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Ribbon cutting held for Table Rock Art Gallery
By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer
Artists, their families and friends, and fellow members of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce gathered on June 28 to celebrate a grand reopening of Table Rock Art Gallery, now located in Branson West. Along with a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments as they mingled and enjoyed local fine art on display throughout the gallery. The Gallery, in Claybough Plaza at the corner of Business State Highway 13 and Highway 76 in Branson West, is operated by the Table Rock Art Guild. Local artists display their art on a rotating basis and staff the Gallery, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The art features a variety of media including watercolor, oils and acrylic, photography, pottery, handmade jewelry and more. Artists sell their work through the Gallery, making it a perfect place to shop for gifts and décor.
After cutting the ribbon, Guild president Linda Edge-Dunlap spoke briefly about the history of the group, founded in 1980 and formerly located in Kimberling City. She shared that the Guild prioritizes fine arts education and awareness among area youth, offering scholarships for high school seniors planning to study art and sponsoring annual children’s art shows.
Gallery co-director and Guild member Gayle Page announced a new program available to area businesses. “Art is meant to be experienced and enjoyed,” she stated. “We are excited about providing businesses with a way to display local art, some of which also highlights local attractions.” Under this program, participating businesses pay a sponsorship fee and visit the gallery to select art that works for their business environment, décor theme, and client base. Different sponsorship levels are available based on the number of pieces of fine art needed for display. Guild members handle set-up and signage, and the pieces are for sale, with transactions handled electronically through the Gallery and a new selection provided per the sponsorship when a piece is sold. A percentage of the artist’s profit from each sale goes toward the Guild’s children’s programs.
In addition to supporting the arts, businesses benefit as Gallery guests and customers are introduced to the list of benefactors. Page shared that having displayed art in businesses herself, she hears customers expressing thanks, saying it is uplifting and relaxing to see fine art on display as they visit professional offices and other locations. Interested business owners can stop by the Gallery for a brochure or call Gayle Page at 417-882-9164.
Also, as part of the ceremony, Mayor Ron Flynn read a proclamation by the City of Branson West, thanking the Guild for their many contributions to the arts in the Table Rock Lake Area and declaring the 4th Tuesday of June each year as Table Rock Art Guild Day.
Several artists commented that the increased visibility of the Branson West location has already brought many more visitors to enjoy the Gallery since the move began last fall, and plans are underway to offer more art classes. Stay up to date on class availability, regular monthly meet and greet opportunities with artists, and more special events at www. tablerockartgallery.com, where you can also view a sampling of the work on display, or follow the Table Rock Art Guild page on Facebook.