Signature work by Russ Middleton, Kevin Ward, Tonya Robbins, Corey Warner, Kathy Brightenstein, Doty Conrad & Nancy Derton can all be found at The Gallery in Marquand.  This outstanding exhibit exemplifies exceptional talent, style and a variety of subject matter, as it brings together some of the most talented artists in our region. 

Middleton and Ward have brought home their exhibit that closed at Marbles Gallery in Lafayette Square at the end of November.  These pieces include Middleton's creative and mystifying work entitled "Symmetry," and Ward's profound nature shots.  Joining in the photography arena, you will find the work of Tonya Robbins and Corey Warner.  Robbins, daughter-in-law of Dwight and Sharon Robbins of  Fredericktown, finds beauty in Madison County's flora, rock formations and natural beauty, while Warner, son-in-law of Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Beyer, seeks out and finds unique moments in the ever changing world we live in - capturing them on film to remind us of the rare beauty that is around us every day we live. 

Bringing canvas to life, one will find the work of master painter, Kathy Brightenstein, who resides on Highway A just outside of Marquand with husband, Steve, has plans to open her studio in the coming year.  There is something every distinctive about Kathy's work… hard to put your finger on it at times, but it revolves around her impeccable attention to detail and ability to make Missouri's rural scenes alive with color, depth and intensity with the mere strokes of a brush.  Once you've viewed a Brightenstein, you'll know exactly what I mean.  Another of Kathy's gifts is the art of portraiture, for which she has become well known.  Brightenstein will stage sittings, or work from your most precious photos to capture the true image of life. 

Doty Conrad, a native of Marble Hill, is also a lover of the canvas.  Conrad's still life paintings and florals are among the favorites of her clientele.  Vivid colors, natural lighting and flowing backdrops bring together realistic form and value to her work.  Her husband, David, is perhaps her greatest fan, critic and friend, noting that until it's perfect, Doty never finishes a work. 

Rounding out this fantastic array of beauty is Nan Derton.  Nancy, along with husband, Tom, are well respected artists locally and in the St. Louis area.  Nancy creates a very unique, and highly sought-after jewelry line, many pieces of which are displayed at Derton-Schwaig Fine Arts Gallery in St. Louis' Lafayette Square.  Using semi-precious stones, Derton creates fine jewelry for today's lifestyle and fashion vogue. 

Gallery attendant, Dorothy Kelley, is always ready to share this and other rotating exhibits with seasoned visitors, and new comers alike.  The Gallery is always looking for new and exciting art to share with the community, so if you or someone you know is interested in staging an exhibit, please contact Kelley at 783-5609.