Markay Gallery Exhibit

Artist Karisa DeLay will have her ‘Bare Wings’ exhibit on display at The Markay Cultural Arts Center in Jackson from March 31-April 17.

The artist explains that the ‘Bare Wings’ experience will be pieces of art that draw close to the artist’s passion for spiritual world and the emotions of the Angels surrounding us.

“Exhausted Freedom”, pictured, expresses the burdens we put on our Angels as we tug back and forth screaming “America”. The Angels that watch over us do so without prejudice, or judgment. This painting shows the emotional drain we put our guardian angels through during this rough road we have in America. 
The upcoming show for Karisa DeLay will be called ‘Bare Wings’ featuring the emotions of angels.

DeLay is a full time wife and mother of four daughters, a salon owner/operator at The LOCAL Salon & Spa, a published author with two novels, occasional blogger at www.karisadelay.com , and the owner of The LOCAL Gallery in downtown Jackson, where she helps other local artists sell their art through the gallery and online.

Karisa finds inspiration through those nearest to her and by the talents God has given her to share with those around her.

Meet the artist on Friday, March 31, at 7 p.m. where she will discuss her work and the inspiration behind the pieces.

“Bare Wings” will be on exhibit from March 31 until April 17 in the Markay Gallery. There is not cost to view the exhibit.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m. and on weekends 1 to 3 p.m. It is also open during performances in the theatre. Viewings by appointments are also available by calling 740-286-6355. There is no charge to view the exhibit.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is under the operation of the Southern Hills Arts Council, a 501(c)3 not for profit organization, whose mission is to be a vehicle for experiencing the arts.
For more visit www.southernhillsartscouncil.org or www.markayjackson.org.

The Southern Hills Arts Council is inviting Jackson County Veterans to submit their art for exhibition in the Markay Cultural Arts Center’s Gallery from October
27 to
November 12, 2017.
The art will be the featured art on exhibition in the Veterans Art Show from October 27 to Nov. 12, 2017, at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main St., Jackson.
All artwork must be no larger than 36 inches x 36 inches, including the frame, and can weight no more than 15 lbs. The art must be ready to hang upon arrival. The artwork should be original in design, concept, and execution. No art work with nudity will be accepted.
Acceptable media include:
• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolors
• Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
• Collage

• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed media: use of more than two media such as pencil, ink, watercolor
• Computer-generated art

• Photography
• Sculpture: clay, wood, ceramics or metal.

Artists have the opportunity to sell their work to the public during this show.

There is no cost to participate, however advanced registration is required before October 1, with art drop off set for October 23 from noon to 5 p.m.

To participate contact the Southern Hills Arts Council, by calling 740-286-6355 or via email: jhughes@markayjackson.org.

The Markay Gallery is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

Pictured are members of The Dixie Swim Club cast. Pictured in front, from left, are Laura Miller as Lexie, Maria Hampton as Dinah, and Cassie Walker as Sheree. Pictured standing, from left are Elaine Wheeler as Vernadette and Lucia Colley Jones as Jeri Neal.

The Riverby Theatre Guild’s production of “The Dixie Swim Club” will take the Markay stage on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.
The comedy with a touch of southern charm, directed by Michelle Miller, takes the audience on a journey of life and friendship. Each August, college friends Lexie (Laura Miller), Jeri Neal (Lucia Jones), Dinah (Mariah Hampton), Sheree (Cassie Walker) and Vernadette (Elaine Wheeler) meet for one weekend in August, in a small beachside cottage, to share a weekend of fun and laughter, free of distractions. The audience is invited to join them as they catch up, laugh and help each other through life’s trials and tribulations. From ex-husbands and plastic surgery to life’s many up and downs, these five friends are there to talk each other through it all. The “Dixie Swim Club is a funny testament to the enduring power of friendship.
About the Actors:
• Laura Miller (Lexie) – Is a newcomer to the area. Her past favorite performances include Gypsy (Electra), Plaza Suite (Karen), and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie). When not on stage, you may find her walking dogs at the K-9 shelter or training for triathlons.
• Cassie Walker (Sheree) has enjoyed being in and around theatre her entire life. She has been both in front and behind the curtain. From Bye Bye Birdie in High School, Plaza Suite in college, church venues and most recently the RTG fall production of Witches, Britches, Rings and Things.
• Maria Hampton (Dinah) is thrilled to take the stage with this wonderful cast of ladies and terrific director, Michelle Miller. Being a part of the cast of Les Miserables was her first experience in musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles have been: Daddy’s Girl (Darlynn), Alibi’s (Hope), How the Other Half Dies (Officer Newbie). Maria is a mixed media artist and quite a bookworm.
• Elaine Wheeler (Vernadette) is very excited to be “one of the girls” in the Riverby Theatre Guild’s production of The Dixie Swim Club. Her theatre credits include musicals: Emma! – A Pop Musical, Annie, Oliver and Fiddler on the Roof; children’s productions: The Little Mermaid and Alice in Wonderland; and comedies such as How the Other Half Dies and the Ladies of Harmony. As well as performing, Elaine also enjoys singing and teaching line dance.
• Lucia Colley Jones (Jeri Neal) obtained her BA in Performing Arts from The University of Rio Grande. She is the Program Coordinator at The French Art Colony and Riverby Theatre Guild. She truly enjoys working with children in the arts. Some past favorite performances include: That Was Bob, Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, Tommy, and more. As a classically trained soprano, her role as Monica, in The Medium, holds a special place in her heart. She is an actor, singer, teacher, wife and mother.
• Michelle Miller, Dixie Swim Club’s Director, graduated from the University of Rio Grande with a degree in technical theatre. Since its inception, she has assisted the Riverby Theatre Guild as a director, techie and, on very rare occasion, a cast member. Over the years, Michelle has directed a variety of shows, including Misery, Wait Until Dark, A Christmas Story, Rednecks Undo Christmas, The Woman in Black, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alibis, Oliver and 12 Angry Jurors. She lives in Gallipolis with her husband Tim and children, Trent and Sydney.

To purchase tickets, call the Markay’s Box Office at 740-577-3841 or visit www.markayjackson.org . Tickets can also be purchased at the Markay box office, Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
The Markay Cultural Arts Center, under the care of the Southern Hills Arts Council, is located at 269 E. Main St., Jackson, Ohio.

The Southern Hills Arts Council is excited to announce that the Markay Cultural Arts Center will now be able to show motion pictures.

A generous donation funded the electric roll down 24 foot by 10 foot, 6 inch screen and the digital cinema projector. The new equipment will also facilitate the ability for meetings to take place in the Markay’s auditorium with connectivity to broadcast presentations on the screen.

A generous donation funded the electric roll down 24 foot by 10 foot, 6 inch screen and the digital cinema projector. “The new equipment will also facilitate the ability for meetings to take place in the auditorium with connectivity to broadcast presentations on the screen,” said Southern Hills Arts Council Director of Operations Jennifer Hughes.

“This is very exciting for us,” said Hughes. “This equipment opens another avenue for us to share the arts experience with our community.”

Movies at the Markay will first be shown on Saturday, February 11 at 3 and 7 p.m. Hughes explained that the classic movie that will be shown is one of the most memorable of all film experiences, a true Hollywood legend. Hughes said “Casablanca” is about wartime refugees who gather in Morocco to obtain scarce exit visas to Lisbon. The final airport sequence is an event not to be forgotten. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman fans will not want to miss this event.

Tickets for the movie are on sale now for $5. Hughes said that through partnership with local businesses, Elizabeth’s Flowers and Michael’s Ice Cream for an additional $15 the Sweetheart Special is available for advance purchase, which includes a single red rose, roasted peanuts and assorted chocolates. Those attending the first Movies at the Markay event, will get 10% off their meal (excludes alcohol) at Arch and Eddie’s (181 E. Main St., Jackson) on Feb. 11, 2017 only, when they show their movie ticket.
Concessions, including authentic movie theatre popcorn, from TriCity Theater will be available.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting www.markaytickets.org or calling the Walnut Hills Neighborhood Box Office at the Markay at 740-577-3841 or by stopping by the box office, 269 E. Main St., Jackson, Ohio Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m. or before performances on Jan. 28, Feb. 3 or Feb. 10.

Once again it’s time to grab your camera and start showing us, in pictures, why Jackson County is a great place to live, work and play.

The 13th Annual Jackson County Is Picture Perfect Amateur Photography Contest, a project of The Jackson County Times-Journal, is now accepting entries. It’s free to enter the amateur photography contest. (Click the link for the entry form PicturePerfectEntry2017)

This year The Times-Journal’s amateur photography contest is being held in partnership with The Markay, The Southern Hills Arts Council, Smith Flower Shop, Andrea’s Prom and Bridal, Jackson Body and Paint, Jackson Metropolitan Housing Authority, KFC of Oak Hill, Loan Central, Sonic, Toro Loco and EDKO.

The contest is open to youth and adults with separate categories. The youth division is for ages 10-17, and the adult division is for ages 18 and older.

Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places in both youth and adult divisions. The following cash amounts will be awarded: first place: $75 (youth and adult), second place: $50 (youth and adult), third place: $25 (youth and adult).

There will also be cash prizes for Best Representation of Life in Jackson County and Peoples’ Choice in both youth and adult divisions. The following cash amounts will be awarded: Best Representation of Life in Jackson County: $50 (youth and adult) and Peoples’ Choice: $25 (youth and adult).

Below are the Jackson County Is Picture Perfect Amateur Photography Contest Rules:

1. The photographer must be an amateur, who has not received money for photography services in the past year.
2. Photo must have been taken after April 15, 2016.
3. Photo entries may be on glossy or matte photo paper.
4. The photographer may enter up to two photos.
5. Photo must have been taken in Jackson County. (Photos at Lake Alma in Vinton County will not be accepted.)
6. Each entry must be an 8” x 10” in color or black and white photo and affixed to picture matting, for the total entry no larger than 11” x 14”. NO picture frames.
7. Photos must be submitted with an entry form that can be picked up at The Jackson County Times-Journal office, the Markay, printed off www.timesjournal.com or clipped out of The Jackson County Times-Journal.
8. Entries must be submitted ONLY to The Jackson County Times-Journal at 73 E. Huron Street, Suite B, Jackson by 5 p.m. on January 20, 2017. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. All entries become the property of the Jackson County Times-Journal during the course of the contest and will be released to participants on March 6, 2017.
10. Photos featuring an identifiable person must be accompanied by a signed release from that person or guardian.
11. First, Second and Third Place Winners will be chosen by a judge outside of the county. Votes at the Markay will decide the winners of Peoplesʼ Choice and Best Representation of Life in Jackson County. Winners will be announced on Feb. 16, 2017. Peoplesʼ Choice and Best Representation of Life in Jackson County voting ends on Feb. 13, 2017.
12. Jackson County Times-Journal employees and independent contractors are not eligible to participate.
13. Two age categories: Adult: 18 and older and Youth: 10 to 17. Photos must have been taken by the photographer entering the contest.
14. Photos can be artistically enhanced. Photos can be of any subject matter, however, no nude photos nor untasteful subjects will be permitted in the contest.
15. Failure to follow these rules will result in a disqualified entry.

Once again, the deadline to enter is Wednesday, January 25PicturePerfectEntry2017PicturePerfectEntry2017, 2017, at 5 p.m. at the office of The Jackson County Times-Journal, located at 73 E. Huron Street, Suite B, in Jackson. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Jackson County is Picture Perfect Exhibit can be viewed from Feb. 3, 2017, to Feb. 26, 2017 at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, located at 269 E. Main Street in Jackson. There will be an opening reception on Feb 3, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at the Markay.

Photos must be submitted with an entry form that can be picked up at The Jackson County Times-Journal office, the Markay, printed off www.timesjournal.com, clipped out of The Jackson County Times-Journal or by emailing jshaver@timesjournal.com.

Pictured are Jackson Rotary Club program host Denise Brown, Jackson Rotary Club President Carol Porter, Southern Hills Arts Council Director of Operations Jennifer Hughes and Rotary member and Southern Hills Arts Council Board of Trustees member Amanda Crabtree.

Denise Brown hosted the Jackson Rotary Club program for Tuesday January 10th. Mrs. Brown invited Jennifer Hughes of the Southern Hills Arts Council to review some of the exciting events and activities scheduled for the Markay Cultural Arts Center in 2017. Jennifer Hughes is the Director of Operations for the Southern Hills Arts Council. A number of special events are planned for the Markay Cultural Arts Center this year including the return of classic movies and popcorn. The first classic movie will be presented on a new 24 foot movie screen on Saturday, February 11th.

