05/11/2005
Ozark's first Art Walk
By: Donna Osborn, Headliner News
Inaugural event: Local photographer Jim Mayfield took this famous picture for an album cover. He will join a number of other artists May 14 on the Ozark Square for the city's first Art Walk.
It is probably one of the most famous and haunting images of the Ozarks: The photo that brought tragedy to Clarence and Roscoe Jones. When they appeared on the cover of this 1976 Ozark Mountain Daredevils album, local bandits thought they were rich and raided their sparse cabin in the woods, killing the father, Clarence, and leaving the son, Roscoe, disabled.Roscoe lived his life out at the Century Pines Retirement Village in Ozark. He died last year, but the image of him and his father lives on, depicting a simpler era of Ozark life.
Jim Mayfield took the picture. He will join a number of other local artists who will exhibit and sell their works on the Ozark Square May 14.
The colorful flyers dotting the windows of many of the merchants in Ozark, Springfield and Nixa characterize the event as Mayberry with style.
From 2 to 5 p.m., the sidewalks and stores will display a variety of artists and their works. The first ever Ozark Main Street Art Walk is the culmination of hard work by the program's board of directors.
Bruce and Melissa Galloway, husband and wife attorneys on the square are two of them. They helped coordinate the artists who will be participating. Melissa says it is important for the organization to provide something different for the town.
"I am excited about it," she said. "I think it will do a lot for Ozark as we continue to draw attention and grow interest in our downtown."
The Galloways will host artist Judy Sullivan. Originally from the area, Sullivan now lives and works in Wichita. She primarily focuses on nature scenes.
"She will be bringing paintings and photographs," Melissa said. " I would expect her to have some oil paintings and watercolors. She is very talented."
Melissa said she's interested in making the event a success because she believes that art is important.
"I think art is important in our lives and I want it to become important to people in Ozark," she said.
Christian County's local artist group, the Finley River Fine Artists will also have works on display at local businesses. A classic car show is also scheduled, and if that isn't enough, the wandering musicians-The Garbanzos-will entertain.
Main Street Director Robert Snook said all types of art will be displayed inside and out in an informal setting.
"There is no charge to the artists or the public," he said. "There will be paintings, photographs, glasswork and jewelry. We are hoping for beautiful weather."
And if hoping for beautiful weather isn't enough, and rain occurs, the event will be staged entirely indoors, with the exception of the classic cars.
©Ozarks Newsstand 2005
