Still Life

On display in the Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery at the Columbia Art League

April 23 - June 6

Reception: April 26, 6 - 8 pm / Free entry + open to the public

Awards will be announced during the reception at 6:45 pm!

Juror’s Statement

“While I find immense value in the work that is beautifully rendered or work that adorns a space, I focused on “still-life” as being the evidence of slowing down and noticing. In my selections I looked for narratives that show an artist slowing down to notice the mundane in a new light and moments where the artist has asked me as a viewer to slow down and sit in a moment with them.”

- Andrea Simon, Visiting Professor in Art, University of Central Missouri

Congratulations to the ribbon winners!

1st place: Tootie Burns, Orange in a Box

2nd place: Kate Shipova, Tactile Light

3rd place: Ken Johnson, Monolith

Honorable Mentions:

Shea Stewart, Jesse Exit

Ashley Grupe, Assorted Buttons

Michelle Marcum, Our Still Life

Ken Logsdon, A Matter of Time

Jadi Davis, Knitting Handspun Yarn

Ruthie Moccia, Missouri Mules

Amy Klein, Red Beans in Colander

Pam Gainor, Fruit of the Earth

Still Life is a testament to the power of observation. Through the use of light, color, and composition, artists highlight inanimate objects, challenging us to pause and appreciate the hidden narratives within. This show invites you to reflect on the beauty surrounding us in our everyday lives, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of our modern world.

Still Life is a juried show open to all artists 16+ years old, all media welcome.

Erin and Nick Potter

Nick and Erin, Erin and Nick

On display in the South Gallery at the Columbia Art League

April 2 - April 27, 2024

Reception: Thursday, April 18th, 5:30 - 7 pm

Artists’ Statement

Nick and I started making collaborative art in 2015. We made mixed media work, installations, and screen-printed posters for concerts under the name Potter Press. The way we make work together is constantly evolving, even after nearly two decades. Collaborative art is unique, exciting, and often very frustrating. It takes a lot of trust, communication, agreement, and surrender. You must understand and respect what your partner produces. As we have gotten older our own individual styles have diverged, making it more difficult to work together. We realized one of us must come up with the concept or direct the piece, rather than expecting something to organically come about with 50/50 input. For this show we decided to have half the show be pieces that one of us initially started, and the other would finish or add on to it. Each of our pieces has a figure by one of us, then we pass it to one another to make marks. In this way we can see how differently the styles of the pieces become, even if we both work on them, depending on which one of us began the piece. The first person to begin the piece sets the tone and the other tries to utilize their own styles to blend and compliment the existing work. 

JD King

On display in the hallway of Central Bank of Boone County in downtown Columbia

March 29 - May 3, 2024

Artist Statement

I am a mid to late Twentieth and early Twenty-First Century moderately realistic graphic artist. I paint in watercolor and oils from direct observation and from photographs that I mostly take myself. My work has been influenced by the Impressionists, the Post-Impressionists, the Photo-realists, the Surrealists, and an abundance of other people working in several mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, thriller novels, and all kinds of venues in this complex and beautiful world. We have in this time in history known as “Western Civilization” the almost immediate ability to share ideas and personal views and be seen and heard by other people all over the world. It has been my experience that if I work hard enough and pay attention to whatever it is I might be interested in I can usually come up with something that satisfies my sense of quality, beauty, and truthfulness and can express what it is that I am trying to get across.

We live in an age where we are constantly barraged with all kinds of information. We are expected to keep that cell phone charged and on. One would think that having exposure to all this knowledge about the past and what’s going on “RIGHT NOW!” would be a terrific advantage in making discourse of any kind about life and its various existential questions. This sometimes seems a major challenge after all these other geniuses have shared their slant on the collective consciousness. I have known of artists who sought to express themselves and wandered around in circles in a field, wondering just what they were trying to accomplish. Some made it back out of the weeds and some didn’t. The question seems to come up, “Does anybody really care?” 

This always seems to be a basic question of anyone trying to be truthful with the business of self-expression and the interpretation of reality. I think if we look hard enough and long enough and have faith in some kind of divine providence we usually are rewarded with a sense of truth in our efforts and that the process and the work in this regard are worth the effort.

