Artists of the Plains Insights

By Melissa Peterson

October 3, 2003

The second annual regional art show held at the gallery was a big success. Judging took place on September 6 and the show ran through the 20^th. Several of our artists won first and/or second prize ribbons. Many people stopped by to view the artwork on display and signed the guest book.

Now the gallery is back to normal and we are gearing up for a beginning watercolor class to be held in October. Those interested will need to bring their own supplies. More information and the date will be announced, but most likely it will be held on a Saturday. Sandy Jones will be teaching the class.

Folks also need to be thinking about the upcoming Christmas Boutique, which will open November1 and run through the end of December. Lots of lovely Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts will be available for sale. If you are interested in selling items in the boutique, please contact Sandy Jones. More details about the boutique will be forthcoming.

Phyllis (Elgin) McDaniel moved with her family from Hoisington, Kansas to Eads in the early 1940’s. She met hometown boy, Don McDaniel, in Eads and they married. Don served his country during World War II. After the war, he and Phyllis began their family. They have three children, three grandchildren and six great grands!

Don worked for CIG for many years and the family moved between Oklahoma and Texas numerous times. Eventually they wound up in Pueblo, and that’s where Phyllis began to paint. When Don retired, they bought an RV and saw even more of the country. They worked one summer in Yellowstone National Park and Phyllis recalls those memories with great affection. Eventually, they semi-retired to Zapata, Texas and built a home. Still traveling by RV they moved to Eads to enjoy country life, continuing to journey to Zapata for the winters. Now, Eads is home and no more do they wander! Phyllis has even commented that she enjoys the snow!

The three instrumental people in getting an art club started in Eads in the mid-1990’s were Phyllis, Lill Penn and Sandy Jones. A chance meeting at a local restaurant brought these women together and they found painting was a common interest. They also convinced fellow artist, Ethel Richards, to join them and the rest…..really is still ongoing!

Phyllis enjoys oil painting. One of her first paintings, entitled "Palo Duro Canyon", a beautiful spot in Texas, is still the favorite of son, Jerry, and Phyllis as well. Phyllis paints lovely floral and landscapes. Several of her paintings hang in the gallery and I hope you will stop by to see them.

Phyllis is active in the Baptist Church in Eads, and continues to sing in the choir and in the annual Cantata. She also volunteers to work at the gallery during the week, along with friends Lill Penn, Ethel Richards and Gerard Bachand. We are so happy this lovely lady is part of the art club and gallery. Please do not hesitate to stop in and say hello to her and the other volunteers some time!

Artists of the Plains Gallery is opened Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We now have Kiowa County post cards and other beautiful, creative gifts! Please stop by and check things out and perhaps watch the artists at work!