Brilliant Pastels - A group show of pastel drawings

Nicholasville, KY, July 20, 2007 A judge, a clinic manager, a nurse, and a banker are among the Lexington-area artists whose work in pastels will be featured in “Brilliant Pastels,” an exhibit at The Art Depository in Nicholasville, July 27-September 1. An artist’s reception open to the public will be held August 24 from 4 pm until 8 pm.

“Brilliant Pastels” will feature the work of Lexington-based artists Marianna McDonald and her students. McDonald’s work has been displayed throughout the U.S. and abroad. McDonald has worked full-time as an artist in pastels and oils since 2001, after an earlier career in graphic design. She is a Murray State University graduate.

McDonald has taught classes and workshops in pastels since 2001. While some of her students have previous art experience in other media, McDonald’s classes are the first serious foray into art for others.

McDonald likens pastel work to “using a new box of crayons.” The flexible nature of the work and rich color possible with pastels is a draw for the exhibiting artists as well. Marta Elam Dorton, a stay-at-home mom with a graphic arts background, notes that “I instantly fell in love with pastels due to the immediacy of the colors applied.” UK Plastic Surgery manager Sherry Lackey says “I like the method because it allows for some revision as you go, and I usually obtain a result that is good enough that it surprises me time and again.”

The time spent working with pastels provides a much-needed release for some of McDonald’s students. Lucinda Masterton, Judge for the 5^th Division of the Fayette Circuit Court, describes McDonald’s class as “my weekly opportunity to escape to pastels.” Debbie Waitkus, a financial service representative at American Founders Bank, says “Art is my therapy. It is never boring.” Beth Barnes, director of UK’s School of Journalism and Telecommunications, enjoys the classes because “The only decision I have to make is what color I want to use next. It’s a very refreshing change from my daily work.”

The Art Depository is currently open Thursday & Friday from 10 am – 7 pm, and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Appointments can be made to view the gallery Monday - Wednesday by calling 859-885-0106.

Participating Artists

Beth Barnes

Laura Bowers

Pam Clegg

Margie Criswell

Wendy Currier

Donna Booth-Dillon

Marta Elam Dorton

Rick Ford

Leatha Kendrick

Anne Kindl

Sherry Lackey

Nancy Lawrence

Heather Masterton

Lucinda Masterton

Marianna McDonald

Mary Lu Musick

Trang Nguyen

Lynne Pharis

Julie Quick

Holly Salisbury

Peaches Scearce

Debbie Waitus

Paint the Town - 2007 Join the fun !!!!

Paint the Town - 2007 ---Sponsor a town banner

For a $100 donation you can sponsor a Main Street Banner for the city of Nicholasville. Each summer the citizens of Nicholasville get together and paint banners to hang from Main Street for the fall season. It's great fun and the folks always have a great time painting. Every fall the traffic down Main Street slows to catch a view of all the new works. The sponsor banner hangs at the beginning of the banner parade. You get to keep your banner as well as a lovely CD of images creating the banners and hanging on Main Street.

To sponsor a banner contact The Art Depository by email at artdepository@ix.netcom.com or call 859-885-0106.