West Plains, MO. – West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host their quarterly “Lunch with Art” event for the public on Monday, November 13, 2023, from noon till 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Plains Public Library, 750 West Broadway, West Plains. Information on upcoming arts activities will be discussed by Arts Alliance members, then local artist Garrett Melby will showcase live-painting techniques. Area musician Anthony Garner will perform during the live-paint demonstration.
Melby graduated from Willow Springs, MO in 1998 and had success in school in art related events. His art was displayed in Willow Springs downtown and in the school art show. He graduated from Collins College in Phoenix, AZ with a degree in animation. While in Arizona, his art and animation were displayed in downtown Phoenix art galleries, First Friday art walks, as well as in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona.
Currently, Melby’s artwork is on display at Wages Brewing Company in West Plains, MO, and Springfield Brewing Company’s Cellar music venue. Melby paints live with many area and national bands and musicians, including the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Steeldrivers, Haha Tonka, the HillBenders, and many more. Melby currently is the Coordinator for Honest Imaginations an art-based program for special needs individuals in West Plains.
Melby has had art shows and benefit auctions at Wages Brewery West Plains, The Yellow House Community art program West Plains, The Queen City Shout Springfield, Q enoteca wine bar Springfield MO, OZBI, and Springfield Brewing Company’s Cellar. At these art auctions He has helped raise money for many local charities close to his heart such as ORC\West Plains Regional Animal Shelter, The Bridges Program of West Plains Schools, Rescue and Defend, the West Plains Optimist Club, Queen City Shout Poverty Relief, CASA, Christos House and Play it Forward to name a few.
“My mission statement is simply: You can’t move forward if you don’t give back. I paint live with bands and do a lot of cool things on a canvas, but the real art is finding a way to help someone with your art and that’s what I’m striving to do.”
Anthony Garner is a Singer/Songwriter specializing in Alternative Country/Folk/Americana/Southern Rock/Blues music with influences ranging from Appalachian to Cajun. Performing all over the SEMO/NEA Area, Anthony is a passionate string striker whose lyrics tell the stories of times past and those to come. With covers you’ll know and originals you’ll love, you can find him on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
WPCA board members will open the luncheon with discussions on current plans, programs available through Arts Alliance partners, and invite discussion regarding future arts endeavors for the area. Each quarterly lunch is an opportunity to open conversations with current board members and contribute to the future of the arts in West Plains.
Cost of the luncheon is $10 for WPCA members, $15 for non-members. Reservations may be made online through the November 2023 Lunch with Art Facebook event page, by calling Paula Speraneo at 417-293-2325, or via email info@westplainsarts.org Attendance is limited, so reserve your spot early.
