BIG ART SHOW ON DISPLAY TODAY; WICKHAM TO DONATE PERCENTAGE OF THE GROSS TO CHURCH'S ORGAN FUND

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Cox Memorial Hall today, the artwork of Herb Wickham can be viewed and purchased at the Pretty-Big Small-Town Biennial Art Show.

Part of the money will be used to help New McKendree United Methodist Church refurbish the console of an organ that they have had since the 1970s.

Wickham will donate 25 percent of the gross before expenses for the organ fund.

There are 51 paintings and drawings for sale at the show that will remain open during the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wickham's work consists of paintings and drawings that he has completed in the last two years and mostly reflect scenes from the area.

Some of the paintings are of Scotland where Wickham recently traveled.

Wickham mixed a Jackson sunset with an old Scottish Abbey to achieve the desired affect.

With every painting Wickham has a story to tell.

Wickham usually photographs his subjects and does a sketch drawing on site. From there he will do a detailed drawing.

After he has worked out any problems in the drawing he will sit down to paint the scene.

He said that once he sits down at the easel, the painting doesn't take long and is the easiest part of the process.

Wickham's paintings and drawings sell for $100-600 for the most part.

He said his hobby is a money losing venture, but he likes what he does.

This is his third solo art show he has put on since he retired from the Jackson School District as an art teacher in 1991.

During the week art classes from Jackson schools will visit the show.

Wickham will paint a painting while the show is on display.

He said he expects more than 300 people to be on hand for the show's opening.

Over 600 invitations have been sent out and a large crowd from the New McKendree United Methodist Church congregation is expected on Sunday.