Artist Bio

My first introduction to making art was at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri where I attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Painting and Ceramics as a double major. Later in life, I studied with Frank Stack, Brooke Cameron, and Jerry Berneche at the University of Missouri and graduated with a Master of Fine Art in oil painting and watercolor. I had a showing of my work at one of the last shows at Legacy Art and Book Works here in Columbia, called Night Visions where I sold 13 of the 16 watercolors of various scenes of neon lights in various cities in Missouri from my photos taken at night. I did a mural in downtown Columbia at a favorite Tex-Mex restaurant noted for its nighttime menu after hours called, “El Rancho”. I have been making art in one form or another for 50 years and have never compromised my talents or gotten tired of them. I am married to a wonderful woman who also happens to be my best friend. I am happy to be alive and look forward to another day every day upon awakening.

Discovering the Charm of 'Tiny Things'

Hello! This is Faith the intern, writing about CAL’s current exhibit, Tiny Things.

In a world that often seems larger than life, there's something captivating about the miniature. From small sculptures to tiny paintings, 'Tiny Things' at Columbia Art League offers a unique perspective on art and storytelling. The annual exhibit celebrates the beauty and intricacy of small-scale art, inviting you to explore the world in a new light.

Adrian Paladi, Unsinkable

As I walked through the gallery, I was immediately drawn to the intricate details of the artwork on display. Each piece invites us to take a closer look, revealing a world of craftsmanship and creativity. From little landscapes to tiny figurines, the artists have captured a sense of wonder and whimsy that captivates the imagination.

My favorite pieces in the exhibit have to be the miniature rooms, each telling its own story. As we peer through tiny windows, we are transported to different times and places, from a nostalgic childhood bedroom to sophisticated table settings. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every object carefully placed to create a sense of realism and depth.

Isabella Shah, Not So Living Room

While making my way through the exhibit, I couldn’t help but be struck by the impact of these 'Tiny Things'. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, these miniature artworks offer a sense of calm and contemplation. They remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the small things, whether that is a delicate flower or a quiet moment of reflection.

Not only did Tiny Things leave me with a sense of awe and inspiration, but it has also reminded me of the power of art to transport us to different worlds and perspectives. It has shown me that even the smallest of things can have a big impact if we take the time to notice them. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, take a moment to appreciate the 'Tiny Things' that make life so beautiful.

Brandy Tieman, The Alienation of Being Small.jpg

brandy

C. Ruth Neudahl, Ancestor Reliquary Ring.jpg

ruth neudahl

Fred Schollmeyer, A Boy and His Dog.jpg

Fred schollmeyer

Patti Cantu, Spring Brings Butterflies.jpeg

Rachel Nichols, Espresso Cups.jpg

Richard Hoeppner, Jesse's Hat.jpg

rich hooppner

Bloom

On view behind the front desk at the columbia art league

Curatorial Statement

There are many answers to the question, what is a plant? A root system, a stem, a leaf, a pet, a child, a cultural zeitgeist (in the case of the ever-popular succulent and monstera plant). The function of the plant is murky. Historically, it could be summed up as a means of survival: cultivation of plants produces food, which sustains populations. But plants are easily influenced by their environments and the care taken towards them, which makes them so much more than a simple survival mechanism.

Vines grow wild in places abandoned by humans, wildflowers appear every spring in my local park. These plants are wild; we are taught to exist alongside them in awe and fear. Orchids are kept in pristine condition in nurseries all over the world, and my ancient aloe plant from high school still scrapes by in a plant stand by my living room window. These plants are tame; we live alongside them as friends. The aesthetic qualities of each are different, but we find beauty in both the cultivated bouquet at the florist and the feral English Ivy growing on the building outside.

Bloom attempts to explore these modes of beauty and our relationship to plants through the work of local artists Diane Chappell and Mzeona Iagorashvili. Both artists depict flora in ways that bridge the line between delicate and bold, the soft and the chaotic; in many ways, they depict the essence of the plants themselves. Through these artworks, we can begin to ponder how plants do not just help us survive,
but also help us thrive.

