 1999, was recently refurbished by artist Michael McClure, thanks to a grant secured by the council. "We're trying to keep those murals viable -- and visible," Fenske said, noting that the murals fade over time.

Another such mural the council hopes to refurbish is the Mitchell Hotel scene on a building on Cherry Street.

The council also is still looking for an interior space in which to display a mural titled "Goose Hunter" that had been weather damaged. "It's been restored, and it's ready. It can't be left outside in the elements," he said.