Opal Black, students honor Cathey Pendleton with art exhibit

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By ASHLEY INGE
TheFlashToday.com

STEPHENVILLE (September 3, 2018) – A new exhibit at the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council (CTFAC) is displaying work from local artist Opal Black and her students and is also a tribute to Cathey Pendleton, one of the students who had passed away earlier this year. The exhibit opened Saturday, Sep. 1 at the River North Gallery.

According to the CTFAC press release, Cathey was able to participate in the 2017 class exhibit. Her biography from that show stated how much she enjoyed having more time to paint and living near family in Dublin. She joined Opal’s painting class in 2006.

“The class has been incredibly fun and invaluable in fostering this interest [in art],” Cathey wrote.

Whitney Lee, executive director of the CTFAC, spoke about the tribute that Opal Black and her students did for Cathey.

“I think it’s a very touching and special thing and just speaks to the friendship that this group has shared over the years in this class together,” Lee said.

The exhibit will feature original work by the instructor, Opal Black. Some of the students who have their art on display include: Kay Cozart, Doug Burns, Beverly Gillespie, Irma Harrington, JoEllen Miller, June King, Pat Schipper, Pat Sharp, Peggy Tullos, Sherre West, Rebecca Stephens, Valarie Burns, Evelyn Velchoff, Treva Wallace, and Kay La Rae Watson.

Lee explained that the exhibit is going to showcase many different types of artwork.

“We have everything from watercolor to acrylic. We have pieces that are done on traditional canvas. I [also] have some that’s on wooden pieces, so it’s really a wide array of things and pieces that are going to be displayed,” Lee said. “I think it’s a tribute to the diversity of this group and how well this group really works together and learning all of these different techniques and getting these pieces put together.”

A reception featuring all the artists on display is scheduled for Saturday, Sep. 8 from 1-3 p.m. at the CTFAC gallery. The exhibit and reception are both open to the public and will run through the month of October.

“Even if they can’t make it out to the reception, [I] encourage people to come see the tribute that they’re doing to Cathey and the other students’ work as well, because they’re all really great,” Lee said.