7th Annual Valentine’s Afternoon with the Arts

Valentines2016Clarksvilleans can buy Valentine’s gifts from local artists, sample champagne and heart-healthy chocolates from local caterers, and enjoy chamber music by local musicians at the seventh annual Valentine’s Day Afternoon with the Arts on Sunday, February 14.

The Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council and F&M Bank are hosting this event from 1pm to 4pm in F&M Bank’s Franklin Room (50 Franklin Street), with its spectacular views of downtown and the Cumberland River.

Over the past seven years, this event has showcased the work of over 70 talented local artists. Featured artists for this year’s Valentine’s Day Afternoon with the Arts include the following:

  • LuAnnette Butler‘s photography is eclectic and includes animals, landscapes, architectural styles and “old things.”
  • John Butler has crafted jewelry boxes, tea chests and other items from walnut, cherry, oak and maple.
  • Bettye Shely Holte will showcase a variety of artworks, including acrylic paintings on canvas and mixed media pieces on watercolor paper.
  • Jane Olson‘s art brings a fresh approach to watercolor pieces in a variety of sizes.
  • Allene Phy-Olsen has put together valentine necklaces, featuring golden hearts, frozen hearts, black hearts, broken hearts, bleeding hearts and winged hearts.
  • Richard Rois paints from his photographs of subjects which catch his eye and speak to him, “as I feel they have been frozen in time just for me.”
  • Randy Spurgeon will have realist graphite and watercolor works on paper.
  • Ray Szczepaniak has assembled “4 His Glory” photos that highlight the majesty of nature.
  • Thornton Pottery will offer work inspired from nature, creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art made from real leaves.
  • Steven M. Walker brings years of experience to his ceramic pieces with a culmination of traditional wheel throwing and hand building techniques.
  • Yvonne Wheeler Hiett is a multi-media artist working in oils, watercolor and acrylics.

As artists are often the first to donate their works to area organizations for auctions and fundraisers, this event is AHDC’s way of recognizing their contributions to the community and giving them a chance to sell their work with no fees attached.

AHDC also uses the event to showcase the edible art of local caterers. Some past contributors of chocolate confections have been Lovin’ Spoonful Cafe, The Looking Glass, Edward’s Steakhouse, Blackhorse Pub and Brewery, Gingham Cafe, Fire and Ice Catering, Chartwells, Silke’s Old World Bread and Bakery, Ruby Tuesday and Sweetest Batch Cupcakery. Margie Crain always offers savory appetizers to complement the chocolates.

What both sets of individuals — artists and caterers — contribute to our local economy is sometimes overlooked. Through this Valentine’s event, Arts and Heritage recognizes the economic and quality-of-life importance to Clarksville of these community members.

Tickets are $25 each, or two for $40. Reservations can be made via the below button, or by calling 931.551.8870.