ART MARKET ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Amanda Kaler
Currently working at Murray State University in the Art Department, Amanda received her B.F.A. in Studio Art from MSU and a M.A. in Arts Administration from University of Kentucky. Her work is a variety of mixed media, consisting of vintage ads, found natural objects, as well as small bits of discarded metal and glass, combining these with silkscreen images and paint. She is inspired by the people around her, stating, “to be around all that creative collaborative energy is amazing!”
Instagram @amandakalerartist
Ann Gosser
An artist, with an admin side gig, Gosser’s work ranges from mixed media fine art to pop culture influenced stickers and shrinky dink pins. Inspired by color, the work explores the dichotomy of happiness and sadness. Ann lists pink, turquoise and lime green as her power colors. When asked about her favorite artist, Gosser responds, “That's like asking me to pick a favorite child! Luckily I only have one child so that's easier than picking a favorite artist.”
Chad McLaren
Despite being partially color blind, Chad has a keen eye for color, often using a surreal approach to color in his vibrant pastel drawings. Now a resident of Paducah, he graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, going on to teach music in highschool. Eventually, Chad moved into graphic design and the visual arts.
happyaccidentgallery.com
Facebook: Happy Accident Gallery
Tiktok: SirGreyBeard
Don Henry
Don Henry, a Murray native and former apprentice of Bobby Falwell, currently resides in Dallas, TX, where he runs Don Henry Designs. He has perfected his craft in antique preservation and furniture building, and also enjoys photography. Inspired by nature, he is shifting to smaller items & his rolling pins & cutting boards are a welcome addition to the market. In his free time he can be found sailing or leading a Boy Scout troop of Sea Scouts!
Instagram: @dhwoodcraftsman
Eileen Wirsig
Eileen Wirsig, an accountant by trade, first began weaving 16 years ago at the MAG when her oil painting class was full and she wandered upstairs and met "her people" in the weaving studio. Now she can be found most Tuesdays and Fridays at the MAG, weaving beautiful blankets, shawls, and tea towels, teaching others in our workshops, or contorting herself into various positions as she warps, troubleshoots, and fixes problems with our MAG looms!
Eva King
Eva King, a retired MSU employee, has a background in painting & drawing, but is most known for her 2D "paper applique" work. She first learned the process from a workshop at the MAG & is now a Kentucky Crafted Artist. Eva is also a Board Member & instrumental in hanging the shows in our gallery! She is also involved with Friends of the Library, the WestKY NOW, is an avid runner & does tai chi. Her 2D work and cards can be found at our art market.
Jeri Lake
A retired nurse midwife, Lake turned to art following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Lake states, “Art rescued me, helped me heal and gave me a new path to explore. I'm a believer in the restorative power of creating art.” Working in ceramics, Lake is inspired by nature creating colorful works, mostly functional pottery but sometimes sculptural.
Jo Bennett
Jo Bennett, who works in metals & wood has had a studio at the MAG since 2018. After receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts at Murray State University, Jo worked in the MSU Maintenance Department, but has recently decided to pursue art full-time. Jo's beautiful copper and silver earrings as well as small-bound books can be found at the Market.
Instagram: @jbenn_studio
Josh Riley
Josh Riley works with his wife, Justine (& son James) to operate their ceramics studio, Panther Creek Pottery, in Mayfield. Josh's ceramics classes are a staple of our Summer Youth program; and Josh can be found demonstrating his craft at local art fairs in Western KY.
panthercreekpottery.com
Instagram: @panthercreekpottery
Justine Riley
Justine and James Riley (& son James). Justine is a book artist and ceramicist (with her husband, Josh) & is a frequent instructor of MAG workshops. She is also the author/ illustrator of I'm a Horse Smeller, found at our art market.
sketchjournalrecord.com
Instagram: @sketchjournalrecord
MSU Printmaking Club
Starting in 2000, the club that is local at Murray State University (MSU), consists of a variety of people who are majoring in Art & Design. Each item is designed and screen printed by the MSU students. Proceeds from their sales go to help its members travel to conferences.
Instagram: @msu_printmaking
Reid Parish
Living in the Atlanta, Georgia area, Parish received a M.A. of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics from Murray State University in 1985. Once an important staple to the MAG community, he had a studio on site and spearheaded the local Empty Bowls project.
Instagram: @rainwaterclay
Rosemary Kandt
Rosemary Kandt relocated to the Murray area from Las Vegas and has been instrumental in the MAG ever since! Not only does she make exquisite beadwork, but her expertise in the market display, management, and promotion has been crucial. She's also a wonderful teacher of many of our workshops and is always willing to mentor other artists, adults and teens alike.
Squire Babcock
Squire Babcock, a retired MSU English professor, has made a name for himself at the market with his beautiful wood turned bowls, platters, and urns.
Susan Gregan
Sue was inspired artistically by her highschool art teacher, going on to major in art in college. After college, she worked at Xerox as an accountant and didn’t pick up art again until she retired and moved to Kentucky from New Jersey. Arriving in Murray and finding the Murray Art Guild, Sue said "The Art Guild saved my life.” Now Sue is a consistent Art Market participant with her watercolor cards and paintings. Her work is often inspired by the local landscape.
Terry Joe Sledd
Terry Joe Sledd, a book artist, has a studio onsite at the MAG. He can often be found in the south studio creating all of the many elements found in his beautiful, sculptural, wooden books and/or helping us out in general! He is a 2019 recipient of the VSA Kentucky’s “Ron Billings Emerging Artist Award.”
terryjoesledd.com
Instagram: @cripplecreekbookarts
Tom Jackson
Tom graduated with a BFA in Painting from the University of Houston in 1984 & moved to Murray from California 12 years ago. He said that shortly after moving to Murray, he found other amazing artists at the MAG, which helped him “jump start” his artistic career. Tom has a ceramics studio in town and sells his work through the Art Market. Tom also draws & paints, and is a regular in the MAG’s Life Drawing studio. His most recent public piece is the “Historic Homes of Murray” mural on Main Street, finished in 2019. Tom also helps paint & create sets for the Playhouse in the Park.
Facebook: Fine Art Images By Tom Jackson
Wayne Bates
Wayne is a ceramic artist, known for his intricate works of art using Sgraffito on English Porcelain. Since moving to the area in the late 1970s, Wayne and his wife Kay, have been an important asset to not only the Murray arts community, but to Murray Art Guild; Wayne is generous with both his time and knowledge, he is a mentor to many. Today, Wayne's work can be seen in numerous galleries and museums.
