Local artists hold informal gathering

Hi neighbors. Thursday, my friend Doris and my future daughter-in-law Amber attended an open Art Share at the Art Shop on Cherry Street ran by Andrew McNair here in Nevada.

We walked about looking at the artwork on display.

There were several portraits in oil, a mixed media piece, some sculptures and some photographs. The main feature of the event was the relaxed atmosphere that quickly grew into friendly exchanges about art in its many forms.

Among the artists present were painters, sculptors, photographers, writers of fiction and non-fiction, song lyric writers and musical composers. All venues of the creative world of art were discussed and we realized that the creative process binds all artists no matter what art form they utilize.

As the talk progressed it became evident that we all feel that the Nevada and Vernon County community has many creative people whose talents cover every aspect of art.

We talked about how important word-of-mouth is in getting people to attend art shows, musical presentations, theater, dance and writing groups.

We all agreed that a meeting place for all of these groups of people was a real need in our community.

As the talk heated up in enthusiasm we all thought that the meetings would have to be casual, informal and open to all. One person said more people attend any function if they see at least one friendly face, one person there that they know.

Another person suggested that everyone tell at least one person to help get the word out when another Art Share could be scheduled.

I mentioned the Creative Writers Group and expressed my belief that one art form inspires others: art for books, essays to describe art, photographs for all genres of writing, etc.

It was an informative and enlightening experience and I certainly hope this type of shared creativity occurs again. Watch the newspaper for more of the same in the future.

If you have any creative endeavors I encourage you to share them. I think we often demean our own talents by thinking that what we do is not real art. Real art is bringing creativity into something tangible that others can share.

Even oratory is shared creativity expressed aloud. Music, through words and/or musical instruments touches the same strings of inspiration in the creator as in those hearing it.

Art can be expressed through any of the senses and should be appreciated as art in whatever form it is brought into creation.

If you have considered your own talents unremarkable, please reconsider. Whatever you create that others can share I consider art.

Also, I would encourage people to attend the Creative Writers Group which will meet again this next Monday, at the Nevada Public Library's meeting room at 10:30 a.m. Photography is connected to writing; any subject you can write about is connected to the art of writing. You only work in leather? Many bookbindings are leather. You only paint or draw? Many books and short stories are illustrated with these very things.

Some authors use song lyrics in their chapter headings of as part of the plot of their story or book.

Whatever type of creative tools you use to express you inner feelings, experiences or dreams all intertwine in the world of art.

My mother always said genealogy isn't about family trees; it's about creeping vines that not only move upward and outward, but also join together various branches. Art is a human expression and is intended to help all humans share experiences and feelings.

Until the next time friends remember, which is the better art? A quart jar of perfectly packed peach halves or a photo or painted canvass of the same? It's really a trick question because there is no difference. All are art -- but I'd suggest only eating the peaches in jar.