In the Gallery: July 2008

At a designated time in July, the whine of fireworks is frequently heard. The sound evaporates and is replaced by a colorful explosion of scintillating rainbows trickling down to re-awaken the spirit in work-weary souls. Each pyrotechnic event is unique, yet together they create an awesome celebration, and "eye candy feast". In the designated month of July, the Mary Bishop Memorial Art Gallery introduces a cool "fireworks display" of THE ARTISTS GOEBEL, Kim, Rachel and Rebecca. Each artistic piece is unique, yet together they create an "eye candy feast" and celebration of family talent meant to joyfully re-awaken heat-weary souls. The most predominant force behind this family profusion of colorful beauty and talent is definitely, Kim. Blest with an innate love of nature and art, Kim reveled in sharing her joy with her two daughters, hoping it would stimulate their own innate talents. When Kim's girls were small, she enjoyed working on art projects to give as gifts to loved ones on special occasions. The gift would be especially appreciated, because of the budding artistic hands that created the project. On Kim's busiest day, the girls simply couldn't understand why they couldn't "help" mom with her art projects. Kim has been teaching art to kindergarten through fifth grade students at Sugar Creek Elementary School for the past 22 years. In her free time she loves to experiment with pastels, paint with watercolors, dyeing fabric and painting scenes on fabric that she will later quilt. She paints as realistically as possible and pays close attention to detail. For commission, Kim paints pastel pet portraits from owner's photographs. Riding horseback thrills her. Teaching riding lessons to interested children and adults is the frosting on the cake. Aren't we blessed to have this Renaissance woman living right here in our midst! hen first daughter Rachel was born, infused with a lovely bouquet of creative genes, it didn't take long for this talent to bloom. At only two, Rachel drew an outstandingly realistic spider unassisted, really impressing her mother. That drawing is now carefully preserved in Rachel's baby book. While at CHS, under the tutelage of art teacher Sheila McCormick, Rachel's artistic skills matured even further. She learned to express herself more fully in drawing, painting and sculpture, but her real artistic love turned out to be photography. She learned to develop her own negatives and make photographic prints in the darkroom. Her favorite photographic subjects include her friend, Amanda, Sister Rebecca and a menagerie of animals. A recent CHS graduate, Rachel is more than ready to try her wings at college. Whether or not art will play a part in her future is unimportant. What is important is her early exposure to nature and art at her mother's knee. According to Kim, second daughter Rebecca, a sophomore at CHS, is also a talented artist, though she doesn't feel as talented as her big sisterl. As a child, Rebecca loved to draw and paint, most especially when making unique and unusual gifts for her dad, Tennessee Grandma and other relatives at Christmas or holidays. With her mom and sister "Becca" she created "special" keepsakes, lovingly cherished by recipients. "Uncensored artistic spontaneity flowing from small loving hands is always the most precious gift", Kim says. You will see some of these mementos in the exhibit. "Becca" enjoys volleyball and basketball even more than art. Though Rebecca has made other choices for now, Kim is pleased that she has been exposed to the fundamentals of art if she ever does want it in her future, even as a hobby.

As a compliment to the work of the Artists Goebel, the Gallery Display Cases are filled to the brim with "old", interesting and unusual items from the collections of members of Crawfordsville's own ANTIQUE STUDY CLUB. This still-active club has been a staple in Crawfordsville society for as long as club history and current members can remember. Happily missing are the historic days when prospective members were required to pass a "white glove" test before being approved for membership. Whew, glad that's disappeared! Though much more relaxed today, these women are no less passionate about anything and everything having to do with "antiques", and take great joy in sharing what they have, and what they know about what they have, with others. A few of the exquisite pieces in this "fireworks exhibit" include Japanese Dragonware (Lithoplanes), an everyday white silk kimono, nineteenth century pottery, Flo Blue stoneware, a plethora of Madam Alexander Dolls, Parian white biscuit porcelain, Jewel Tea Company's Hall China, the old East Main Street Baxter Drugstore's soda fountain memorabilia and many things oriental and more. The club's purpose is to further the interest in and appreciation of all things "old". You name it, if it is old; this group has studied it at one time or another. Except for January, the Antique Study Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm in a member's home. Each meeting begins with a short business meeting, features a lesson prepared by a club member on a subject of her choosing and refreshments. Once a year, the group takes an "antique journey" to a special interest destination where everyone can enjoy and share in an "antiquated" experience. Membership is open to anyone with a love of or interest in learning about and antiques. Dues are $5.00 per year. The group boasts 19 members and 2 honoraries.

Do come to the Library to enjoy this exquisite double fireworks festival, direct from the creative hands of the ARTISTS GOEBEL and the collective hands of the ANTIQUE STUDY CLUB. You definitely won't be sorry!

Written by Diane Hammill