ArtCentre of Plano Exhibition Showcases Outstanding Women Artists

Jane Jones, Teta Smith, Sue Alston, Marie Renfro, Karen White and Jean Newman with Marilyn Brooks // photo courtesy ArtCentre of Plano

“I believe, and evidence supports, that the arts are vital for students and for all of us,” said Marilyn Brooks, ArtCentre of Plano board member. “The ArtCentre provides arts education for students and the entire community.”

Marilyn retired in 2007 from her position as the associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Plano ISD. She had a 40-year career in Plano ISD, which included roles as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and executive director for communications and student services. She now devotes her time to engaging in and supporting the arts.

ArtCentre of Plano is a nonprofit located in the historic Saigling House in Downtown Plano’s Haggard Park that seeks to inspire, support and promote excellence, diversity and vitality in the arts and arts education in our community.

In order to promote such efforts, the ArtCentre hosts several exhibitions throughout the year, its current exhibition being “Embracing Art: 6 Visionary Women.”

Jane Jones // photos courtesy ArtCentre of Plano
Artist Jane Jones // photos courtesy ArtCentre of Plano

Marilyn sponsored this exhibition as a way to further support the Plano nonprofit. She personally invited these women who had been her art teachers throughout the years to display their outstanding work.

The show runs until Jan. 18 and showcases six talented and widely recognized local, female artists including Jane Jones, Jean Newman, Karen White, Marie Renfro, Sue Alston and Teta Smith.

“Each of the artists has exhibited in other group or individual exhibitions at the ArtCentre, but this work is fresh – some new to the artists – and a great presentation from the eyes of a great supporter of theirs,” said Suzy Sloan Jones, executive director of the ArtCentre. “Marilyn and I spent time with most of the artists in their studios, helping to select works that would come to the ArtCentre of Plano.”

Featured artist Sue Alston produces highly sought-after watercolor paintings and has taught watercolor classes at Collin College for over 25 years. Jane Jones is a versatile painter who works with watercolor, acrylics, collage and mixed media.

Jean Newman’s work is a favorite of local collectors as she uses a variety of mediums such as watercolor, semi ink, acrylic, oil and fused glass, while artist Karen White draws inspiration from time working at the Heard Museum in McKinney, and she loves recreating and interpreting the beauty of prairies, woodlands and wetlands on paper.

Marie Renfro’s paintings can be recognized by their color and creativity as she has an intuitive approach to painting that allows her to find compositions and subjects others might not consider. Teta Smith paints everything from realistic portraits to non-representational paintings using watercolor, acrylic, collage and oil with cold wax.

The ArtCentre is hosting two Brown Bag Lunch Conversations 12-1 p.m. on Dec. 11 and Jan. 8. The public is invited to come hear from these talented featured artists. The public may bring their own lunch, and ArtCentre of Plano will provide complementary beverages.

“The Brown Bag Lunches are an opportunity for art lovers to learn more,” said Carol Greisdorf, marketing and strategic consultant for the ArtCentre. “They can visit with the artists, learn about what inspires them, their technique, their personal style.”

ArtCentre of Plano >

 

ArtCentre of Plano
902 E 16th St
Plano, TX 75074

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