Rusty Saber: Studio 55 Art group has a lot to offer

Look around our community; a lot of organizations are doing a lot of good things. Some of these organizations operate in the public spotlight, others don't generate a lot of publicity. One of the latter has come to the attention of the Rusty Saber: the Studio 55 Fine Arts Guild.

In the past, the Rusty Saber has focused attention on a couple of organizations on whose boards of directors I serve. Let me say that I'm not in any way affiliated with Studio 55. Besides, I'm not likely to become a member. I can't draw flies; that's how limited my artistic talent is.

Consisting of a wide array of visual fine artists over 55 years of age, Studio 55 aims to promote the talents of artists in that age category.

The group began in 1996 when the gerontology department of Southwest Missouri State University sponsored the Senior Art Exhibition. In the wake of the success of the exhibit, Dr. Bradley Fisher, head of the SMSU gerontology department, encouraged the senior artists to form a group; Studio 55 was born. Since then, the juried Senior Art Exhibit has become an annual event at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. As well, the group's only fundraiser, the Art in Garden Walk, has become an annual affair. In fact, this event is being held June 10-11. The early Rusty Saber deadline being what it is, readers may or may not read this in time to attend. However, selling tickets isn't the aim of this week's Rusty Saber; the aim is to inform my readers about a fascinating organization.

The fourth annual Art in the Garden Walk will offer a pleasant mix of art and the outdoors. In the past, a homeowner has volunteered garden and home as a unique museum for displaying Studio 55 members' original artwork, much of which is for sale. This year, two next-door neighbors in the 1500 block of East Portland have volunteered their adjoining backyard gardens. The Billie and Norm Shryer home and that of Tracy Payton, daughter McKenzi and mother, Jo Wilhoit, will have artwork displayed among a brilliant array of flowers and rock gardens on fences, lattices and easels.

I have attended this annual event, and I can report that the art and flower intermingling is a compelling experience. Should you read this in time to attend, it will be 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 10 and 1-6 p.m. June 11. The Harmony Barbershop Quartet (members of the Show-Me Statesmen Chorus and Springfield Arts Council) will sing at 2 p.m. each day while strolling among the art and flowers. Tickets are $3 per person with proceeds going to charity. Parking is provided by Westminster Presbyterian Church, which is across the street.

I first became aware of Studio 55 because a long time friend, Bill Wright, is a member. A retired salesman, Bill is a widely respected self-taught pen-and-ink artist. His specialty is drawing, with incredible detail, homes and historic buildings. According to Wright, most of the local over-55 artists are also self-taught, and took up art later in life. The public's reception of their output of art attests to the high quality of their work. "Self-taught" are not code words for less-than-quality artwork. Whether you see their art now or later, you must see it for yourself to realize how fine it is. Bill Wright said he is a member of Studio 55 because he can associate with others with artistic talents and share ideas. "Most are like me," he said, "they took up art late in life. We have a lot in common." When viewing Studio 55 members' artwork, it is instantly obvious that the major trait they share in common is a high level of creative talent.

The president of the group is Kay Peele. Oftentimes, artists who work in various meda are on hand to give demonstrations. Until recently, members also got together twice monthly to work at their art and offer encouragement to each other. Studio 55 is a Springfield treasure. It's worthwhile to get to know its members.

(Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University and a Springfield public relations consultant.)