Arts festivals, gallery events, children’s performances, tap dancing, tribute artists and bands, country, bluegrass, community choirs, comedians, classical guitar, and much more will be going on in Jackson thanks to the Southern Hills Arts Council. The works of both regional and local artist will be on display in the Markay’s gallery again this year. A total of 11 gallery shows have been scheduled for the Markay this year. In addition to new performers such as the Hotel California-Eagles Tribute Band, several very popular performers such as the Madcap Puppets and Elvis Tribute artist Dwight Icenhower will return to the stage of the Markay in 2017. Dwight Icenhower’s performance last year was the Markay first sold-out event, so you are encouraged to get your tickets early for Dwight Icenhower’s June 17th show.

The Southern Hills Arts Council was established as a non-profit organization in June of 1981. It accepted the challenge of bring the Markay a 1930’s Art Deco theater back to life in 1996 when Rotarian Tom Evans was Mayor of Jackson. The arts council entered into an agreement with the City of Jackson to lease the theater for one dollar a year. The Markay was transferred to the arts council with the charge to renovate, maintain, and operate the Markay. Council members set out to return the Art Deco theater building to good operating condition with an eye to renovation, not restoration and it was always the intent of the arts council to save as many of the original features as possible and work without accruing debt. The renovation process took over the 18 years and two million dollars to complete. The grand reopening of the Markay took place in August of 2015 and today the gallery and 280 seat theater servers our community.

Detailed program information is available by calling (740) 577-3811 or by checking the Markay’s website at www.markayjackson.org

JACKSON– Jackson artist Sherry Betschel will have her work on display in a show titled “In The Moment” at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, January 6-29, 2017.

Jackson artist Sherry Betschel will have her work on display in a show titled “In The Moment” at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, January 6-29, 2017.

Betschel, a 1982 Jackson High School graduate, has been creating art in various forms, but it was not until 2013 that she started painting. She explains that she is an unbiased artist who likes to experiment with different types of mediums and techniques. When viewing her collection, one might be under the impression that her work was created by several different artists because of her diversity.

Betschel explains that spiritual paintings, vibrant modern art, mixed media, abstracts and her haunting black and white portrait paintings with oversized eyes are just some of the styles included in her work. Betschel likes using texture and mixed media in a free form loose style and likes to use her fingers to paint. Mixing charcoal and acrylic is her favorite and began using ghe technique at the suggestion of a Grove City Chamber member, who saw one of her unique portrait paintings at an art show.

Music is a huge part of Betschel’s creative process and most of her artwork was created while listening to classical music. She is a highly emotional person and carries her feelings onto the canvas when inspired by the challenges she has faced in her lifetime, spirituality, through nature, and poetry. She often incorporates Bible verses and poetry (some written by her oldest son, Jacob) into her art work.

’In The Moment’ is a diverse collection of artwork based on Betschel’s awareness with a conscious mind that is tuned into nature, emotion, and spirituality. Reminding us to slow down, take notice and reconnect.

“’In The Moment’ is a diverse collection of artwork based on my awareness with a conscious mind that is tuned into nature, emotion, and spirituality. Reminding us to slow down, take notice and reconnect,” Betschel said. “I don’t think art should be purchased to match the colors of a room. I think art should be purchased because you have a connection to the piece or because it sparks some sort of emotion,” she added. “Nothing is more rewarding to me, as an artist, than for a person to connect to a piece of my artwork on an emotional or spiritual level,” Betschel ended.

“In The Moment” is Betschel’s first art exhibit, but she has participated in art shows in Grove City, Columbus, Delaware, Cincinnati and Jackson. She has sold her paintings in Ohio, Vermont, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas and West Virginia and has painted several commissioned pieces. Most recently, a large commissioned abstract piece titled “Taken by the Sky II” for Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

Betschel was born on Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. She lived most of her childhood in Jackson and Wellston, and a few years in Scottsdale, Arizona and McArthur, Ohio. After graduating from JHS, Betschel studied at Rio Grande College before moving to Columbus.

While living in Columbus, she worked in the accounting department for the Department of Transportation, choreographed fashion shows, one of which was for the Columbus Museum of Art, and taught modeling classes for several modeling agencies. She met her husband in Columbus and moved back to Jackson in 1997 to raise her two sons, wanting to be closer to family.

The Southern Hills Arts Council invites the community to meet the artist on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m. at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main Street, Jackson. The Markay Gallery is open Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment by calling 740-286-6355.

