Opening the door to Jackson art scene

A group of people wanted to open the door for artists in Jackson and have been doing so at the Steck House each week.

The Jackson Art Group, bent on bringing art to more people, began as an idea last summer and was officially formed in November. Since that time, it has exhibited art for the community to appreciate and purchase from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and extends hours and introduces new works on the second Saturday of each month for a 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. reception with punch and snacks.

First Presbyterian Church in Jackson loaned the building to the group, and while it is home to most of the Jackson Art Group's functions, the group hopes to branch out as it grows.

"We have several events in the works," vice president Carol Poole said.

Poole sets up the gallery on Fridays and heads up the selection of the Second Saturday featured artist.

An array of artwork by the Jackson Art Group is on display at their exhibit space in the Steck House in Jackson, Mo. (Kristin Eberts)

"One such event is a joint effort with the Iron Mountain Railroad," she said.

The group plans on joining with the Iron Mountain Railroad for a craft show in the spring. Poole said the historic locomotive will also have an art auction with pieces from the Jackson Art Group as well as other artists.

"It is all part of our goal to attract more attention to the art scene and help the community," Poole said.

The Second Saturdays are a key to that process. Jeneal Rogers, the group's president, views the Jackson Art Group's Saturday efforts as pivotal and wide-reaching.

"Like other local art receptions, we provided an atmosphere with quality art," she said. "But one difference in our gallery and our goals is to make the whole experience inviting for the whole family."

The Second Saturdays are a springboard for further family involvement the group has planned.

"We would like to have a branch of membership extended to students and find ways to include the elderly," Rogers said.

In part, the success of Second Saturdays and the group's future plans will depend on the passion of the eight members. That's no problem according to Poole.

"At January's Second Saturday one of the artists brought out the water colors and several of us just started creating," she said.

While interaction with the patrons is a key, it is also important to have a steady flow of new artists and their work.

To help this aspect, each Second Saturday features an Artist of the Month along with the works of many other local artists. On Saturday, Jeanie Keith, a tactile artist specializing in the crocheting of cloth wares, will fill that role. Keith's scarves and afghans will be on display until March 5.

Poole said Keith's show was chosen based on both skill and common sense.

"Jeanie is very talented, and it wouldn't make much sense to feature scarves in July," she said.

February's Second Saturday will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Steck House, 210 E. Washington St. in Jackson. The event is open to the public and refreshments are served.

The group is also holding a logo contest for area artists to submit a design to represent it.

For information on the contest or joining the group, contact Jeneal Rogers at 204-7115 and Carol Poole 382-3305.