TOWN (Tallahassee’s Own) Exhibition on display from May 25th-June 13th.

Artists’ Reception Set for Friday Evening, June 4th

People who live in our wonderful city may be used to seeing these artists as they respond to emergencies, repair utility lines or process paperwork. But the fact is, many City of Tallahassee employees and retirees are extremely talented artists. Each year the Council on Culture & Arts showcases their creativity, and this 6th annual TOWN exhibition proves just how spectacular their work continues to be.

Thirty current city employees and retirees submitted 58 pieces of work for this year’s TOWN show, now open in the City Hall Art Gallery, 300 South Adams Street (2nd Floor) through July 13, 2010. There will be an artist reception on Friday, June 4th from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. People may meet and talk with the artists while enjoying their work.

TOWN refers to “Tallahassee's Own.” The show recognizes the employee-artists who provide quality service to our city’s citizens each and every day—as well as retirees, whose past work has contributed to the city's excellent reputation.

City Hall Art Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

TOWN 2010 is one of more than a dozen annual exhibitions curated by the Council on Culture & Arts as part of the City of Tallahassee’s Art in Public Places program. For more information about this exhibition, upcoming exhibitions, or the Art in Public Places program, contact Amanda Thompson at COCA, (850) 224-2500 or amanda@cocanet.org

ART TIMES THREE: Hempel, O’Doogan and Pelc at Artport Gallery

Three extraordinary women. Three talented artists. Three deliciously diverse styles and media: acrylic on birch, watercolor, fine art quilting.

The Council on Culture & Arts is pleased to present Art Times Three: Hempel, O’Doogan and Pelc at the Artport Gallery from May 6th until June 29th as part of the Arts in Public Places program.

Anne Hempel’s grandmother, an artist in her own right, encouraged her to enter an art contest in the third grade. “Winning that contest gave me the confidence to pursue artistic endeavors throughout my life,” says Anne. Anne was a teacher until three years ago. Now she paints fanciful images on birch wood full-time.

Maureen O’Doogan is self-taught in matters of art. Her contemporary quilts have been exhibited and have won awards locally, nationally and internationally from Lyon, France, to Denver and Chicago. She explores that part of human nature that transcends challenges and seeks beauty. Maureen says she tries always to maintain a lightness and a sense of humor, “and from this mindset comes my work.”

Linda Pelc loves painting in watercolor because it is “most challenging and most satisfying.” Her images are filled with bright, intense colors and each painting tells a unique story. Linda says she has acquired the courage to try new techniques and new creative approaches. She is “passionate about creating.”

For more information about this exciting exhibition, about upcoming exhibitions or the Art in Public Places program, contact Amanda Karioth Thompson at (850) 224-2500 or Amanda@.cocanet.org. To learn about other exhibitions and arts and culture programs, visit www.morethanyouthought.com. Learn more about COCA and sign up to receive COCA’s weekly email blast at www.cocanet.org.