 |
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
SPOTLIGHT
ON THE ARTS - October 2004 by Deanna Mascle Small-Town Charms
The Janice Mason Art Museum in Cadiz serves as a focal point for the community’s artistic endeavor and recently started an art guild to draw together the many artists that live in the area, according to Martha Davis, the museum’s administrator. “The Janice Mason Art Museum is, in reality, a community art center with changing exhibits and many exciting classes for youth and adults,” explains Davis. “The museum helps increase access to cultural resources and experiences through exhibits and classes. It helps to improve the quality of life, economic vitality, and helps integrate arts through numerous collaborations within the community.” The museum began as the dream of three people and has since developed into a fully functioning art center. Originally named the Cadiz Community Arts Center, The Janice Mason Art Museum was founded in 1998 with the financial support of local citizens, businesses, and organizations. The Mason Foundation of Florida contributed $250,000, which allowed the organization to purchase the historic 1941 Cadiz Post Office. The museum owns its current facility and adjacent property, which is planned for further expansion. The main floor space includes a lobby area, a main gallery, a small adjoining gallery, a gift shop, restrooms, and an office. The facility currently has 2,112 square feet of wall exhibit space. The full basement has eight rooms, three of which have already been renovated into classroom and studio space. Year-round exhibits are planned with a balance of local, regional and nationally known artists. Long-term goals of the organization include the construction of a 300-seat proscenium theater adjacent to the current structure, expansion of classroom space in the basement area, and improving handicap accessibility throughout the facility. The museum had 11 varied exhibits this year that ranged from local to national significance and included phenomenal ranges of media and audience. The Wier Show included original works of such contemporary artists as Chuck Close, Frank Gallo, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg and drew 2,641 patrons. Claude Holman’s huge collection of Japanese Woodcut Prints was deemed “extraordinary” while the artwork of the National Duck Stamp Competition drew duck hunters from the area as well as artists. In addition, the museum for the first time conducted summer workshops and classes for children ranging in age from preschool to eighth grade, in addition to its traditional adult classes that cover areas such as acrylic painting, digital photography, stained glass, advanced pottery, drawing, collage and basket-making. This past year there were 450 artists involved in showcasing their work in exhibits at the museum or with teaching classes. As is true of most arts organizations, the Janice Mason Art Museum relies heavily on volunteers to perform much of the work of the organization. Currently the museum draws from a volunteer pool of approximately 80 volunteers, a significant number considering the size of the community in which the museum is located. Volunteers participate in a wide range of activities including docents, maintenance, exhibit installation, exhibit design, fund raising, clerical support, writing, teaching, and helping with school groups. The volunteers reflect the community and range in age from 39 years to 80-plus years old. “What I am most proud of when I think of this organization is that we are an inclusive community art organization,” says Davis. “The museum is helping to bring artists, different types of art media, and hands-on involvement with art to a rather isolated rural community. Through the efforts of the Janice Mason Art Museum, our community is learning that art is a way of life for all people not just a few.” Deanna Mascle is a
staff writer for The Lane Report. |
|
|
|
|
Copyright 1996-2004, by Kentucky Business Online. All rights reserved. Editorial content is copyright 2004,
Lane Communications Group The Lane Report is a trademark of Lane Communications Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
The tiny western Kentucky community of Cadiz – population 2,500 - is out to prove that one doesn’t need to live in a major city to enjoy the benefits of a thriving arts community. 
The museum has also collaborated with senior citizens agencies in the community, United Way, and Rotary and recently offered 21 different workshops for senior citizens in the area, drawing nearly 400 participants.