Curated by Bella Reed, Gallery Intern at CAL

Eric Ordway

There and Back Again: A Potter’s Tale

On display in the South Gallery at the Columbia Art League

March 4 - march 30, 2024

ARTIST STATEMENT

I explore the joy of inheriting the legacy of a 150-year-old heritage family farm and historical Scandinavian folk traditions. My forms echo the rich practice of working the land: soft-formed, curving clay walls reminiscent of rolling hills, carved ridges like plow-scraped fields, meet gentle, undulating wave-like rims. Working with my body is a sacred experience. Using a kickwheel is an intuitive, meditative encounter. My feet propel the wheel, capturing the slow, rhythmic movement of my legs juxtaposed by the sharp vertical textures in the form. As I toil with my hands in the clay, I contemplate my ancestors laboring with their hands in the earth, wood, stone, and bone. Researching Scandinavian decorative folk traditions from the 1700s and historical objects from the Viking age, I reconnect with my heritage apart from the stories told by a tight-knit family steeped in tradition, dogma, and expectations of conformity.

I ruminate on the qualities of touch as the work goes through the process of an atmospheric firing. As the physical flame billows, rolls, and swells, it scars the surface revealing how the work was marked. I celebrate qualities of touch found in the kiln and everyday common experiences. Through day-to-day use, the user is pleasantly surprised by the work, connecting with and finding joy through simple encounters. My work unites the farmer and the academic at a common table, evoking a timeless truth: the glorious can be found in the mundane, and the divine in the common.

ARTIST BIO

Eric Ordway was born and raised near Columbia, MO. He was first exposed to pottery while attending school at Moberly Area Community College in 2006. Eric continued to study clay at Colorado State University-Pueblo. After graduating with his BFA in 2013, Eric began working as a post-baccalaureate student at the University of Missouri (MU). While there, he made soda-fired pottery while researching green glazing and sgraffito techniques. 

In 2015, Eric was awarded a residency at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, FL. During this time, Eric also taught ceramics to students at Berkeley Preparatory School, where he discovered his passion for teaching. Eric then returned to MU to earn his MFA in 2019, where he researched thrown and altered techniques that he continues to practice in his studio. 

After graduating, Eric went on to teach ceramics at Truman State University for three years. During this time, he also worked at Access Arts, a local nonprofit art organization in Columbia, MO, as the Department Head of Ceramics. Some of his most recent accomplishments includes being selected as a 2023 Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist, he was one of 21 artists to receive this recognition from 760 national and international entries, and being selected to exhibit at the 2023 & 2024 NCECA Annual Exhibitions.

Eric exhibits his work at the regional, national, and international levels. He currently works at the University of Missouri’s School of Visual Studies as the Fine Arts Technician & Adjunct Professor and lives in Columbia, MO with his wife, Chelsea, and their dog, Lily.

Tiny Things

On display in the Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery at the Columbia Art League

February 27 - April 4, 2024

Reception: March 8, 6-8 pm (free and open to the public)

Ribbons will be given out at the reception

Congratulations to the ribbon winners!

First Place: Lina Forrester, The Greenhouse⁠
Second Place: Kira Rinehart, Orange⁠
Third Place: Tom Stauder, Vessel with Threaded Lid⁠
Honorable Mentions
Mzeona Iagorashvili, Lemon Lime⁠
Cheryl Hardy, Damaged Beyond Repair⁠
Rebecca DeCourley, Untitled (silver swirl)⁠
Katie Barnes, Different is Beautiful ⁠
Marika Estrapala, Gradient Grains⁠

Juror Statement

I had the wonderful opportunity to be this year’s juror for the Tiny Things exhibition at CAL. I’ve always been impressed by artists who can create small-scale works of art, as they require a great deal of skill, attention to detail, and precision. It was refreshing to see so many submissions from both established and emerging artists working in a wide range of mediums. As I reviewed each submission, I asked myself several questions, such as whether the work evokes any emotions and whether the details are well-considered, composed, designed, and/or crafted. Is the work fully resolved and finished? Based on these criteria, I selected a diverse set of captivating artworks. I’d like to express my gratitude to CAL for their hard work in organizing the exhibition and making it easy for me to carry out my duties as a juror. To the artists who submitted their work, I commend you and thank you, as taking the first step is often the most challenging. I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Tiny Things exhibition!

Danielle Langdon

Associate Professor of Art

Interim Chair, Department of Visual Arts & Music

Columbia College

All artworks in this show are limited to 8” x 8”, including frame. Artists are challenged and inspired to create something tiny in physical size, but still powerful and touching in impact and emotion. Changing our perspective and viewpoint in one way can lead us to see our entire world in expansive ways. Size isn’t everything; so what is it really, and how does it impact the creation, vision, and enjoyment of art?

