Annual Gala and Membership Art Exhibit kick off holiday season at Meridian Museum of Art
By Glenda Sanders
The Meridian Museum of Art will ring in the holiday season with its annual holiday gala and membership art exhibition .
The holiday gala is slated for Saturday , Dec . 10 , from 6 p . m . until 8 p . m . at the Meridian Museum of Art downtown . While plans for the gala are still being finalized , the evening ’ s program will begin at 7 p . m . with the announcement of the museum ’ s “ Volunteer of the Year ” recipient .
The gala also will include performances by CMA Corps de Ballet and a musician with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra .
MMA Executive Director Kate Cherry said the art museum would not have survived the past 52 years without its dedicated volunteers who have helped to build and support it .
“ During this time of year , I am always extremely grateful to the individuals that have made the museum great ,” she said .
This year ’ s “ Volunteer of the Year ” honoree is Dr . Keith Everett , president of the art museum ’ s Board of Directors and chief medical officer of Anderson Regional Health System .
“ Keith was an easy choice for ‘ Volunteer of the Year ,’” Cherry said , noting that he has given much time , effort and expense to keep the museum running .
In addition , Everett stepped up during 2019 when the board president moved and led the art museum through the Covid pandemic , she said . Through his guidance and direction , he kept the museum and its visitors safe from the pandemic . “ He ’ s given me so much assistance and knowledge in providing a safe place for our visitors ,” she added . The gala also marks the opening of the annual membership art show which will run through the month of January . “ It is just a fun evening to be with friends and view the membership exhibition ,” Cherry said . More than 50 art works by MMA members should be on exhibit this year . The original works of art will include paintings , drawings , printmaking , sculpture , photography , ceramics , fibers , glass and mixed media pieces . “ The exhibit means a lot to us ,” Cherry said . “ For our members , it ’ s one of the special privileges of being a member . For us , it ’ s a wonderful chance to show off their artistic talents .” New members are always encouraged to participate while established artists always enjoy “ showing off ” their newest works , she said .
Member artists who have been invited to participate in this year ’ s exhibition are Winki and Kent Allen , Tim Allred , David Barr , Kathie Bauerlin , Marilyn Brown , Laura Carmichael , Terry Cherry , William Crudup , Denise Dengler , Bet Deweese , Keith Everett , Albree Florey , Ken Flynt , Sylvia Follis , Trish Frazier , Claudine Fuller , Kris Gianakos , Ed Gough , Dawn Gray , Joy Greer , Jill Hammes , Bill Harper , Laura Holladay , Gary Howse , Marsha Iverson , Nancy Landrum , Wanda Locke , Jan Mardis , Marty McIntyre , Vicky Murphy , Lanier Meador , Charlie and Linda Munoz , Bonnie Parr , Kay Pellegrin , Mouise T . Richards , Sarah Ellen Riley , Debra Ruleau , Joy Seybold , Randy Shoults , Lee Skelton , David Smith , David Stevens , Dan Talley , Terrell Taylor , Patsy Temple , Deborah Thompson , Ross Tingle and Benet White .
The MMA membership art exhibition is open to the public during regular museum hours from 11 a . m . until 4 p . m . Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment . Admission is free .
36 • MERIDIAN LIFE