"There is something for everyone. It is a very varied show," said Martha Davis of Janice Mason Art Museum.
The Lower Town Artists of Paducah are part of the Artist Relocation Program that was started in August of 2000. The Artist Relocation Program has become a national model for using the arts to promote economic development. The City of Paducah has offered incentive and opportunities for artists who relocate to the Paducah area.
According to the Lower Town Artist's website, the City of Paducah and Paducah Bank have made this project a front burner priority. Already 45 artists from all over the United States have relocated to Paducah. They have helped transform a down and out area of town into an up and coming city that is supported by galleries and artists. There is a great variety of art forms such as printmakers, painters, fiber artists, quilters, bookbinders, sculptors, photographers, a marbler and multi-media artists.
Many of these artists have had the opportunity to display their artwork all over the nation as well as Italy, Japan, France, Canada and Cuba. The Janice Mason Art Museum has many of these artists work on display. "This exhibit is very exciting because it offers the works of several artists. All of these artists have different styles and media. There are several examples of beautiful quilting, photography and collages," Davis said.
The opening that was held on Friday was an exciting time for art lovers. "The opening went very well. We had a nice crown and some of the artists came and it was very exciting to have some of those people here," Davis said.
The exhibit of the Lower Town Artists of Paducah will be on display until April 25. Starting April 29 the Museum will feature the photography of Phara Bourque.
Don't forget to buy tickets for the Janice Mason Art Museum's fundraiser. The Moonlight Serenade dance will be held on April 30 and features dinner and an orchestra. Tickets are available for $50 per person.
The Janice Mason Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 4 P.M. and Sunday from 1 to 4 P.M. Partial Funding is provided by the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the USDA Forest Service.
