Spotlight on the Jekyll Island Arts Association
Friday, February 1st, 2008
Starting February 4, the Jekyll Island Arts Association welcomes the creative pine needle basketry of Donna Ireton and wonderful oil paintings by Byron Tracy Snyder. The exhibit will be in the gallery of Goodyear Cottage in Jekyll’s Historic District through March 3. Retired from a career in federal contract management, Donna Ireton is now eager to incorporate her love of nature with her skill in pine needle basketry. Working in her home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Donna collects the pine needles locally, prepares and coils them and then stitches the coils together to form baskets. Much of her work is created on driftwood. The baskets’ dyed pine needles enhance the wood’s grain, texture and color. Donna’s baskets have been exhibited in many shows in South Carolina and won second prize in the 2007 Beaufort Art Association Spring Show. Tracy Snyder has operated his own advertising and graphic design studio since 1994, but his interest in painting was rekindled when he attempted a portrait of his son. He continued to study with other artists and organizations and now paints portraits and landscapes. Currently living in Woodstock, GA, he was a finalist in The Portrait Society of Atlanta’s spring exhibition in 2004 and 2006. His most prominent portrait is of former U.S. Congressman Bob Barr, which is at the State University of West Georgia. He also enjoys capturing the beauty of landscapes, especially painting “en plein air.” Everyone is welcome to attend an artists’ reception at the Goodyear Cottage Gallery on February 10 from 1 3pm, where you can view the exhibit and meet our featured artists. The gallery and shop hours are Mon - Fri 12 - 4pm and weekends 10 - 4pm. Admission is always free.
The popular local band, Marshgrass, will be featured at the Jekyll Island Arts Association’s February 12th meeting. The toe-tapping music and great listening will begin at 7:30pm in Beachside Hall of Jekyll’s Convention Center. Calling the Golden Isles their home, the band was formed in 1997, featuring traditional Bluegrass music. Along with new musicians, the band has since added Americana, pop and old country music to its repertoire. This great four man band includes Jack Evans on the mandolin, Rick Ray on banjo, Pace Conner on guitar and Brad Holcomb on stand-up bass. Their music is a combination of hot picking and smooth harmonies, as the musicians clearly enjoy themselves. Marshgrass performs mostly at private parties and local festivals, including the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee cook off, and have recorded two CD’s. Come join us on February 12 at 7:30, and be ready to enjoy some great music by the talented local group, Marshgrass! Admission is free and refreshments will follow the program. Everyone is welcome! Also be sure to visit the Arts Association’s gallery and shop in Goodyear Cottage Mon - Fri noon to 4pm and weekends 10 - 4pm.
