Past: 13th Annual Visual Arts Cooperative Three-Gallery Show

The Southeast Missouri Arts Council will host a reception for the 13th Annual Visual Arts Cooperative’s three-gallery show on Friday, April 3rd from 5 to 9 p.m.. Their exhibit will be on display through April 25 in the Jean A. Chapman and Lorimier Galleries, and Gallery 100 at the Arts Council. The Visual Arts Cooperative presents a multitude of artistic styles and a wide range of media including most all types of paint media, graphic art, sculpture and ceramics, fabrics, collage and mixed media, and photography/digital art. Examples of their work can be seen on Facebook by searching for the Visual Arts Cooperative.

The annual exhibit, which displays around 150 full size works plus a large collection of miniatures, is a chance to showcase the talents of the 49 Visual Arts Cooperative artists. This year marks the beginning of the thirteenth year the organization has been together, working tirelessly to promote the arts in the Southeast Missouri region. To commemorate this special occasion, local musician Dan Wiethop, who plays guitar, banjo, harmonica and autoharp, will perform during the reception. Introductions of new members and board members will occur at 6:00 p.m.

The Visual Arts Cooperative was founded by Dr. Jean Chapman and Dr. Edwin Smith, and was formed in conjunction with the Arts Council’s move to its current location in Downtown Cape Girardeau. The group offers the opportunity for members to show and sell their artwork on a continuing basis. When the original idea of a Visual Arts Cooperative was conceived, Dr. Chapman stated, "Our goal is to show art of the highest quality produced locally.” The Jean A. Chapman Gallery at the Arts Council provides a permanent venue for the group of artists, and is changed on a monthly basis to exhibit new pieces.

Visual Arts Cooperative window exhibitors for the month of April are Don Greenwood, Helen Towner, and Tara Caldwell.

Food for this reception will generously be supplied by the Visual Arts Cooperative to commemorate their 13th Annual show at the Arts Council. Wine and other beverages will also be available and offered to visitors for a small donation.

Join other arts patrons and supporters in congratulating the Visual Arts Cooperative on the commencement of their thirteenth year on Friday, April 3 at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, located at 32 North Main Street in Cape Girardeau, MO. The gallery is also open Tuesday- Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.