Featured Artist Display “Celebrate Kirksville”

        
Colleen Wagner, artist and co-owner of Gallery 104 in Kirksville, has created a display called “Celebrate Kirksville” to commemorate Kirksville’s 175, Truman’s 150, and ATSU’s 125 years of development and growth. Members of the public are invited to view the display at a reception from 5:30-7 p.m. May 5 at Gallery 104. They are also encouraged to stop by the gallery to view the rest of Wagner’s work, as well as art work by other artists. The Gallery is located at 104 N. Franklin St. in downtown Kirksville. Hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wagner started the project by painting back alley scenes in Kirksville, but when the Kirksville Arts Association building burned down she was motivated to paint her impression of the fire as well as other businesses and buildings which represent Kirksville. When she was informed of the May 20 Frontier Day Celebration of Kirksville, the theme grew to include the surrounding farm lands as well. Eight businesses, seven landmark buildings, six scenes of areas surrounding Kirksville and three back alley scenes are included in the display. The work includes mixed media compositions as well. The signature piece is a large abstract composition of a purple K surrounded with confetti-like pieces obtained from Truman and ATSU promotional materials used to create the feeling of a celebration. It is titled “Kirksville Celebration.”