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SPOTLIGHT
ON THE ARTS - September 2004 by Deanna Mascle A Harvest of Creativity
Stoner Creek Arts was formed in Bourbon County two years ago to celebrate the duality of art and continues to invite new artists and art lovers to join in the excitement of that endeavor, says Thompson. Next in the Stoner Creek Arts lineup is the group’s third annual art show, Creative Harvest. “If you ever wanted to have a piece of art in a museum, here’s your chance!” she adds. This year’s Creative Harvest is now under way at the Hopewell Museum and will run through Sunday, Oct. 17. “Last year we had everything from paintings, baskets, and jewelry, to masks and gourds,” Thompson continues. “We were amazed by the talent that surrounds us, and look forward to seeing what ‘comes out of the woodwork’ this year.” Artist Jennifer Zingg, formerly of Bourbon County, started the Stoner Creek Arts League as a way to positively channel her emotions and nervous energy in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. A year after the attacks, the group’s first year culminated in a very successful “Creative Harvest 2002” exhibit at the Hopewell Museum that included works by more than 50 local artists. In 2003, the group continued to thrive, holding three events as well as another “Creative Harvest” exhibit. These events included the Bourbon Barrelrama, “Bourbon Street Comes to Bourbon County,” and A Gift to be Simple. The Bourbon Barrelrama was a unique community arts project that featured 24 local artists decorating 24 bourbon barrels that were put on display throughout the county in recognition of the county’s heritage in connection with the bourbon industry. The unique Barrelrama masterpieces were displayed throughout the downtown area and helped showcase the rich history of Bourbon County and Paris. Stoner Creek Arts is also responsible for organizing the annual Celebration of the Arts, which brings music, dance or drama to the stage at Paris High School’s The 2003 Celebration of the Arts featured a Mardi Gras theme, “Bourbon Street Comes to Bourbon County,” and the New Orleans-style Cajun music of Zydeco Bon! as well as performances by local musical groups and arts discovery sessions. Local schools participated in the event by taking part in the design and decoration of the stage set and location décor and providing musical groups. The next Celebration of the Arts is being planned for 2005. A Gift to be Simple was a festival of the arts that included live storytelling and authors from around Kentucky, regional artists, and local food. Stoner Creek Arts wrapped up 2003 in November with a second art exhibit featuring the works of local artists and craftspeople at Paris Artworks titled “Creative Harvest 2003.” In addition to “Creative Harvest 2004,” the group is planning another outdoor art fair, “A Gift To Be Simple”, similar to the event held last year. Thompson says the group is always open to new members – artists and art lovers alike. “Whether you’re an artist, an average Joe who just happens to paint/draw/weave/etc. when you have the time, or someone who loves to love art, we hope you will join us in continuing to celebrate Kentucky’s art history, and art future. We’re Stoner Creek Arts, and we’re putting a frame around Bourbon County’s creative force.” Learn more at www.stonercreekarts.org. Deanna Mascle is a
staff writer for The Lane Report. |
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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. |
“Not long ago, when I was in college in southern Ohio, everyone I knew was studying Art History. Yet, at the same time, the most coveted syllabus in the art department was for a studio course called “Works in Neon,” says Kristen Thompson of Stoner Creek Arts. “That is one of the great aspects of art; it carries tradition and dives into the new simultaneously.” 
Siwicki Fine Arts Center each year. The program is designed to provide cultural entertainment for the general public as well as to educate local school children in the arts through interactive participation with professional artists from around the state.