The Ashby Hodge Gallery of American Art
ART NOURISHES THE SOUL: THE SOUL SUSTAINS ART. Pardon me for borrowing
the theme of the Jo Stealey show last semester to start this annual
letter, but it succinctly says in eight words why The Ashby-Hodge
Gallery of American Art continues to exist in mid-Missouri. As we begin
2008, we are on the eve of celebrating our fifteenth anniversary—next
October. We continue to grow with fifty-three new works added to the
collection this past year. The cry for more space is getting more
vociferous though we are at the mercy of the powers to be. We have moved
some art work out into the foyer in front of the Gallery which offers
more creative opportunities.
The Gallery continues to make itself available for all groups who want
special tours whether they are from the university, the community, or
surrounding areas. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have such a group
wanting a tour or lecture. At the moment, we are experimenting with our
website to offer tours of our shows in conjunction with iTunes. Our
technical expert in this project is Jenny Martin Anspach from the
Development Office. Bill Holman is coming close to completing his
photographing the complete collection for a CD which will give vital
statistics for each art work. Stephanie Lewis is our new
secretary-treasurer of the Executive Board of the Gallery; her
efficiency is amazing. With the help of these three, the zealous
executive board, the devoted docent staff, and our work-study students,
we are able to keep the Gallery in business on a daily basis.
But let me quickly say without your continued support through gifts and
visitations, none of our efforts would have fruition. That is why we ask
you once a year to renew your membership in one of our angelic patron
classes. These are the following categories:
Seraphim $300 (or more)
Principalities $200 - $299
Cherubim $100 - $199
Archangels $ 75 - $ 99
Angels $ 50 - $ 74
Some of you have already renewed, and I think you know who you are. More
importantly, please come visit and bring your friends. We will continue
to keep you abreast via post cards of each show (there are five each
year), and you can always look us up on
our
website for current information. Thank you for permitting art to
nourish all our souls.
PAX,
Joe Geist, Ph.D., Curator
jegeist@sbcglobal.net
