Artist Emalea Rupe’s work to be on display at the Markay Gallery

Emalea Rupe

Emalea Rupe’s works of art will be on display at the Markay Cultural Arts Center beginning Friday, April 21.
Rupe explains that art begins with a thought, an image in the mind, as well as our perception of the world around us. “Being a quiet person, interaction with others has never come easy. This exhibit is in part a creative view of what it feels like to be me, as I share ideas through painting, photography, and ceramics,” the artist added about her show.
“Every aspect of our personality makes us who we are, whether it be a part of ourselves we share with the world or struggles we carry within. For some, outward interactions come easy, for others it does not. You re-think and over-think everything,” Rupe said. “With eyes closed you may become disconnected and somewhat invisible as others look your way but never really see,” she added.
From Apple Grove, West Virginia, Rupe completed her Associates degree in Fine Art in 2013 and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, with a minor in Photography from the University of Rio Grande in 2016. She was introduced to art at a young age and decided to make it a career. She enjoys working on commission portraits and is currently taking on larger projects for local businesses in Rio Grande.

Her works have been displayed in various shows, including several student shows at the Greer Museum at URG, French Art Colony, the Markay Cultural Arts Center Gallery, 409 Gallery, Point Pleasant River Museum, Marshall University, Huntington Museum of Art, Southern Ohio Museum and the Parkersburg Arts Center. She has also been involved in three Provost’s Academic Excellence Initiative projects and did a collaborated painting of the Welsh mural in Rio Grande, as well as a mural in Rio Grande Memorial Park. Recently, her drawing of Ann Griffiths was added to a poster displayed at a Baptist Church in South Wales.

Meet Emalea Rupe on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m. during the opening reception where she will discuss her inspiration and art practices. The opening reception is free and open to the community. Her work will remain on display until May 28.
The Markay Cultural Arts Center is located at 269 E. Main Street, Jackson. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Markay Cultural Arts Center is a project of the Southern Hills Arts Council, a non-profit organization whose mission is to be a vehicle for the community to experience the arts.
For more on the Markay Cultural Arts Center visit www.markayjackson.org.