More artwork and jewelry designs can be seen online at www.herartandsoulstudio.etsy.com

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is excited to announce their 2017 gallery schedule. There are 11 shows featuring several area artists, photographers and art mediums.

The Markay gallery is a project of the Southern Hills Arts Council, a not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in the region by encouraging and stimulating the practice and appreciation of the Arts.

The Markay gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

The Markay gallery is located inside the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main St., Jackson, Ohio.

Coming up in the gallery:

• January 6-29, 2017: Sherry Betschel, Artist. Meet the Artist reception will be held on January 6, 2017 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• February 3 to 26, 2017: Jackson County is Picture Perfect Photography Show. Meet the Photographers reception will be held on February 3 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• March 3 to 26, 2017: University of Rio Grande New Directions in Art. Meet the Artists reception will be held on March 3 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• March 31 to April 16, 2017: Karisa DeLay, Artist. Meet the Artist reception will be held on March 31 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• April 21 to May 28, 2017: Emalea Rupe, Artist. Meet the Artist reception will be held on May 30 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• June 2 to July 9, 2017: Jackson County High School Art Show. Meet the Artists reception will be held on June 2 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• July 14-Aug. 20, 2017: Apple Country Quilts, Quilts. Meet the Quilters reception will be held on March 31 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• August 25-Sept.24, 2017: Apple Festival Invitational. Meet the Artists reception will be held on August 25 at 7 p.m.   The event is free and open to the public.

• Sept. 29- Oct. 22, 2017: Brian Barnett and Shawn Langley, Artists. Meet the Artists reception will be held on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• Oct. 27-Nov. 12, 2017: Jackson County Veterans’ Show. Meet the Artists reception will be held on Oct. 27, 2017 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• Nov. 17- Dec. 26, 2017: Merry Cibula, Artist. Meet the Artist reception will be held on Nov. 17, 2017 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more about the Southern Hills Arts Council, visit www.southernhillsartscouncil.com or the events happening at the Markay, visit www.markayjackson.org.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center will be closed December 24, 2016 to January 2, 2017 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Tickets can be purchased at www.markayjackson.org.

JACKSON— The Markay Cultural Arts Center welcomes artist Kathryn “Kit” Edwards Dailey on Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m. with a Meet the Artist opening reception. Dailey’s show “What If” will be on display from November 11 to December 18.

Kit Dailey’s acrylic piece “Sea View” is on display.

“Whimsical is the one single word that best describes my painting style,” explained Dailey. “I try to portray the brighter side of life.  Although I take many photographs and have a nice reference file most of my paintings are imaginary,” she added. “Often I begin with a very sane idea, and see how it can be developed into something a little unusual. Sometimes I rely on bright colors and simple shapes to tell the story.”

Kit Dailey’s acrylic piece “Painting Class” is on display.

“I call myself a “what if” painter and not a “what is” painter. I often tell a whimsical story using watercolor on Arches paper.  Sometimes I use acrylic on a gallery wrap canvas. My paintings are filled with bright happy colors and positive thoughts,” Dailey said.

Dailey’s show features a number of her creations, as well as a special section of the show that addresses What If” you wanted to become an artist and the process to learn how to create various art applications.

Dailey, a Jackson resident, hopes people walk away from her paintings thinking, they would like to visit there, or perhaps chuckling at some idea that had never occurred to them.

Kit Dailey’s acrylic piece “Lighthouse” is on display.

Dailey was born and raised in Columbus. She married Dan Dailey and they have two sons. After graduating from Miami University, she taught in the South-Western City School District. While living in Athens, she substituted in the Athens School District and served on the Dairy Barn Cultural Art Center board. When the family moved to Jackson, Dailey served on the board of Southern Hills Arts Council and as Chairman for the Foothills Arts Festival. She currently serves as the vice president of the Ohio Watercolor Society.

Kit Dailey’s acrylic piece “Who’s That Knocken’ at the Door?” is on display.

The couple enjoys visiting with their sons, their wives and grandchildren. They also enjoy traveling and have been to every state and many foreign countries.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is located at 269 E. Main St., Jackson. The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 pm. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The Markay is a project of the Southern Hills Arts Council. For more information visit www.southernhillsartscouncil.com or www.markayjackson.com