Murphy – It all started several years ago when Debra Vanderlaan, president of the Valley River Arts Guild and director of the Max Project with the Murphy Art Xplosion, had an idea.
“I wanted a way to showcase local art in town,” she said at the Murphy Art Xplosion Silver Show downtown Friday night.
Many Main Street communities painted murals on their outdoor brick walls, but Vanderlaan had a better plan.
“The murals can ruin the brick, and it’s very expensive,” she said. “The arts guild set a mission to become an art destination in our entire region.”
Vanderlaan liked the idea of a moving exhibition, one that encouraged visitors to travel around the town to see the artwork. Her first installation saw 36 local artists participate.
Each artist sent a digital copy of their work to the Max Project, and Vanderlaan printed them onto waterproof-framed canvases. She and her husband, David, then expertly hung the pieces around town, creating an outdoor gallery.
“We want to change the work out seasonally,” she said.
For the autumn installation, she narrowed the artist pool by creating a Silver Show. All 48 artists who contributed to this installment had to be ages 50 or older. A panel of three art enthusiasts judged this collection.
“We look for color, clarity, composition, theme and impact,” Vanderlaan said. “By impact, I mean the art must evoke something – mystery, beauty, some kind of emotion.”
Vanderlaan hopes to reach her capacity by the next installation in October.
“We can hang up to 70 artists,” she said proudly.
The project is funded through two grants awarded by the Cannon Foundation and Cherokee County Tourist Development Authority.
“Some of the money comes from the bed tax,” she said, meaning tourists fund most of the project through hotel stays in the county.
“This project is unique,” Vanderlaan said during the energized exhibition Friday night. “I’ve never seen another community that frames canvases on brick walls.”
Artists wishing to participate in the winter gallery must submit their work between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1 under the theme “Appalachian Vintage.”
“Anything old, inspired by the Smoky Appalachian Mountains – old trees, old barns, old people, old trucks, vintage objects, you-name-it,” Vanderlaan explained.
The collaborative work of the arts guild with the community has helped make Murphy stand out even more.
“What we have here is stunning,” Vanderlaan said. “People drive into town, and they see the art and love it.”
For details on the Silver Show or submitting work, contact the Valley River Arts Guild at 360-3038.