Marshall County Art Guild – a great treasure for the county
By Patty Blackburn
The Marshall County Art Guild was established in 1977. It is a membership association and its mission is to promote and support the visual arts and local artists throughout Marshall County.
Brenda Hayes’ Bella Glenn Jewelry on display. Photo by Patty Blackburn
Membership is available to both artists and those wishing to provide support for the Art Guild and its mission. The Art Guild’s membership keeps those connected to the creative community and it gives an opportunity to have conversations with other artists and like-minded creative people.
Members receive discounts for art classes and other offerings and members have a voice and the opportunity to be part of a leadership of the organization. Members can also exhibit and sell artwork in the gallery. Member artists are able to provide their expertise, works, volunteer time and personal donations to support the Art Guild and other area non-profits.
Sheila Collins’ wooden items at the Marshall County Art Guild. Photo by Patty Blackburn
The Marshall County Art Guild offers exceptional classes for all ages. This year, free sampler art classes are offered to give those interested in an opportunity to sample classes before taking the full class. Such classes are Wood Work-Whittle Flowers, Pour Paint, Macrame, Pysanky Eggs, Glass Art, Jewelry Making Basics, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Watercolor Basics. All classes are announced monthly and will be listed on the FB page or call the number listed below.
One fun class that is scheduled is the “Fun with Florals” class with Shelia McMillin starting March 7 at 6 p.m. Materials or pre-existing skills are not required. There will be one class each month until December, except for July, and the class will be held on the first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. The fee is $20 per student.
“Make it with Margot” arts and crafts classes are on Wednesdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Kids’ art classes with “Art by Autry” are so fun for the kids. Pre-register by phone or email marshallcountyartguild@gmail.com or in person at 107 W. Commerce St. Each class is $20 which includes all supplies and a snack.
Drawing classes with Brandie’s Studio is held on the last Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Brandie Liggett is a very talented artist who once was a student at the Marshall County Art Guild.
Margret Thomas instructs classes such as oil painting basics. Students have stated the classes are awesome and they learn so much from her.
The “Art Journal Joy” classes with Joyce R. Siedler are held on the third Saturday of each month, except holiday weekends, 1 to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required at the gallery or with the instructor and the class fee is $10 per student. The next class will be March 15, 1 to 4 p.m. Any youth under 14 must be with a parent.
These are only a few instructors and classes that are mentioned. Many others devote their time to instruct and support the Art Guild.
Mini-camps are offered when school is not in session and these camps are posted on the website and FB page. These camps have instruction in painting, sewing, and many other interests for children.
In the Marshall County Art Guild, members have on display paintings, sketches, etc. that are for sale. Also in the back room, are other items that are handmade and available to be purchased, such as, Brenda Hayes’ Bella Glenn line of jewelry; Sheila Collins’ wooden pieces that she handcrafted; Margot Wilson’s crocheted pretties, just to name a few. All are on display and are for sale. The gallery receives a commission from all sales. These items in the gift shop, make great gifts. Plan to visit if you haven’t already been through the gallery and gift shop.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Marshall County Art Guild or would like to view the paintings and look through the gift shop, the hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 931-422-7049 www.marshallcountyartguild.org
