First-time art: Cedar Valley Artists to exhibit at ArtWorks Center
Published 6:05 pm Saturday, February 24, 2018
- Cedar Valley artist Robert Houff points out his work during a preview of the exhibit that will begin March 2 and runs through April 14 at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Houff is just one of 17 artists whose works will be on display. Deb Nicklay/deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com
For the first time, local artists from Cedar Valley Services will display their artwork in an exhibit at the Austin ArtWorks Center, March 2-April 14.
The 17 artists will show in various mediums, from acrylic paint and watercolor, to textile works and collage.
The exhibit will officially open with a reception at 5-7 p.m. on March 2 at the ArtWorks center. Running concurrently will be the annual Youth Art Show, featuring work done by elementary artists from Banfield, Neveln, Southgate and Sumner schools. The public is invited.
The artists, part of the Adult Seniors Program at CVS, have been taking courses at the center twice a month for the past two years, said instructor Jenelle Cummings.
Elaine Sprague has a bit of the whimsical in this piece. Deb Nicklay@deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com
“I knew it would be fun to watch and help them develop their styles,” Cummings said, adding that several of the group – who call themselves “Cedar Valley Artists” – show “great bravery … and courage” when creating new works.
“So many have really come into their own,” she said.
Laura Helle, executive director of the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, said Cummings is more of a director than a traditional teacher – and that formula has worked extremely well.
“You think of an art teacher as someone who shows you the steps, one, two, three, ‘This is how you do it,’” Helle said. “That’s not Janelle at all.”
Rather, Cummings has worked to guide the artists to discover their strengths, “and she just lets them go,” Helle said.
Robert Houff, said Cummings, is a good example. Not only is he prolific, he tries all sorts of techniques.
“I like the paint,” Houff said, standing next to an almost-height-high canvas awash with color and motion.
In the foreground are works by Cedar Valley artist Wayne Andree, who will have many pieces displayed. Deb Nicklay/deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com
Wayne Andree is another artist whose works pepper the display. He also enjoys painting, but his most expressive seems to be in watercolor.
Elaine Sprague said she loves all types of art, but “portraits are the best,” she said.
On Tuesday, artists gathered at the center to meet with media to discuss their works. Cummings said the two organizations came together “as a type of barter.”
In exchange for cleaning services, the art classes were offered — a partnership that has been satisfying to both. CVS adults are community members living with disabilities, and the non-profit agency provides opportunities for activities of work and community involvement. The agency serves over 550 people annually in southern Minnesota.
