By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

WARSAW — Coincidentally, with its move to a new location, the Lakeland Art Association has received the donation of five paintings from the Stouder family’s local art collection.

The art association has been blessed with these paintings, created by long-term member Mary Alice Estep, who passed away in 2009. These works will be included in the nucleus of a rotating art museum as it expands the holdings of historical and valuable art by this organization.

In addition to pieces by artist Jacques De Du-Glass and Estep, several other deceased artists have work included in this growing collection. Most of them have been discussed in this column.

Estep was born Dec. 4, 1920, in Atwood. Her parents were Harry Chauncy and Atha Ruth Casner Mosier. In November, 1974, Estrep married Carlyle Tillman. Estep graduated from Mentone High School in 1938 and remained a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County.

Like many creative people, she had several outlets for her expressions of art. She was a dedicated homemaker and applied much of her art knowledge to enhancing her home. She became interested in oil painting at a young age and continued to learn and improve in that medium over her lifetime.

One could often find her at art fairs, in bank foyers or later, as they became popular, in malls displaying her colorful oil creations. Another outlet for her creativity was found in her expertise in playing the organ. We could not obtain a photo of Estep’s work in time for this press release, but we encourage you to attend the open house and view her work.

Both Lakeland Art Association and Akron Arts Association had a number of entries recently in the 92-county art show at The Honeywell Clark Gallery, Wabash. This is a juried show represented by all 92 counties within Indiana and only one-third of those works entered were accepted.

Both of these local art groups were well represented in the show. Elizabeth Womsley from LAA and my dear friend Susan Ring both won awards.

The show will be open through 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, when there will be a reception.

I am honored that one of my own works was also accepted in this prestigious show. You won’t recognize it against my normal genre and technique. It was a lot of fun producing it.

The new gallery, 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw, will open at 11:30 Wednesday, Feb. 3, with regular hours, however a large grand opening celebration will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. There will be door prizes, refreshments, dignitaries and an opportunity to see the new collectible art works that will be on view along with many other art, jewelry, sculpture and collectible items. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• The 92-County Art Show and LAA opening are described above.
• The Kim Rieff exhibit is at Warsaw City Hall. Rieff teaches art at Grace College. Visit this gallery from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily on the main floor.
• Stay tuned at Facebook or via the association’s website.                   
• Contact your author/artist Darla McCammon at [email protected] or online.