Mystery in Stone Exhibit     Dates:  Now through  March 30, 2013

The Michelson of Art Museum is especially proud and honored to present the exhibit, Mystery in  Stone. This may be a once in a lifetimes chance for many of our patrons to view an extensive exhibit of stone sculptures and meet internationally known Zimbabwean artist, Tawanda Sarireni.

These contemporary hand-carved stone sculptures by famous Shonan artists encapsulate the four themes of family, joy, and rites of passage (depicting their culture, religious life, and  the political hardships that the artists and the Zimbabwean people have had to endure).

The Shona is a co-op that was established twelve years ago. However, each of these artists has devoted decades of apprenticeship to the development his talent. In stone the artists interweave color, form, essence, belief, and emotion.

According to a recent news release, "the Shona co-op is committed to the direct support of Zimbabwean artist, their families, their community and to the education and care of family members of artist lost to AIDS".

As you can see, the Shona co-op is very talented as well as philanthropic. Marshall residents and those from surrounding areas are very fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity to view their work.

From world-renowned museum collections to avant-garde local creations, Marshall celebrates the visual and performing arts year-round

The Michelson Museum of Art, located at 216 North Bolivar Street in another restored downtown building, showcases the work of Russian-American artists Leo Michelson. The collection of more than 1,000 paintings, drawings, and prints was donated to the City by Michelson's widow. The museum also features traveling displays. There are permanent exhibits, including a selection of 20th-century American art, and the Ramona and Jay Ward Collection of African masks and artifacts. The museum also features a Discovery Room for younger children. For more information, call (903) 935-9480 or visit www.michelsonmuseum.org.

Other Marshall Community Art Displays include:

The Marshall Visual Art Center, 208 East Burleson Street, is located in one of the downtown area's restored structures. A building that once housed a commercial laundry now offers studio and display rental spaces for local artists. A large Banquet and Creativity Hall in the center of the structure is available for small meetings and functions.

The ETBU School of Fine Art's, the home of the Departments of Music and Theatre Arts and the Art program at East Texas Baptist University. Enjoy a wide variety of concerts, choir and other performances throughout the year. Visit www.etbu.edu/artscalendar for more information.

And, last but not least, because Marshall and Harrison County are home to abundant springs and supplies of red clay, an out-of-the-ordinary type of art has been practiced here since 1891. Marshall Pottery (at its Farm Road 31 site) continues the practice of throwing pots. Local craftsmen hand-turn traditional, cobalt-striped pieces on the potter's wheel.