July’s monthly display at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum will feature two local craftsmen, who combine color with two-dimensional and three-dimensional works.
Poplar Bluff native Ralph Freer, along with longtime resident Mack Warren, will show their works from Friday until July 25.
“They both have similar backgrounds as far as education and experiences. They have complimentary styles,” said museum Director Steve Whitworth.
“Mack likes to sculpt in wood and frame it and put it on a wall, and Ralph does, too,” Whitworth added. “It’s very colorful.”
Warren “also does experimental photography and has won awards,” Whitworth noted.
Both artists, he said, also enjoy creating free-standing sculptures.
Freer recently published a children’s book, and a portion of his July display will feature several panels based on the book’s character.
“It’s incredibly fun and inventive,” Whitworth said. “The kids will love it as much as the adults.”
Freer was featured at the museum in 2003, while this will mark the first featured exhibit there for Warren.
Freer also has previously exhibited his works at the Black River Art Gallery and Three Rivers College Tinnin Fine Arts Center Gallery in Poplar Bluff, as well as locations in Florida and Arizona, in addition to his own gallery in Butler County.
Warren’s work is displayed at his Art by MAW Gallery in Poplar Bluff.
An opening reception is planned for 6-8 p.m. Friday at the museum, located at 421 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff.
“We wanted to have it Friday and catch everybody before they got out of town or had family plans,” said Whitworth of the reception.
Fine food and wine will be available at the event, Whitworth said, along with soft drinks for children.