Visual Arts Cooperative to pay tribute to late local artist at annual show

April's First Friday celebration at The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri will have a special meaning and dedication this year: It is dedicated to Herb Wickham.

Wickham and his wife, Nancy, a local couple married nearly 58 years, last month passed away just a week apart. Herb Wickham was a charter member of the Visual Arts Cooperative, which is mounting a show in all three galleries -- the Jean Chapman Gallery, the Lorimier Gallery and Gallery 100 -- at the Arts Council, 32 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau.

The cooperative generally shows work in a single gallery, but once a year it expands with exhibits in all three gallery spaces. This will be its 12th annual All-Gallery Show.

Although this is the 12th year for the show, each one varies greatly, according to Vicki Outman, artist and cooperative treasurer. "We try to collect different artists, so the work varies," said Outman, who was a friend of the Wickhams. She believes this year's show is a "diverse group and a diverse viewing."

Herb Wickham was an artist who was regularly featured at the gallery showings. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, he taught art at Poplar Bluff, Mo., and then Jackson high schools, retiring in 1991. He was also the football coach, insisting that his players take art. According to Outman, this made many boys learn to appreciate and to create art.

"He was just a very enjoyable person," Outman said.

The 12th Annual All Gallery Show will be showing more than 200 pieces from the 50-plus artists who are members of the cooperative, plus at least one of Herb Wickham's pieces, Outman said.

The Frist Friday reception, from 5 to 9 p.m., will include a dedication to Herb Wickham and information about the Herbert F. Wickham III Memorial Scholarship Fund around 6 p.m.

In addition, a Saturday social at the gallery, open to the public from 1 to 3 p.m., will include refreshments and a meet-and-greet with some artists whose artwork is on display during the show, which runs through April 26. Some residents of the Chateau Girardeau retirement community will board a shuttle to attend the Saturday event.

The Visual Arts Cooperative was founded by Dr. Jean Chapman, who passed away in 2009, to promote the work of local artists and to give local artists a place to show their work. Craig Thomas is the current president of the organization. Co-op artists' work includes sculpting, a variety of painting, fiber arts, photography and more.

There is a waiting list for co-op membership, and those who wish to apply for membership may submit a letter of interest to Vicki Outman, 385 Kaskaskia Lane, Jackson, MO 63755.

The gallery also is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Pertinent address:

25 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau MO