Jewell Cundiff

On Display in the Hallway of Central Bank of Boone County in Downtown Columbia

February 16 - March 29, 2024

Artist Statement

... is a voluntary effort to satisfy an involuntary urge.

Whether two-dimensional,

three-dimensional

or ethereal

the desired intent

of the artistic expression

is to disconnect the observer

from the reality

arrived with...

to capture

to entertain

to supercede one's conscious presence

with new information

in total departure

from one's accustomed rhythms

to provide an escape

from the overwhelming, totally encompassing now into

a free-falling state of uninhibited, limitless experience

where artistic expression

induces calculated, spontaneous excursions

beyond memorable experience

without the burden of consequence

Jewell Edward Cundiff

Artist Bio

Jewell Edward Cundiff was born November 15, 1946, in Boonville, Missouri. He was a gifted musician and received a B.S. Degree in Commercial Art from Central Missouri State University in 1968.

Following four years in the US Navy, he worked briefly as a commercial artist for a small appliance manufacturing company and produced the art for the first small appliance selected for the cover of the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog.

In 1974 he began freelancing as J.E. Cundiff, a Designer specializing in site-specific homes, and resumed painting in earnest to be featured in his own home. Although he chose to devote his efforts to Architecture, winning awards and creating a large volume of some of the area’s finest homes, he continued selling art through local galleries. He received the 2023 “Award of Excellence” at Art Santa Fe.

Jewell sees Art, Architecture, and Music as innately related forms of artistic expression.

His art has been displayed at Artexpo New York, 2021, 2022, 2023, SPECTRUM MIAMI, 2021, M.A.D.S. Galleries in Milan, Italy and Fuerteven, Spain, 2021, Red Dot Miami 2023 and Dallas, Texas 2023, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, NY, The Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Sedalia, MO, and Art Santa Fe 2023.

Feasting on Art: An Intern's View on The Devour Reception

By Faith McClain

Ken Nichols, A Picture of My Brain Making Healthy Choices, Acrylic on canvas

Hello! My name is Faith, I am the newest intern at Columbia Art League. I am a senior at the University of Missouri studying art and art history. I had the pleasure of starting my internship the same week of the Devour reception. In fact, it was my first day in the gallery!

On January 19th, after my first full day of intern life at CAL, I stayed to attend the reception of Devour, and I am so glad I did. There was an incredible turnout, despite the frigid temperatures, and everyone seemed so excited to be back for the first show of the year. The energy and atmosphere were so warm and welcoming, with the local artists near to talk about their work, volunteers to answer any logistical questions and the patrons who stimulated great conversations about the exhibit and local art in general.

Willa Campbell, Heavy Syrup, Mixed media

I attended the reception of the deliciously themed exhibit with two of my friends. We started our evening by grabbing a few snacks to kick off our perusing. It was such a surreal experience walking around the gallery where I work, answering all my friends’ questions, and sharing that side of my life with them. I started by explaining the inspiration behind Devour, an exhibit that showcases work influenced by “dishes that are so delectable, so delicious that something ravenous awakens”, and how it coincides with another event, Let Them Eat Art where local chefs create appetizing dishes for guests to enjoy that are inspired by a specific piece of art from the show.

Sofia Heredia, Strawberries in Chocolate, Colored pencils

One of my friends found themselves drawn to Willa Campbell’s Heavy Syrup, a beautiful mixed media piece that centers a peach. My friend talked about the delicacy and femininity she felt in the piece through the pink shades and soft textures, but what truly caught her eye was the glittery drippings of the syrup on the peach. My other friend was more captivated by Strawberries in Chocolate, a photo-realistic, colored pencil drawing by Sofia Heredia. My friend was enamored with the details of the drawing, calling attention to the leaves of the strawberries and the beautiful, marbled chocolate the strawberry appears to be dipped in.

Curtis Hendricks, Lobster Roll Jazz, Photographical digital art

My friends and I had a wonderful time absorbing the art displayed. We took so many photos to remember such a wonderful evening. We were also introduced to several art-minded patrons and artists who loved sharing their art interests and passions with us. Devour was the perfect exhibit to kick off my time at Columbia Art League and I can’t wait for the next!

Devour as Seen by the Intern

Hello! This is Bella the Intern (again) writing about CAL’s food-inspired show, Devour. While this show reminds me of last year’s food-themed exhibit, Nibble, there are definitely differences. The pieces in last year’s show conjured ideas of small bites, snacks, little treats. This year, however, many of the pieces inspire thoughts of entire meals, delicious food that we would try to eat in one bite—if only we could!

