upcoming gallery shows
The Land of the Inca: A Photographic Journey
Hanging in the Florence Meeks Atkins Art Gallery from March 3rd-29th
Gallery Opening Sunday March 3rd, 2pm-3pm
Peru, a land of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures, has long been a dream destination for travelers and photographers alike. With its diverse topography encompassing the soaring peaks of the Andes, the mystical allure of the Amazon rainforest, and the architectural wonders of the Incan Empire, Peru is a photographer’s dream come true.
Embarking on a photographic journey through Peru is a captivating experience, where every corner reveals a new story waiting to be told. From the bustling streets of Lima to the remote villages of the Sacred Valley, and from the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu to the intricately designed floating islands of Lake Titicaca, each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural splendor that leaves photographers spellbound.
One of the most iconic destinations in Peru is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel resting high in the Andes Mountains. Whether capturing the panoramic vistas from the Sun Gate, documenting the intricate stonework of the temples, or interacting with the resident llama population, every frame is an opportunity to showcase the timeless allure of Machu Picchu.
Peru's rich cultural heritage also provides endless artistic opportunities. Exploring the colonial architecture of Cusco, the vibrant festivals, or the intricate weavings of the textile artisans in the highland communities allows photographers to delve deeper into the heart of Peruvian culture and capture the essence of its people.
Beyond Peru, I also had the opportunity to visit La Paz Bolivia. La Paz, is a city that captivates the soul with its unique blend of cultural richness, vibrant landscapes, and fascinating architecture. Nestled in the Andes mountains, it stands as one of the highest capital cities in the world, providing photographers with a breathtaking backdrop for their artistic endeavors. The city's mix of colonial and indigenous influences is evident in its narrow, bustling streets, colorful markets, and historical landmarks.
Photographers exploring La Paz will find themselves drawn to the city's dynamic street life, where traditional markets like the Witches' Market offer a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. The vibrant traditional clothing worn by indigenous locals adds a layer of authenticity to every frame. The cityscape itself, with its dramatic elevation changes and the iconic Illimani mountain towering in the background, presents a unique opportunity for capturing compelling compositions.
This journey has been one of my most memorable, not just because of the significant cultural and historical settings, but because I had good friends to share the experience with. The unforgettable memories and the breathtaking vistas are impossible to fully capture with any camera lenses. I hope through my photographs, you will be able to witness the remarkable beauty, heritage and magic that makes up the land of the Inca.
About Jeremy Divers
Jeremy Divers is a freelance artist and full-time art teacher. He has taught for 20 years at North Callaway Public Schools and is the department chair for the visual arts department. Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College in 2001 and a Master in Art Education from the University of Missouri in 2009. He has exhibited his work through the Presser Performing Arts Center, Columbia Art League, and Hannibal Art Council and has had his work published in the Missouri Conservationist Show-Me Missouri, and Missouri Ruralist.
Jeremy has had a love of travel since his late mentor, Sidney Larson took him on a trip to Italy in 1998. Because of that experience, Jeremy began working with a company called People to People International, which primary purpose was connecting young leaders to people of different cultures. Students became ambassadors for their country, their community, and their school district. Since that trip, Jeremy has led 13 trips to over two dozen countries, and 20 states. He now organizes tours for people of all ages and has worked with award-winning travel organizations, such as EF Tours, Explorica, and Diamond Tours.
Jeremy has been happily married to his beautiful wife Betsy for the past 12 years. Together they are the proud parents of three gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Sadie, Charlie, and Jordie. Jeremy also remains close to his grandmother, mother, family, and friends. Jeremy credits many teachers in his life, but no teacher has inspired him more than his grandmother, a strong independent woman who still works while in her 80s. She encouraged him to reach his goals and inspired him to be the best teacher he could be.
We are currently booking for the 2024 gallery season.
If you are interested in a showing, contact us today!
Previous Gallery Shows
Eric Mattson
Rev. Eric R. Mattson is the pastor of Mexico United Methodist Church, having moved to Mexico, Missouri in 2017. He’s been an artist since he was first able to hold a pencil as a child. Serious photography became a passion for him in middle school as he embraced photography as an artform. In college, he veered from art to pick up a double major in accounting and finance. His chosen career coming out of college was banking. While in that vocation of 16 years, he received a traditional MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Eric later switched careers and went into vocational ministry after receiving his M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary. Photography remained a fruitful passion throughout.
Justin Hamm
Originally from the flatlands of central Illinois, Justin Hamm now lives near Twain territory in Missouri. He is the founding editor of the museum of americana and the author of three collections of poetry, The Inheritance, American Ephemeral, and Lessons in Ruin, and a book of photographs entitled Midwestern. His poems, stories, photos, and reviews have appeared in Nimrod, The Midwest Quarterly, Sugar House Review, Pittsburgh Poetry Review, and a host of other publications. Recent work has also been selected for New Poetry from the Midwest (2014, New American Press) and the Stanley Hanks Memorial Poetry Prize from the St. Louis Poetry Center.
Justin’s poetry/photography show Midwestern has traveled the Midwest region, appearing in a number of galleries over the last two years. In 2019, his poem “Goodbye, Sancho Panza” was studied by approximately 50,000 students worldwide as a part of the World Scholar’s Cup curriculum.
