More than 100 people attended the opening of the Catherine Graham Christie Exhibit that highlights the Arts Center`s 15th Anniversary. The exhibit includes over 200 pieces of art created by the Arts Center`s founder and benefactor, Cathy Christie. In the main gallery, the exhibit features 14 framed pieces that are part of the Arts Center`s permanent collection, as well as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery and fabric art done by Christie that were lent to the CKAC by local residents for the month of February. In the small gallery, paintings from the Arts Center`s collection of works donated by Cathy Christie in the past and an eclectic variety of pieces that Cathy had in her private collection and brought down from her home in Georgia are on sale to benefit the Arts Center. 
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Cathy Christie, a retired art teacher from Canada, came to Cedar Key in the mid 70`s. Before long, she and a group of her "artsy tartsy" friends established the Cedar Keyhole Arts and Crafts Coop. Originally located on the corner where Tony`s Seafood is now, the Keyhole moved to its present location in 1979. In 1983 Christie purchased the property, in 1991 she added a second story, and in 1994 she established the non-profit Cedar Key Arts Center and donated the building to the Arts Center whose mission is to nurture the arts in our community. 
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The Arts Center was delighted when Cathy decided to come for the opening and celebration. She will be here through the month of February. On Friday, February 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Christie will be giving a workshop for anyone interested in learning "sand sculpture." We will meet at the Arts Center then go to the beach. If you are interested in joining us, call Bev Ringenberg, 543-0362 for a list of supplies you need to bring (all common household items). In addition to the art exhibit, Peggy Herrick, local artist and CKAC`s official "historian," has put together three memorabilia albums that tell the history of the arts center from its beginnings to present day. Plan to come in, enjoy the art and the history. The exhibit will continue through the month of February. |
