On Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, downtown Augusta’s Sacred Heart Cultural Center will host a free art reception for the artists of the Merry Street exhibit from 4 to 6 p.m.
Previously a Catholic church, the facility now serves as a hub for many cultural activities such as concerts, art exhibits and holiday events.
The event will feature a group of local artists including Mary Madeline Harrison, Del Jordan, Mary K. Rufo and Nancy Tokarska – who work in various mediums.
Harrison began painting after she became too handicapped to continue athletic activities, and art allowed her to explore a completely different path.
Although he has loved art for over 40 years, Jordan did not begin painting until about nine years. Inspired by his photography, many of his paintings are acrylic recreations due to the medium’s fast drying time.
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Following her retirement and completing drawing classes at Augusta University, Rufo joined a group of fellow seniors, and started painting weekly. Over time, she mastered drawing children and developing various perspectives of the human body, animals and objects. Her art is known for its expressive colors and usage of divergent mediums to convey her own point of view.
With more than 40 years of experience painting, Tokarsha started creating pieces with acrylics before moving onto oils. While her art is heavily nature inspired, she also enjoys creating abstract pieces.
The gallery’s exhibit will officially open on January 25 at 9 a.m., and will be displayed until February 28.
Open to the public and located at 1301 Green St. in Augusta, Ga, displayed pieces will be available for purchase, and a portion of each art sale will go towards the ongoing preservation of Sacred Heart.
For more information, visit: https://sacredheartaugusta.org
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