Two pieces really caught my eye throughout the show. The first was Pho with Grace by Emma Komoroski. Disclaimer: I am incredibly biased because I absolutely adore pho. But something about the graphic linework and highlights in Komoroski’s piece, along with the bright pink border, really makes this depiction spectacular. 

Pho with Grace by Emma Komoroski

The pho itself isn’t exactly lifelike, but that is entirely intentional: the brushstrokes mix together to mimic the different textures and ingredients that make each bowl of pho different from the next. The artist also included little graphic stars surrounding the head of her friend and her bowl of pho. This adds to the cartoon-like leanings of the painting, making the viewer feel as though they are having a casual lunch with a friend over comforting bowls of noodles.

Another piece that I enjoy is Bone Apple Teeth by Brandy Tieman. I think there is an implication in the word Devour that invokes fear, like the Sarlacc Pit Monster eating up our favorite Star Wars characters. Tieman’s piece here invokes that more disturbing interpretation of the word, which I think is delightfully unique. 

Bone Apple Teeth by Brandy Tieman

The apple comes to life, wrinkly and rotting, with its own teeth and eyes. A hand holds the apple, as though the Evil Queen from Snow White herself were handing it over to the viewer, promising a curse (or worse!) Where Komoroski’s depiction of pho makes the viewer want to jump into the painting and enjoy the meal, Tieman’s piece makes the viewer wonder whether the apple is the devoured or the devourer.

Overall, the show itself is full of exciting pieces that show different interpretations of how food can delight us, bring us together, and sometimes scare us. More than anything, walking through the gallery makes me excited for Let Them Eat Art because some pieces make me want to go home and cook a huge dinner for myself. As my first show since returning to CAL as an intern, it definitely does not disappoint!

Some of my other favorites from the show:

Emily Rodenbaugh, Birthday Cake

Michelle Marcum, Danger Noodle

Willa Campbell, Heavy Syrup

Mzeona Iagorashvili, Pomegranate

Deni Cary Phillips

Visions of Eagle Bluffs

On display in the South Gallery at the Columbia Art League

January 30 - February 24, 2024

Artist Statement

I feel privileged each time I venture into the land called Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. The collected photographic works entitled "Visions of Eagle Bluffs" was a project that has taken about five years to reach this stage. I am drawn to its painterly countenance and made certain the photos reflected that romanticism. The wetland, famous for becoming one due to the Great Flood of 1993, changes not only with the seasons but with the amount of water it contains at any given point. Sometimes rich with reflections, at others merely mud, it is an ever-changing landscape. But always, there are migratory birds and the American Bald Eagles, who gave their name to the area. Each print is offered here on solid body archival canvas created with pigment inks to last a lifetime. To print this natural area on canvas feels very natural and authentic to the place -- a place where nature reigns supreme. 

Artist Bio

Deni Cary Phillips has had a camera in her hands since childhood. Unable to develop prints in the darkroom, she was thrilled when digital photography gave her creative control of processing. Deni shoots outdoors and the natural environment almost exclusively. Travel photography, landscapes ancient architecture, and intimate landscapes are her favorite subjects. Self-taught for many years, she is also a graduate of The Arcanum, a now-defunct online school where she studied under several well-known photographers, as well as a student of Don Giannatti's commercial photography classes. 

Her work is on permanent display in several local residences and commercial buildings in Columbia Missouri. She is happy to work with clients to create the right-sized photographs from her collection.

Contact Deni through Columbia Art League for more engagement with the "Visions of Eagle Bluffs" collection.

Meet the Mentors - 2024 Mentorship Program

CAL's mentorship program is designed to increase accessibility to meaningful engagement with the arts for underserved populations, specifically High School artists, in the Columbia area community. Selected student artists are paired with a working professional artist mentor in their desired media category, and with their guidance and support, each student is expected to develop a small portfolio of work that reflects their exploration of a concept or theme. We are so excited to see what they can create together!

