Local writers gathered last Sunday at Gallery 102 on the town square in Lafayette for the annual Poetry & Prose exhibit. Several writers read pieces of their poetry and shared a bit about the origins of their pieces. Historian and poet Randy East spoke of the importance of such events.
“I really appreciate everyone that came out and supported today,†said East. “The arts council and Gallery 102 are valuable assets for Macon County. We do many things for so many here in our community. The art of writing is just one thing that we support and encourage through our organizations. We have entries from people as young as 16 all the way up to ages that we won’t mention,†East joked.
Artist and council member Kathy Eden, who also works for Gallery 102, spoke about the importance of what they do for the community.
“We are really proud of our gallery,†said Eden. “We love to see it growing, and we have begun featuring local artists’ work for a month during each quarter. This quarter our featured artist is Tina Melhus Coursey. We will also be featuring work by Bryan West. He suffered serious trauma due to meningitis. It left him basically in a vegetative state. He has worked his way back to enjoying a normal life through working with plastics. These are the things we celebrate, how life can be positively affected through art.
“As anyone can see when attending these Poetry & Prose events, writing is very therapeutic and very emotional. So, if you are stuck but wanting to write, write about something that inspires you, affects and touches you. We cannot continue without you, the writer, the artist, the supporter. This can only continue with the artist’s participation.â€
In speaking about the artwork at Gallery 102, East explained how supporting artists through buying their work, not only supports them, but the gallery as well.
“When people buy from the gallery, 25% of each sale goes to the gallery to help pay the bills that keep its doors open,†said East. “It is very important for the community to support in any way the can. The arts council and the gallery do so many things for the children in the community, it really is a good thing when people support the gallery. This is valuable, not only for the individual, but for everyone. Who doesn’t marvel at the talent in the work included here at the gallery? You would think this body of work was in a New York gallery just seeing it. I am very deeply proud and honored to be a part of the Macon County Arts Council. Art matters, and words matter.â€
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