Dozens of local artists showing their work at Roane Open Art Show this weekend

HARRIMAN — Just in time for Christmas, the 2013 Roane Open Art Show will take place this weekend, December 14-15, in the downtown Harriman building known as The Annex, at 431 N. Roane St. Free to the public, the show will feature dozens of local professional, accomplished amateur, and student artists displaying paintings, pottery, photography, textiles and various mixed-media works. Virtually all of the pieces on exhibit will be available for sale from the artists. The show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

"Roane County is rich with artistic talent,” ACRC vice-president Lyn Meany said. “The works being presented at 2013 Roane Open Art Show clearly demonstrate that fact and will provide visitors with a perfect break from the hubbub of their holiday preparations."

Judging the show will be Jan Hill, who has been prominent within the East Tennessee art scene for 35 years. A graduate in Art from Carson-Newman University, Hill has taught art in both the public school and private sectors. Cash and an array of prizes will be awarded to artists in several categories thanks to private sponsors and local businesses, including Eddie's Auto Body, the Rocky Top General Store, Ruby Tuesday's, and Citizens National Bank.

Produced in cooperation with the perennially popular Historic Harriman Tour of Homes, the Art Show is a designated stop on the tour, and each home on the tour will display a piece by one of the show's participating artists. These featured artists include Chuck Schwaner, Wayne Setser, Pam Fowler, Gloria Marine, Martha Raisanen, Katherine Moore, and Sherry Smith.

This is the second of what is planned to be an annual exhibition of work produced by the artists of East Tennessee. Although still a young group, the ACRC is generating much enthusiasm, not only in its dedicated volunteers, but also in local officials and organizations such as the Cornstalk Height Homeowners Community Organization, who recognize that active support of the arts is an investment in the future of Roane County. The use of this year's venue, formerly occupied by the Roane Medical Center, was graciously loaned by the City of Harriman.

"The City of Harriman has been outstanding in its support of the Arts Council,” Meany said. “As we seek the means to secure a permanent home, a center for all of the visual, performing, and literary arts in Roane County, we believe a building like the Annex exemplifies the kind of raw canvas from which we can create a center that will draw visitors even from beyond our County lines.”

Published December 13, 2013