Sylacauga art museum celebrity art auction and concert

It’s a gift either you have or you don’t: the ability to be an artist. I tried my hand at a painting, which is now on display.

But, it’s all for a good cause, in Sylacauga.

like in life, you get to start with a clean canvas. Fortunately for me I also get to work with a real artist and teacher, Jimmy Reynolds Jr., a Sylacauga native and art teacher.

Eighteen artists have teamed up with 30 of us, who they’re calling “celebrity artists,“ because it sounds better than people who can’t paint.

Reynolds chose the Birmingham skyline at night as our subject. He said since I’ve looked at this view for three decades, it seemed appropriate.

All of the work will be on display and sold at the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Arts Center celebrity art auction and concert Saturday night.  Kathy Marlow is a museum board member and chairwoman of the event. She’s a great ambassador for Sylacauga.

“Oh, it’s such a beautiful place and the people are so nice,” Marlow said. “I’ve lived in other places around the country and I consider this home… there’s plenty to do here.“

The Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Arts Center is a special place, filled with historic artifacts and a place where art is taught and appreciated. Sylacauga High School students have been studying texture there.

It’s a friendly, hands-on museum.  Those who come here know that this effort to raise funding for the museum and art center is to make sure the operation flourishes.

At first, I was afraid to put paint on the canvas at all. But Reynolds assured me that I couldn’t mess up our work, and if I did he could fix it. I trusted him and learned that there’s no need to be afraid. Reynolds is in love with art of all kinds and says everyone ought to try painting.

“Everybody can do it to some degree or another,” Reynolds said. “It’s more communication of emotions, what you’re feeling that can be passion one way or another, but yes you do not need to be afraid of it, just dive right in.“

Other celebrity artists include First Lady Patsy Riley, Congressman Mike Rogers, Mayor Sam Wright and many area business people and officials. It will be a night of art and good music.

By our second session, I did what Reynolds told me, and just had fun with all the color and big brush strokes. I got comfortable and maybe even a little cocky… all for a good cause.

“The museum is more than just displaying art,” Reynolds said. “We have art classes here for younger people; also the VSA of Alabama, they’re involved. Same things we’re talking about with receptions that we have once a month, it means a lot to the museum and Sylacauga.

Reynolds and I signed our work. He’s accustomed to that; it was a thrill for me. We’ll hope it brings a good price at the celebrity art auction and concert Saturday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sylacauga High School auditorium.

My wife and I will attend the art auction Saturday night in Sylacauga; in fact, there’s a rumor that my wife might just make the first bid on my artwork. Maybe we’ll see you there.