Reese Betts

Reese Betts is a new media artist and filmmaker who utilizes historical and archival documents, vintage cameras, and untraditional techniques in her work. Her art explores the themes of feminism, activism, and grief, often incorporating interactivity and self-reflection. She has exhibited her work across the state of Missouri. Additionally, her work has been shown two years in a row alongside her peers as a student artist at the Digital Graffiti projection mapping festival in Alys Beach, Florida. She is currently a student at the University of Missouri, pursuing degrees in Film Studies and Digital Storytelling. After graduating, she hopes to further her studies at artist residencies and graduate school and would like to become an art professor one day.

Rayanna Crites

My artwork is an insight to my perspective of the magical energy I believe the universe and natural world radiates. Much of my subject matter is drawn from life on Earth- plants, animals, and people – as well as aspects of nature such as the elements, the changing of seasons, space, and astrology. I like to play around with my artistic process and use a variety of two-dimensional mixed media within my art. I enjoy experimenting with how products layer on top of each other to create different visual effects and texture. Some of my favorite mediums to use are ink, gouache, chalk pastel, colored pencil, and chalk pastel. The artwork I’ve included here is all done in layers of ink wash and colored pencil, with details done in fine liner pen and metallic ink accents.

Bethanie Irons

Dr. Bethanie Irons (she/her) is an artist, curator, and educator living in Columbia, Missouri. She is the program chair and assistant professor of communication design at Stephens College. Irons earned her PhD in art education and MFA in art from the University of Missouri. She also earned a BFA in art from the University of South Dakota.

Shannon Soldner

A figurative painter, Shannon imagines the stories people tell themselves, the personal mythologies created to make sense of the world. Her work seeks to give a glimpse into the fictitious inner worlds of her subjects. Through her narrative paintings, she asks the viewer not only to explore these myths and fables but also to question their own. Shannon, a native of Colorado, was born in 1976. She received her BFA with honors at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2015 with an emphasis in Studio Art. She lives and works in Columbia, Missouri.

Joe Dino

Kylie Williams

Linda Hays

Linda Hays is a painter and photographer based in Columbia, MO.

Jamie Scheppers

Rainbow Waves

On display in the hallway of Central Bank of Boone County in downtown Columbia

January 6 - February 17, 2024

Artist Statement

 "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that life never stops sending wave after wave of challenges our way. We have a choice to make: We can develop the resilience needed to learn to manage those waves, or we can complain about them and let them sweep us out to sea where the challenges only multiply.

I’ve chosen to pair the wave motif with a rainbow of colors because to me they represent the joy that is our reward for persevering through dark and stormy times. Again, we have a choice: We can wait to see if we’re lucky enough to spot a rainbow in the sky after a storm, or we can create our own with prisms, carefully placed sprays of water, or intentional curation of our surroundings. 

This show invites the viewer to focus on the good times and recognize the growth that comes with facing our challenges head-on. If we can do those things—face our challenges and follow our joy—we may just find the metaphorical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

Artist Bio

Jamie Scheppers finds joy in exploring color and texture across multiple mediums. Her paintings are primarily encaustic, though she enjoys exploring other mediums and techniques in hopes of finding new ways to express a sense of carefree and incite curiosity. Though her work may span mediums, she hopes that the playfulness of her bright colors will unite her pieces and help others find ways to be more childlike in their daily lives. 

To say Jamie is self-taught would be a stretch. Though she does not have any formal art training, she has taken a few workshops and online courses and is continually learning from other artists. Her first experience with encaustic was at a one-day workshop taught in 2016 by Elise Rugalo at Orr Street Studios in Columbia, MO. She also has closely followed Alicia Tormey and has honed her skills by following along with her online courses. 

More recently, since encaustic can be a time-consuming and expensive medium to work in, she began making watercolor doodles to scratch the art itch. For Christmas 2020, she decided to turn some of those doodles into necklaces. And thus began her dive into selling watercolor jewelry. 
Now, Jamie splits her time between those two primary mediums, but don’t be surprised if her creative explorations lead her work to evolve into new areas!

Devour

On display in the Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery

January 16 - February 23, 2023

Reception: January 19th, 6 - 8 pm (free and open to the public)

Congratulations to the ribbon winners!

