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Merleville Watercolor Society to present new exhibition at Emporium Center

"Dory Moxie" by Lil Clinard
KNOXVILLE – Fifteen local artists, all members of the Merleville Watercolor Society will be featured by the Arts & Culture Alliance with a new exhibition at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from May 4-25, 2012.
Entitled "Merleville Watercolor Society Hangs It Up," the exhibit will feature original watercolors and oils.
An opening reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on May 4 from 5:00-9:00 PM.
The Merleville Watercolor Society first formed in 2007 when a small, eager group of art enthusiasts met at the home of Merle Hancox-Stair in Maryville. Merle, a seasoned artist, and Kay Alexander, a budding artist, had previously met at a workshop in Boone, North Carolina and discussed the idea of a painting group with whom to improve their watercolors and to encourage one another to develop their individual style. Over the past five years, this initial group of seven artists has grown to include fifteen members.
The first priority of Merleville Watercolor Society is to "leave your ego at the door." At the bi-weekly meetings, artists work on their own paintings and solicit advice and critiques from fellow members. They share new techniques learned at workshops attended by group members and occasionally attend workshops as a group or meet at specific locations for painting sessions. Most members have studied under well-known artists at workshops in Tennessee and other states; upon their return, they show work produced during those sessions and answer questions about what they've learned that could be helpful to fellow members. "Encouragement is a big part of what we do," says artist Jane Pearce. "We've watched each other mature and improve dramatically since the group first convened."
"Merleville Watercolor Society Hangs it Up" will be on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, May 5, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Published April 23, 2012
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