by Pat Kerns

Patricia Garey is September's Spotlight member artist. When contemplating what she wanted to present she decided to continue her series of Mississippi River Valley paintings. These large, powerful paintings are executed in acrylics and complement her smaller watercolors that often feature everyday life and the river valley landscapes in and around Hannibal.

Patricia earned a degree in Fine Arts but like many graduates she discovered that life led her in a different direction with little or no time for engaging in her art. She promised herself that the day would come she would paint every day. Today she is thrilled that she can fulfill that promise most days. In that not quite retired portion of her business career she works with business people she sometimes works with business professionals in transition. “I often see executives contemplating retirement with no idea what to do next,” she says. “It reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to actively pursue my art!”

Patricia is inspired by the work of Midwest artists such as Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, even Norman Rockwell who spent many summers painting in Hannibal. A few years ago she was surprised when a friend told her that she dreaded driving across the Midwest because the landscape was so boring. “Why doesn't she just look up?”, Patricia thought. “The Midwest skies, rising above the plains are like a magnificent kaleidoscope; the colors and shapes are constantly shifting.” Patricia feels blessed to live and work in the Mississippi River Valley, she hopes her paintings allow others to re-examine the beautiful vistas of the midwest.

There will be an opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with an artists’ talk at 6:00. This event is free and open to the public. A drawing for artwork will take place at 6:30. You do not need to be present to win…just stop in the Alliance Art Gallery anytime that day and register.