Ray Barton
The varied landscapes and seascapes of New England have always fascinated Mr. Barton. Ray works in oils and watercolors. Each piece is a representational painting of locations in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cuttyhunk Island, Cape Cod along with farmlands and ever changing seasons of New England.
Ray lived on Cuttyhunk Island for a long time and has returned to Mexico, Missouri. His works have been shown in galleries all over New England in many galleries and museums.
Ray’s fine eye for detail and mixing colors illuminates each canvas, casting shoaows with brilliant splashes of sunlight, interplayed with seasonal changes of light.
Twilight
JEREMY DIVERS
Alaska: A Photographic Journey
June 6 - August 8, 2021
Carol Ann Hatting Bramon
The Shape of Things: A Celebration of Creativity
March 22, 2020-June 1, 2020
From the Artist:
The title of this exhibit, The Shape of Things, is taken from the title one of the pieces in the exhibit. Shape is an element of art that is so important in all of my creations. Shape defines the faces, places and objects of nature that embodies this exhibit. Equally important to the success of my artwork are the other elements of space, line, color, texture and value.
My art is created out of a small home studio. I also enjoy setting up outdoors and painting en plein air watercolors and pastels. I often photograph the subject matter and then reference the photograph to create a drawing or painting in the studio. My purpose in creating a piece of art is simply to feel joy in something that is pleasing to me, that is mine alone.
Catherine Quinlan
Art of the Loom
February 9, 2020-March 9, 2020
The day Catherine met her first loom, she was enamored. Already acquainted with fibers through knitting, she quickly learned to weave using the continuous strand weaving method. With looms coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, some being adjustable, the weaver can create simple washcloths and scarves from the smaller looms or shawls, jackets, ponchos or ruanas from the larger, adjustable looms. Catherine has several pieces on display and will be on hand to demonstrate the ease of weaving. Maybe many others will be as enamored, as well!
SARAH GOOCH
LOOK UP, MEXICO!
NOVEMBER 10, 2019 – JANUARY 7,2020
Florence Meeks Atkins Gallery
Sarah Ann Morrisey Gooch realized it was time to promote Mexico in a different way.
Taking her distance biking skills to a new level, she started taking pictures of beautiful, unique and historically significant doors of Mexico while biking. After placing several pictures on social media, she noticed that there was an interest from the Mexico community, previous Mexico natives and alumni. Taking IT one step further, the art show was the next logical step. Although quilting has been Sarah's first art form passion, taking pictures of Mexico's details are Amazingly beautiful! Look Up, Mexico! Enjoy the show.--
Tiger Rotenburger
Mexico-An Elevated View
Florence Meeks Art Gallery
Opening October 13, 2019 2PM
Jane Norman & Lois Brace
Crows
Pen & Ink by Jane Norman
Crow’s Feet Watercolor by Lois Brace
August 19 - October 1, 2019
Justin Hamm
Midwestern
July 14-August 11, 2019
Justin Hamm’s Most recent books are The Inheritance: Poems and Photos and Midwestern, a book of photographs. His poems, stories, photographs, and reviews have appeared in Nimrod, The Midwest Quarterly, Sugar House Review, Pittsburgh Poetry Review and a host of other publications. REcent work has also been selected for New Poetry from the Midwest and the Stanley Hanks Memorial Poetry Prize from the St. Louis Poetry Center. Justin works as the District Librarian at North Callaway R-1 Schools and lives in Mexico with his wife, Mel and daughters, Abbey and Sophie.
Joseph LaMarque
A Record of Life
From the Artist
My interest in art began many years ago. My older brother James, who was a Negro League baseball player, would send me advertising posters of his upcoming games. The colorful designs propelled me into a lifetime of creating expressive art. Throughout my career I have collaborated with a variety of professional and amateur artists as part of three separate artist collectives, Creative Coalition, Creative Company and Zuka Artists Guild. Some of the commissions included the Annie Malone Children’s home parade floats, stage plays, wall murals and many individual projects.
Margaret Frazier,
Western Expansion
February 3-March 25, 2019
From the Artist: MARGARET FRAZIER,
A few years back, I decided to take a summer art class here at Presser Arts Center. I really enjoyed the class; so much so that I signed up for private lessons the following fall. These lessons lasted for years. I thank Vickie Barker for all she taught me. Some of the acrylic paintings in this show are from my time in those lessons. Painting and creating are therapy for me; I can relax and lose myself.
Maria Ojacastro
January 10-19, 2019
Maria Ojascastro creates mixed media artwork, provides professional development workshops, and teaches group and individual art classes. She collaborates with licensed therapists, published authors and other teaching artists
Buck Green,
Places YOu Wanna Be
Florence Meeks Atkins Art Gallery
September 16-November 5, 2018
Cheryl Morris
Florence Meeks Atkins Art Gallery
June 10, 2018 through August 31, 2018
This series of paintings explores the free and bold cascading of colors, textures and shapes. These works inspire diverse moods, from fun frolicking walks through mountain meadows to windows into the dark, sinister dungeons of internal hell.