Springfield Regional Art Council – September 2015

Each year, the SRAC’s Visual Arts Committee selects a group of exceptional artists from the Members Show to present a larger sample of their individual artistic vision. This year’s exhibition of “Caught My Eye” will feature artwork from seven exceptionally talented artists.

• H.E. Croan brings an acrylic ink series to the exhibition. Croan says, “I create characters and stories from seemingly insignificant splatters of paint.” Using water and drip ink on watercolor paper, Croan creates washes and splatters of color that become the images that make up the finished product.

•  Mary Anne Gotheridge will display her current body of work, which reveals the places of solitude and loneliness that Gotheridge has found while living in the Ozarks. Gotheridge has lived in large cities for most her of her life, but moved to Highlandville, MO four years ago.

• Josh Mitchell is a self-supporting, prolific artist who uses high-resolution format cameras to create bold and modern color designs and landscapes. His nature panoramas are often described as “one of a kind moments.”

• Janelle Patterson’s work juxtaposes high contrast architecture over bold, expressive backgrounds. “Bright color and high contrast have been the basis for many of my pieces over the last several years,” Patterson says, “These paintings allow me to meld my imagination and my reality.”

• Ann Marie Rausch’s work features bright colors with dark outlines defining each shape. While Rausch’s work is inspired by a wood cut look, her work is reminiscent of the idea of coloring books. Rausch describes herself as a colorist, someone who not only colors but deals with color.

• Christie Snelson will introduce her miniseries “Treat Yo’self SGF” at the exhibit. The miniseries features “a handful of sweet treats” that celebrates the best desserts in Springfield. Snelson depicts doughnuts, ice cream, chocolate, and more through her miniseries in a fun and colorful way.

• Stephen “Stu” Sturgis is a local artist who is known for his comics, paintings, drawings, computer art, and music. Sturgis has published comics in the Springfield News-Leader, created band flyers, been rejected by The New Yorker on a regular basis, and is available for commissions.

Over 18 months, NEAT formulated a plan. A 501(c)3 eligible fund was opened with the Stockton Community Foundation while an artist was being sought. Donations from local and area citizens and the discovery of Jacob Dean, metal sculptor from Cedar City, Utah, led to the commissioned “Eagle” piece which now floats majestically over its rocky home. “Eagle” is an original, one-of-a-kind piece. Made from welded metals and stainless steel, it should be part of the community for many generations to come.

A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, August 27 to celebrate the artist and the community. Since the first piece is done, NEAT will now formulate final plans for the next phase of the art trails. In addition to the continued support of the collaborating entities, NEAT hopes for continuing donations to the fund. Donations may be made in cash, credit card online, or check to NEAT, P.O. Box 105, Stockton, MO 65785; or visit the Stockton Community Foundation website. Real estate, art, and other types of assets also may be used as a donation.

NEAT is a collaboration of the Stockton Community Foundation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce, Stockton Trails Initiative Coalition, and Stockton High School.