Jackson Art Group celebrates a year

The Jackson Art Group celebrated its one-year anniversary this month with a veteran-themed gallery of works.

Over the past year, the group has kept busy holding monthly openings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every second Saturday. Openings are usually themed or feature the work of a local artist or group member and are held at the Steck House Gallery, which is owned by and next door to the First Presbyterian Church at 208 East Washington St.

After being together a year, the group's mission has remained the same: to promote advancement in the visual arts while educating the public and encouraging creativity. The group has provided art demonstrations and participated in community events such as this year's Art in the Park, which took place in July.

The group has introduced the public to art work from artists they may not be familiar with and also provided encouragement to artists in Jackson and the surrounding areas to further their creative efforts.

Over the next year, the Jackson Art Group hopes to attract new members to join the eight current participants. Adding new members will help the group host more events and participate in more community events.

"We're artists, we like to have fun," said Carol Poole, the group's vice president, who says they not only provide a way for members to sell their art but also establish good connections for aspiring artists.

"We teach each other," said Jeneal Rogers, president of the group.

Members have shared watercolor techniques with one another or demonstrated how they create a collage. Members often bring art supplies with them to openings and create works of art on the spot.

"It's inspiring to see other people work," Rogers said.

The group will display a Christmas-themed array of art inside the Steck House from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 with free coffee, hot cocoa and Christmas goodies and sale prices for December.

The group also plans to help paint and decorate display windows in uptown Jackson for the annual Christmas parade. The subject of the art work and window location is not yet finalized.

The Jackson Art Group is open to artists 18 and older. For more information, drop by one of the monthly openings held at the Steck House to make an appointment or contact Rogers at 204-7115 or Poole at 382-3305.

The group is building a website and hopes to have it up and running in time for its December show. Art viewings may also be scheduled by phone or people can stop by the First Presbyterian Church on Welcome Wednesdays between 9 and 11 a.m. for access to The Steck House gallery.