Art gallery closes

Dear editor:

It is with sorrow that I must inform all of you who have helped us with the Vernon County Arts Council gallery that is closing March 31. This has become necessary due to the aging process and lack of funds, as well as the lack of help.

This does not mean that the Vernon County Arts Council will no longer exist. It only means that we will not have a home. We will continue to work with the arts as we have too meany commitments. We will continue to try to get funding for the restoration of the murals that need to be repaired, with the children's reading group at the library and the soil conservation poster winners next spring, to produce their calendars. There also will be two art shows this year, and I do hope you will come out and enjoy these.

During the past year the artists have been busy, showing in various shows such as the Kansas City Greater Art Show, Springfield Culinary Show, Joplin Art Walks, the annual Lamar Art Show, the Bourbon County Spring Art Show and the grand opening of the Springs Gallery in El Dorado Springs. We have done all of this plus our own regular artist shows and receptions at our own art gallery. We also helped with the mural that was painted at Heartland Behavioral Services.

Thanks so much to those who have contributed to the work that was done here. We cannot thank Mr. Greg Hoffman enough for letting us be a part of the opening of the wonderful new beginning for the Carnegie Building. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the Nevada Daily Mail for the wonderful coverage that they have done for us while in the gallery. Thank you so very much.

The one thing that Nevadans can say is "Yes, we DID have an art gallery here at one time." Even if it was for a short time. Thank you for that pleasure.

Sincerely,

Ladine Casey

Jeanne Board

Alice Stevenson