1st Place: Ken Nichols, A Picture of My Brain Making Healthy Choices

2nd Place: Brandy Tieman, Bone Apple Teeth

3rd Place: Emily Rodenbaugh, Birthday Cake

Honorable Mentions

Willa Campbell, Heavy Syrup

Matt Ballou, Pickle Bae

Tom Stauder, Ratatouille Charcuterie

Barry Gainor, The Honeybee

One of our favorite shows of the year is all about food, and this year’s theme (Devour) is inspired by dishes that are so delectable, and so delicious that something ravenous awakens. Think of the best meal you ever had and the unrelenting need to recreate that moment. Now imagine you’ve discovered that sensation again. How can you translate that insatiable desire and implosion of fluorescent flavor into your artwork? Devour coincides with our event, Let Them Eat Art! Local chefs get inspired to create a mouth-watering dish for guests to enjoy based on a specific artwork in this year’s show. 

Devour is a juried show open to all artists 16+ years old, all media welcome.

Linda Helmick

A Legacy of Love

On display in our South Gallery

January 6 - January 27, 2023

Artist Statement

When I was a child, art was my saving grace; as an adult, it is the reason I became and continue to grow as an artist/researcher/teacher. Accordingly, I make work that is autobiographical, exploratory, and based deeply in process while I explore materials and concepts. I see my work as a visual connection between what I am, what my beliefs and curiosities are, where I am going, and how the path I am on intersects with the world around me. I feel deeply connected to place, people, and the complex relationships between them. 

Walking through this experience and creating these paintings was an act of love.  In my visual exploration of Friedl Dicker Brandeis who taught art to children while interred in the Nazi camp of Terezin outside of Prague during World War II, I found love. Brandeis had a love for art and a love for teaching, and she had a love for children that enabled her to defy the confines of the camp.  When I walked where she walked, stood where she stood and taught, and viewed the artwork the children made under those circumstances, it was obvious to me that love was in the room with them. Love was at the heart of their creations. Friedl, through her experience as an artist and art teacher, saw firsthand that meaningful creative artmaking could see them through. Could lift these young people, if only for moments at a time, out of the horrific circumstances they found themselves in. These paintings are the result of my creative exploration of the extraordinary love she gave to this work. If teaching art with love and passion could do that then, it certainly can do that now.

I create art to enhance my human understanding and to find greater ways to contribute to the world as an artist/researcher/teacher through the life I live and the marks I make in creative partnerships with others. My end goal is to create honest work. At times I hope it is also considered beautiful. 

Artist Bio

Linda Helmick (she, her, hers) earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Art Education at Indiana University and currently works as an Assistant Professor of Art Education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She is an artist/researcher/teacher who grounds her work in the belief that creative expression is a basic human right that should be accessible to all. She promotes creativity as a powerful force for change, healing, and transformation. Her areas of expertise include critical creative work with underserved populations and building art education/art therapy wellness and self-care curricula to better serve those who have experienced trauma.

Mary Sandbothe

Heritage Unfolded: Gouache Interpretations of Missouri Quilts

On display in the South Gallery at the Columbia Art League

Nov. 28 - Dec. 30

Artist Bio + Statement

Mary Sandbothe is the current Education and Outreach Director at CAL. She has her MFA in Fibers from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She loves to make paper, embroider, collect cardboard tubes, and stay at home with her partner & beloved pets.

In ”Heritage Unfolded”, I have reimagined the treasured quilts of Missouri through the intricate & delicate medium of gouache. These gouache paintings are meticulously rendered on handmade paper, serving as a visual homage to the skilled artisans who crafted the original quilts. My work celebrates the time-honored tradition of quilt-making & the enduring spirit of those who lovingly created them. Each piece in this collection is a testament to the painstaking care and attention that went into the production of these historic quilts. They are not perfect by design, but rather, they intentionally retain an imperfect quality, showcasing the human touch and the inherent beauty found in the handmade. I hope this exhibition not only honors the past but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the craft in today’s modern world.

Kathy Unrath

The Space that Holds Us

On display in the hallway of Central Bank of Boone County

Nov. 8, 2023- Jan. 5, 2024

Artist Statement

I am an A/R/Tographer - an Artist/Researcher/Teacher. As a researcher, I investigated the spaces in which my students formed their artist-teacher identities through stories of their lived experiences. In this new body of artwork, I am considering the spaces that hold me as an artist who is responding to the world around me. Here I am delving into spaces of memory, comfort, legacy, and the meanings and feelings provoked by the idea of home. I excavate layers of materials to reveal and uncover what makes these spaces awaken our senses, hold us, and let us linger in wonderment.

