Published: August 06, 2008 11:41 pm      

Meridian Artists' Co-op celebrates its first birthday today

The public is invited to join members of Meridian Artists' Co-op today in celebration of the co-op's first birthday. The party will be in the Gallery at 2500-B North Hills Street, behind Squealers and next door to The Cuttery, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Renown artist, Mike French, will demonstrate the art of pastel portrait painting from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Refreshments will be served and many prizes will be given away.

Guests may register to win a pastel portrait by Mike French, a pastel portrait of your pet by Peggy Harmon, fine silver PMC earrings by Suzanne Boyd, a piece of pottery by Bebe Gianakos or a Santa ornament by Bean's Ferry Pottery.

A 10 percent discount will be given on all art purchased during the birthday party.

Cheri Barry of the American Red Cross will be on hand to receive a special gift from the Artists' Co-op to the Veteran's House.

Officers of the Artist's c-op are Sharon Bass, President; Peggy Harmon, First Vice President; Bebe Gianakos, Third Vice President and Secretary, Doris McKinney, Fourth Vice President.

Other Board Members are Janis Fox and Ernest Ross.

Other members are: Jeff Allmand, Suzanne Boyd, Chris Carpenter, Keith Carpenter, Eleanore Catledge, Nathan Culpepper, Rhea Espey, Syliva Follis, Trish Frazier, Mike French, Ora Floy Green, Elaine Griffin, Elizabeth Hagwood, Katheryne Higginbotham, Ellen MCCaskill, Melinda Loechel, Myra Mabry, Edna Manley, Ronnie Norris, Diane Oliver, Doris Ray, Mike Reich, Mouise Richards, Carl Schultz, Mary Secrest, Betty Trest, Theresa Twente, Larry Van Dyke, Marcia Via and Barbara Wells.

The Artists' Co-op Gallery features original paintings in all media, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, wooden bowls, paper mache, cards, gift items and more created by talented locals.

The gallery is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the Web site at www.meridianartistcoop.org.