Jan McVay’s only time using modeling clay was working with a live model.
During a workshop in Illinois, McVay, a longtime painter who taught art and photography at Southmont High School, went in once a week to sculpt the next part of the model’s face.
“I was amazed at how difficult it was to make lips that stuck to the face correctly,” she said.
McVay is among the artists featured in the Rockville-based Covered Bridge Art Association’s exhibit currently on display at the Crawfordsville District Public Library’s Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery. It’s the group’s first show at CDPL.
The exhibit includes paintings, jewelry and other works that capture Parke County’s rural spirit, like cows grazing in front of a clapboard barn.
“They’re local,” gallery coordinator Toni Ridgway-Woodall said, looking at the painted barn. “They reflect the community just as much as the covered bridges.”
Other artists displaying their work include Kelly Chambers, Lynne Dunnavant, Susie Teschmacher, Delores Collings, Rita Jacks, Nell Rose Brown, Elise Koning and Jerry Palma.
Artwork is available for sale through the circulation department. The show runs through the end of July.
The association was started in the mid-1960s by members of the local Tri Kappa chapter.
After displaying work in various local attractions, the group opened its gallery in a vacant clothing store on the courthouse square in the 1980s.
Members also display their work at the Parke County 4-H and Maple fairs and the Covered Bridge Festival. For more information about the association, follow Covered Bridge Art Gallery on Facebook or call 765-569-9422.
Next up at the Bishop gallery is a display of drawings from teen patrons, followed with an exhibit by Putnam County-based woodcut block print artist Matt Rees.
Artists interested in reserving gallery space should contact Ridgway-Woodall at 765-362-4618. The gallery is booked for the rest of this year and half of 2022.
