special to The Star





Have you ever thought about the tug of war that goes on in our lives over good and evil?

This war goes on all around us every day. Many conversations and many movies have been based on this thought. And there is a famous movie “In the Garden of Good and Evil” starring Kevin Spacey and the life he lived in Savannah, Ga.

On June 25, that movie set will be at the Meridian Museum of Art during the Eighth annual Martinis at the Museum membership invitational.

Guests entering the museum will know that something is different. A lot of the outdoors will be brought inside, with touches of good and evil in different areas. How about trying one of the Slippery Serpent's or the “Object of Desire” Martini? And if that doesn’t suit you, what about “Call Me a Taxi, Please? “A Goodnight Kiss’ or “Eyes Wide Shut”?

Martinis at the Museum is designed to encourage new and renewed museum memberships, and to put on a fun-filled party that celebrates the arts.

“What better way to raise money for the museum? One can have fun and they know it will be a unique opportunity to help keep our community museum alive and well so that we can continue providing our beneficial educational programs and exhibitions” said the event’s chairperson, E.A. Herron.

“So many events are held at the museum each year,” Herron said. “The Martinis membership drive event is the most festive, imaginative event of all ... and the Martinis Menagerie silent auction is a perfect way to purchase original artwork for a reasonable price. Art, food and friends – it doesn’t get much better than that!”

This year’s Martinis will feature “Tastes of Meridian” – delicious hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants; traditional and specialty drinks; and the Fourth Annual “Martinis Menagerie,” a “big auction of small paintings” by artists from throughout the Southeast.

“This is also a big membership event for the museum,” said Board of Directors President Kris Gianakos.

“So we hope guests will think about joining or renewing their membership. It’s certainly not required, but we hope you’ll consider it. We need your support. And once you join, you’ll wonder what took you so long.”

This will be the fifth year for the “Martinis Menagerie,” a silent auction of small, 8 x 8” paintings by artists from throughout the southeast. More than 50 works of art will be up for bid, all starting with a remarkably low minimum of $25. The bidding will end at 8:30 on the evening of the event. Advance bids may be cast on the artwork; many are already on display in a preview exhibit at the downtown museum.

“These are original works, created just for the auction,” said the museum’s director Kate Cherry.

“And they’ve been generously donated by these terrific artists. The variety of work is amazing – every subject, style, and type of work seems to be included. So be careful when you walk in the door: you’re bound to fall in love with one of the works, or a dozen,” Cherry said.

Artists whose work is scheduled to be in the auction include: Jackie Baines, Norma Bordeaux, Suzanne Boyd, Deb Bresnahan, Bonnie Busbee, Charlie Busler, Larry Bustin, Amyrlus A. Campbell, Amber Carraway, Eleanor Catledge, Betty Jane Chatham, Kate Cherry, Terry Cherry, Denise Dengler, Betty Dettre, Sylvia Follis, Randy Gachet, Mary Ann Galle, Kris Gianakos, Steve Gillespie, Don Greenwood, Bubba Hampton, Peggy Harmon, Neil Hatten, BJ Hatten, Martha Hopkins ,Millie Howell, Ana Iverson, Katie Iverson, Marsha Iverson, Keith Jacoby, Louanne Jordan, Patricia Kent ,Dave Kimbrell, Joe MacGown, John Marshall, Cindy McDaniel, Annabelle Meacham, Rachel Misenar, Elizabeth L. Pharis, Jeanne Poetker, Dot Pugh, Clo Ann Rabb, Nancy Ray, Mouise Richards, Sarah Ellen Riley, Wren B. Rolison, Michael Simpson, Lisa Spinks, Sharon Stephens, Terrell Taylor, Frank Thompson, Marcia Via, Aislinn Webb, Tom Wegrzynowski, and Barbara Wells.

“Mark your calendars now! It’s a terrific collection of work at an unbeatable minimum price,” said Cherry. “You can find great works for yourself, or great gifts for others. And if you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own art collection, this is your chance to put together a spectacular collection – all in one memorable night.”

The succulent food for the evening is being donated by generous local restaurants. Participating sponsors include Applebee's, Cater's Market, Catfish Plus, The Chili House, Circle S Ranch Fish House, Crescent City Grill, The Daily Grind, Dobi’s, Fifth Street Deli, Garfield's, The Hungry Heifer, La Familia, The Landing, Little Acre, McAllister’s Deli, Nick and Al’s, Popeye's Chicken and The Rustler Steak House.

“We are very fortunate to have all of these terrific restaurants helping us, and we’re very grateful,” said Cherry. “People are going to be amazed at what there is to offer. our palate will thank you for coming.”

Tickets for Martinis at the Museum may be purchased by visiting or calling Meridian Museum, or at the door on the night of the event.



Want to go?



What: Martinis at the Museum

When: June 25, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Where: Meridian Museum of Art, 628 25th Ave.

Cost: $20, which includes admission and one martini ticket; additional martinis are $5 each.

Information: Call (601) 693-1501 or e-mail meridianmuseum@bellsouth.net.

Museum hours: Wednesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is free.





Martinis at the Museum is supported in part by the city of Meridian, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Riley Foundation.