I am a fibers artist and I utilize mixed media techniques/materials/ found objects to produce my work. I do not use Photoshop. In some work, I use personal photographs that are printed on vellum and layered between strata of cold wax and pigments as a means to see through to different dimensions and create new atmospheric conditions. I endeavor to recreate the spaces that hold me by developing evocative objects that hold forms for the memory or moment in time.

Artist Bio

My artistic focus has been to tell stories visually through works created with fibrous materials. I am intrigued by the idea of being able to see through something and hope that the viewer will want to investigate further, in the same way that an archaeologist sifts through the sand and soil for artifacts. My work is about memories, relationships, and our human connection to history and our environment. I am interested in visually investigating the ephemeral qualities of life and humanity, earthly echoes of spirituality through layers of strata. The viewer is invited to look into the work for delicate details. In this way, my scholarly research is interwoven like the warp and weft in the reflective fabric of my professional life. One strand strengthens and supports the other to create the single cloth of an artist, researcher, and teacher - an A/R/Tographer.

Give the Gift of Art 2023

Members’ Winter Show

On display in the Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery

Nov. 14, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024

Reception: Friday, November 17th, 6 - 8 PM

CAL is proud to be a local non-profit that’s been a part of the mid-Missouri art scene since 1959. Our Members’ Shows are exciting opportunities for CAL Members to display their art, and for our community to get to know our vibrant artist members. This unthemed, Members-only show is always a delight! For this exhibit, we invite our artists to showcase the work they are most proud of, giving you the opportunity to snatch it up as a holiday gift. Members’ shows are not juried, awards will be given out at the reception.

Congratulations to the ribbon winners and a major thank you to our Judge, Kenzie Wells for taking consideration and care when selecting the recipients.

First Place: Ira Papick, Circular Triangle Turntable

Second Place: Cheryl Hardy, Uncertainty

Third Place: Nick Potter, Regarding Prayer

Honorable Mentions

Eonju Jeon, Jack of Hearts

Tyler Pierson, Gaea’s Lament

Kate Verna, End of the World

Joe Dino, Dad Bod

Artists Who Make Artists

On exhibit in the South Gallery at the Columbia Art League

November 9 – November 25

Artists have long made their living doing a myriad of things – teaching, commissions, arts administration, volunteering, gallery exhibits, craft shows, and more. The stereotype of the starving artist typing their opus in a badly lit garret is not an accurate picture of most art makers.

Artists work hard in their communities and on their artwork, but priorities can shift and personal work can often fall by the wayside. To keep your own art practice productive can be a daunting task when keeping all your other plates spinning in the air. We celebrate these particular artists for making the time to bring in their work and tip our hat to all artists who have shared their love of their craft with learners old and young.

There are no starving artists here, just busy people making a life outside a system that often ignores the contributions of art in our society.

Participating artists:

Shannon Soldner, Rayanna Crites, Hope Martin, Sif Fister, Andrew Ludwig, Kelsey Hammond, Jessie Starbuck, Tavia Sanza, Chance Taylor, Allye Grace Grisham, Lydia Clark, Lisa Franko, Kathy Unrath, Ann Mehr, Maggie Adams, Betsy Knabe Roe, Nessi Alexander-Barnes, Ryan Kerensky and Jeri Donoho.

Patrons' Party 2023

On display in the Betty and Art Robins Group Gallery

October 24 - November 10

Preview Party: Monday, October 30, 6 - 8 PM

The 4th Annual Patrons’ Party is part “art auction,” part raffle, all fun, and with a twist. Here’s how it works: our talented community of artists will donate original artworks worth $150 or more. There will be one ticket available for each work of art. On the evening of the Patrons’ Preview Party, ticket holders will have the chance to scout their favorites and make their Top 10 Most Wanted lists. On the night of the event, Patrons will enjoy music and refreshments in the Missouri Theatre lobby.

Here’s how it works:

Artists donated artworks valued at $150+.

Artwork on display at CAL from October 24 - November 10

Preview Art Party: Monday, October 30th, 6-8 PM - live music, food + wine, desserts

Select your artwork via Zoom: November 4th or 5th during your time slot.

The twist: you will be assigned a randomly generated number and you will select your artwork in order of the number you receive.

This fun event celebrates the creativity and generosity of our talented local artists and the enthusiastic patrons who support the arts in Columbia. This is an exciting and important FUNdraiser for CAL!

Tickets are $150 and they include the Preview Art Party + an original one-of-a-kind Artwork!