Hammond art show features 103 pieces of art through Aug. 29 | Livingston/Tangipahoa

Art enthusiasts planning to visit the Hammond Regional Arts Center to view the 62nd annual Hammond Art Guild Open Judged Exhibition should plan to spend a considerable amount of time to view and study the 103 pieces of art crowding the walls of the center.

On display are pieces including oil, acrylic and water color paintings, photographs, functional art and sculpture. A number of the artists who submitted their creations for the exhibition were among the large crowd that filled the gallery Aug. 2 for an opening night reception. The show hangs through Aug. 29.

Melissa Griffin, executive director of the arts center, said the show “is an outstanding showing of the fine art created by members of the Hammond Art Guild and other regional artists. Through this exhibit, artists in our area are afforded the opportunity to showcase their creativity. The quality of the art on display is testament to the abilities of our local artists.” Griffin added, “The directors and staff of the arts center take pleasure in serving as a venue for the guild artists to show their works.”

The show was judged by Carol Jane Myers, and winners in the various categories judged were recognized by ribbons attached to the honored entries.

Marion Ochs, president of the Hammond Art Guild, said that the most recent showing of art created by guild members shows off the talent and creativity of area artists. “This exhibit demonstrates just how alive and active the visual arts scene is in Tangipahoa Parish. Our guild members stay busy working at their craft year-round and what visitors will see during this exhibition is just how gifted our artists are. This is a celebration of creativity right here in our community.”

Ochs said the art guild has been an organization dedicated to the fine arts for many years. She said about 100 members are active in the organization and that membership in the guild assists and supports the artists who participate. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month during the typical school year. At these meetings, art experts serve as speakers and guides and teach different techniques while offering suggestions and pointers.

“We also critique the art created by our members, and positive critiques are an important part of growing as an artist. Our members share tips and suggestions with each other and we all grow as artists. At the same time, we forge friendships and just have a great time when we are together,” she said.

Ochs said the category “Fine and Functional Art” was added to the exhibit this year to spotlight art that goes beyond what is traditional art. Painting, she said, remains the mainstay of most artists active in the guild. She said that has been encouraging some of the artists to be more accepting of “modern art” and encourages them to explore more abstract painting.

Besides fostering artists and assisting them in showing their works, the guild also hosts art classes for adults. The guild also works with students who are gifted and academically talented.

Eric Johnson, a veteran board member of the Hammond Regional Arts Center who was busily assisting visitors to the exhibition said of the show, “This is one great collection of some really great art. There are so many things to see and appreciate at this exhibit that the visitors need to spend plenty of time to see it all. There are so many talented artists in this area, and the current exhibition is a tribute to just how good our local artists really are. This is quite a show, and anyone who enjoys good art should make up their mind to visit the center while the exhibit is showing.”

Johnson said Tangipahoa Parish is a welcoming community for visual artists. “In Ponchatoula you have the Twin Steeples Art Center, Amite has a organization for artists, and in Hammond we are blessed with the Regional Arts Center and the art guild. All this shows that the visual arts are alive and well and that our local citizens support the arts.”

Joining the conversation with Johnson was artist Gisella Niedenfuer. She said she started drawing and painting as a child and continued her experimenting with art through much of her life. “In the 1990s I just got serious with my art, and I have enjoyed it immensely ever since. Painting makes me happy and peaceful. When I paint I feel good and relaxed. When I am painting the stress goes away and I stop thinking about all the things that crowd our lives and sometimes bring on stress. It’s just a wonderful part of my life.”

The Hammond Regional Arts Center is open Wednesdays through Fridays from noon until 6 p.m. Admission is free. The gallery will be open for Hot August Stroll on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.