Artists old and new featured at Visual Arts Co-op show

A diverse range of artistic styles will be on display -- and for sale -- during the 11th annual Visual Arts Cooperative show beginning Friday night at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

The show, which runs through April 27, will feature the work of 51 regional artists who are members of the cooperative, and more than 150 art exhibits as varied as photography, sculptures, fabrics, paintings -- even aluminum-can artwork -- will be on display.

"We try to blend all medias," said Craig Thomas, president and charter member of the Visual Arts Cooperative. "We keep the quality of the art as high as we can."

Thomas, who will have his own acrylic paintings for sale during the show, said the cooperative prides itself in producing diverse artwork.

"We have personalities in the co-op to match," he added. "It's like herding cats sometimes, but it's a good group."

The Visual Arts Cooperative was founded in 2003 by Dr. Jean Chapman, a local physician, and Dr. Edwin Smith, a professor at Southeast Missouri State University.

Bob McCool, left, and Mary Ann Hartman prepare to hang Randy Hays' acrylic painting "Chuck Goes to Mardi Gras," March 30 at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri at 32 North Main St., in Cape Girardeau. Artwork was being dropped off and put on display in preparation for the annual Visual Arts Cooperative show. (ADAM VOGLER)

The cooperative offers the opportunity for members to show and sell their artwork on a continuing basis, and the Jean Chapman Gallery at the Arts Council provides a permanent venue for the artwork of cooperative members on a monthly basis.

Vicki Outman, who serves as treasurer of the Visual Arts Cooperative, said the group is a "regional thing."

"We have members from places as distant as St. Louis, Carbondale [Ill.] and Poplar Bluff [Mo.]," Outman said. "We have members who are young and old, and we all seem to get along because of our common love of art."

One of the cooperative's newer members is Renee Gordon, a tattoo artist in Cape Girardeau who will be displaying her oil paintings at the show.

"I've been taking art classes for three years, and I decided to branch out," said Gordon, who plans to open a studio in Oak Ridge.

"The exposure the cooperative gives is great," she said. "Also, meeting other artists in the cooperative keeps you motivated. You learn from each other."

Tim Buerck, of Cape Girardeau, also is new to the cooperative and will be showing his photography.

"I needed a place to get started and to get my work out there," Buerck said. "I signed up with the cooperative for a year and I don't see any reason why I won't be here longer."

Like Gordon, Buerck enjoys meeting and being inspired by other artists in the cooperative.

"It's a good group made up of nice people," he said. "That's hard to find nowadays."

A charter member of the cooperative, Linda Buis of rural Perry County, said the Visual Arts Cooperative show is something special for Cape Girardeau.

"It's a wonderful draw for the downtown area," said Buis, who will be showing her oil paintings at the show. "It's an event that has really grown.

Buis also attributed her success as an artist to the cooperative.

"I have a following in the region because of it," she said.

Murielle Gaither, executive director of the Arts Council, said the annual Visual Arts Cooperative's show is one of the "neatest" displays held there.

"It's a great opportunity for the members of the cooperative to spread out and display pieces that they feel are most indicative of their personal style and talent," Gaither said. "Many of these artists don't actively display their artwork in other galleries or locations, and you will not find a more diverse group of artists displaying in the Cape Girardeau area."

The 11th annual Visual Arts Cooperative show will begin with a First Friday reception from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Arts Council. Refreshments will be served and entertainment will provided by Julie Walker, a contemporary folk artist.

For information on becoming a member of the Visual Arts Cooperative, contact Vicki Outman at vopastel@showme.net or contact the Arts Council at 334-9233.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

32 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO