Photos from Monarch Studio Opening

In case you missed it, here are some photos from the Monarch Studio opening this past Saturday in Cobden.

Monarch Studio February Opening

An estimated 300 people were in attendance. Congratulations to the artists and the gallery owners for a great show!

It was also nice to find out that Anthill Gallery is open again; be ready to spend a few of your hard-earned dollars. They have great stuff, ranging from the owners' art (stained glass and photography) to vintage toys. Yellow Moon was also in high gear on Saturday night with live music. It was quite a night for Cobden!

Monarch Studio Opening Saturday in Cobden

Cobden now has a trio of fine art venues, with the opening of the Monarch Studio this Saturday, February 6th.

The Gallery is run by two women whose families have lived in the area for generations. Longtime friends, gallery owners Jamie Plemon and Jenni Holly Eck looked around for several years for a spot for their gallery/art studio. Opportunity knocked for them when the Keith Cotton Photography Studio relocated to Peoria. They took over the space, which has existed for a long time now in dedication to the arts, in November.

"It was offered to us and we thought, if we don't at least try it, we'll hate ourselves forever," was how Ms. Plemon put it.

Ms. Eck has a photography business of her own called A Different View Photography, and Ms. Plemon is an art education major. They plan to offer shows as well as art instruction in the summer.

The opening show this Saturday features artists Rhonda Rhinestone, Textiles (photo of one item of her work previously featured on HAN), Andrea LeBeau (www.andrealebeau.com) on Paintings and Encaustic Art, and Tim Heath, with a display of 3D wall hangings and sculptures that combine wood, metal and glass. Jewelry by Jason Stroud and Janice Plemon will also be on display.

I got a first glimpse of the show last night and the color, warmth, and multidimensional textures offered a captivating massage for the eyes that I didn't really want to stop; I intend to return. Southern Illinoisans are fortunate to have such a variety of talented local artists and a growing number of fine art venues.

But don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself. The opening is tomorrow night, February 6th, 6-9pm. The address is 102 S. Front Street, just down the street from Anthill Gallery and Yellow Moon Cafe. Call Jamie Plemon at 833 9446 for more information.


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