Submitted photoMeridian artist Cary Haycox (aka Vincent Van Gogh) will serve as guest artist for this year’s ARTinis fundraiser.

 

Only a few weeks before Meridian Museum of Art’s annual tribute to that connection with “art, martinis and membership” – also known as ARTinis at the Museum.

Designed to encourage new and renewed museum memberships, ARTinis at the Museum, according to MMA Executive Director Kate Cherry, is also an opportunity to put on a fun-filled party that celebrates the arts with the “Martinis Menagerie” —a big auction of small paintings.

The event will be based on works of Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. The museum’s Thursday night group, Vino and Van Gogh, organizes this year’s event and a power point presentation of Vincent’s work will be on display.

“The ARTinis event is the most festive, imaginative event, MMA Vino and Van Gogh member Marsha Iverson said. “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 will be the 17th year for the “Martinis Menagerie,” a silent auction of 8 x 8-inch paintings by artists from throughout the Southeast. More than 80 works of art will be up for bid, all starting with a minimum of $35. Bidding will end at 8:00 p.m. on the night of the event.

“What better way to raise money for the museum?” MMA President Ravene Mitchell said.

“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. While donating to a worthwhile cause, you have the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of vying for a beautiful work of art,” Mitchell said.

Cherry noted all works are specially made for this event.

“The artists look forward to helping the Museum every year,” she said. “We have a great line up of artists donating to the auction this year. We are so fortunate to have so many talented individuals in our area. And they are always so gracious and generous to help us. This year Vino and Van Gogh, our Thursday evening group that meets for encouragement, sharing ideas, and working on their new creations, are chairing our event.”

Artists invited to participate are: BJ Hatten, Bob Jeffares, Cary Haycox, Caulene Wilkinson, Charlie Busler, Cooper M. French, Daniel Ethridge, Denise Dengler, Greg Cartmell, Jan Mardis, Jeanne Poetker, Jennifer Avera Lott, Jesica Estes, Jill Hammes, John Marshall, Joy Greer, Karen Rush, Kay Pelligrin, Keith Everett, Kent and Winki Allen, Kris Gianakos, Laura Carmichael, Leslie Carruth, Leslie Joyner, Lisa B. Spinks, Marsha Iverson, Martha Buckley, Mouise Richards, Neil Hatten, Orville Anderson, Patricia Kent, Patsy Temple, Poky Murphy, Richelle Putnam, Rosemary Kahlmus, Ross Tingle, Susan Huey, Sylvia Follis, Terrell Taylor, Terry Cherry, Tim Allred, Wanda Price, Warren and Judy Rayner, Jeanne Fort, Holly Triplett, Mandy Goldman, Elizabeth Fisher, LaSandra Ruffin, Shelly Graham, David Barr, Butch Stuart, Linda Baxter, Tanya Trulove, Trish Frazier and Julie Martin.

“It will be a terrific collection of artists works,” Mitchell said. “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.”

Guest artist demonstration

Meridian artist Cary Haycox (aka Vincent Van Gogh) will serve as guest artist for this year’s ARTinis fundraiser.

Beginning at 7 p.m., “Vincent” will give a demonstration based on one of Van Gogh’s paintings.

“I am an artist that is open to suggestions,” Haybox said. “Every piece of art is a new exploration, new technique or just serendipitous. The fun is in how I create and not just the end itself. The creative process is the most important part of my art and is displayed in everything I do.”

MMA wants YOU!

While ARTinis at the Museum offers an evening of art and festivity, Cherry notes it is also a big membership event for Meridian Museum of Art.

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

Located at 628 25th Ave., Meridian Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; admission is free. For more about becoming a sponsor for the ARTinis event or programs held at the Museum, call (601) 693-1501 or e-mail meridianmuseum@bellsouth.net

 

• Meridian Museum of Art is supported through memberships and donations and by granting agencies — the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Riley Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation and the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, and receives support from the city of Meridian for use of their building. Rea, Shaw, Giffin, and Stuart CPA firm has donated its services since the inception of the Museum in 1970. We want to thank Meridian Airport Authority for being the lead corporate sponsor for museum programming.

 

“It will be a terrific collection of artists works. 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.” Meridian Museum of Art President Ravene Mitchell.

 

Want to go?

What: ARTinis at the Museum

When: June 13, 6 p.m.  

Where: Meridian Museum of Art

Admission: Regular admission, $35; current members, $25