Westray, Cat Ranch Art Guild celebrate a successful partnership

Death has a funny way of bringing people together.

When Jeanie Eddleman's uncle died, his doctor became a friend of the family and eventually, an arts partner for the Cat Ranch Art Guild.

The guild was established in 2001 at the former studio of Eddleman's uncle, Tom Runnels, an artist in Marble Hill, Mo. In May 2007 the guild gained a Cape Girardeau venue when Dr. Joel Ray called Eddleman for help growing his photography business. He offered to put her on the payroll at Westray Studios.

"I said, 'No, I don't want to work for you, but I'll help you,'" Eddleman said. Ray then offered her space in his studio to display her work. She asked to bring in some friends — the 80-plus members of the art guild.

"He said 'It's your gift, if you want to share it, fine,'" she said.

They are planning two days of art demonstration and showings to commemorate the start of the Westray/Cat Ranch Art Guild. The studio will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Friday with a reception starting at 5 p.m. On Saturday the studio will be open from noon to 6 p.m. with Ray and members of the art guild doing demonstrations for the public.

Carol Poole will be doing wire wrapping, showing how she makes her custom jewelry. Eddleman said painters will be there doing live sittings. She said being partnered with Westray has really helped the art guild.

"He's given us a great opportunity," she said. The art guild has two large shows in Marble Hill at the Cat Ranch, but this gives it the chance to participate in Cape Girardeau events.

"He backs us and supports us, and we back him and support him," Eddleman said.