As crazy as it is to believe, it has already been almost 10 years since we dedicated the Mississippi River Tales Mural. This landmark attracts people from around the area who are interested in art, the river, our history and heritage, and serves as a landmark for our downtown. A celebration coordinated by the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and Old Town Cape is set for Thursday, July 30, at 2pm to commemorate the anniversary and celebrate everything it has brought to the community. This event is open to the public, so please plan to join us.

Did you know there are 25 panels that make up this mural? Each section depicts a significant event in Cape Girardeau's history, dating back to 900's when the Native Americans explored our area. To help cover the monumental cost of planning for and creating this masterpiece, sponsorships of each panel were offered to the public. Our community rallied around this effort and all 25 were sponsored.

Jim and Teresa Maurer stepped up to the plate when the sponsorship opportunity presented itself. Their sponsored section depicts a scene from the flood of 1927. Read below to find out why they decided to invest in this project and what the mural means to them.

"We wanted to be a part of it, and the sponsorship of a downtown mural seemed a very fitting opportunity. Apparently the rest of the community agreed because there were only a few panels left by the time we decided to definitely participate. But what a commemoration of an event that shaped our community – The Big Flood of 1927.

"We love the details that helped make up this section. From the flapper dresses and period-specific vehicle, to the marking of the actual water level with the fish swimming at the bottom. It’s such a historic moment of our past that’s beautifully captured, this was the prefect section.

"We often drive down Water Street and observe people studying the panels, and I am again reminded of the unique history - told in the panels on the flood wall - that Cape Girardeau has given us. We have the origins, growth, successes and heartaches of the history of Cape Girardeau told in pictorial fashion all along the flood wall. The wall is a legacy to all the people who have lived, are living and who will be living in Cape Girardeau."

This post was co-written by guest blogger Teresa Maurer and Christa Zickfield, Old Town Cape Project Manager.

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate its second annual community River Campus Summer Arts Festival this Saturday, June 20. “Seussical” the musical will be capping the day with a performance at 7:30pm. Last year’s festival had a record attendance with more than 1,200. This year’s event will feature live music, dance, visual art displays, theatrical performances, an art walk, magic, hands-on family-friendly art expression activities, museum exhibitions, and Plein Art Painting. The festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to all ages.

The music line-up has grown extensively since last year. The entertainment will run continually throughout the day featuring the Suzuki players, magician Rob Huff, Mr. Saxophone, Steve Schaffner, Jazz Trio 440’s, the Jerry Ford Combo and Barefoot on Sunday. Children’s activities will be available all day as well, including face painting and hands on activities in the kids’ art tent. The Avenue of Art competition will be back again with a new special category for creating Dr. Seuss art. Additionally, artists of all ages can participate in creating chalk art, with Craig Thomas composing a piece for the festival. Art booths will include demonstrations and art for sale. Ceramics students will demonstrate their craft, and printmaking students will offer a workshop. Students from the Southeast Department of Art and multiple professional artists will have art booths available. In the southwest parking lot, the Southeast Explorer mobile museum will showcase a United States history exhibit and the River City Rodders will display antique and hot rod cars. Bart Williams of the Southeast Department of Theatre and Dance, will present a stage combat exhibition of Quarterstaff fighting outdoors in the Seminary Quad. The River City Players will perform “Sleuth” by Anthony Shaffer.  There will be numerous dance and theater performances, demonstrations, and workshops throughout the day. See SEMO's website for more information.

The all-day event will close with a performance of “Seussical” the musical at 7:30 p.m. in the Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre. “Seussical” is a musical comedy based on numerous Dr. Seuss books. The musical is written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.  It is a comedy that will be enjoyed by the entire family. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the River Campus Box Office, located in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,  calling (573) 651-2265 or by visiting www.RiverCampusEvents.com. Additional performances will include June 18-19, 25- 27 at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees on June 21, 27 and 28, and a special 10 a.m. performance on June 26.  Get tickets now, seats are filling up quickly!

We, at Old Town Cape, are happy to get the opportunity to work with Southeast Missouri State University campuses on events such as this one. It is partnerships like these that help further opportunities for the University and Downtown and offer a variety of activities for the community to take part in.

This post was written by guest blogger, Alyssa Basler, intern at Old Town Cape.

Nourishing your creative spirit is easy in an area like Downtown Cape Girardeau. Evidenced by the number of art studios, galleries and specialty shops within the 131 blocks of downtown, art is very much alive in the area's culture. One studio exemplifies this and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Here is a little peak into the creative world at The Artist Studio with Owner/Artist, Judy Barks-Westrich.  Being an artist is more than simply creating pieces, cleaning paint brushes and sharpening pencils; it's about sharing your talents and showing the rest of the world how to be creative. 'Iwanted to share with others some fundamental basics that my profession of teaching had taught me about the visual arts,' commented Judy. This premise is the foundation of The Artist Studio that opened at 38A North Main on March 5, 2005.
A full-time Art instructor at Cape Central High School at the time, she participated in every First Friday with the Arts event, worked Saturdays at the studio and conducted evening workshops. After a 39-year teaching career, she retired from public education in 2011 “to” the studio and simply continued her passion with the arts.
Her space is multifaceted. It's a working studio - walk by the storefront and you can almost always catch Judy in the middle of a masterpiece with paint on her fingers. It's an instructional studio - more than 60 workshops have been held on everything from acrylics, watercolor and printmaking, to weaving and paper making.  It's also a display studio - stop in anytime to peruse and purchase her original creations.
'I remember when I sold my first piece of artwork - it was a handmade paper casting. I almost felt a loss... sounds odd doesn't it? But then, I also felt a compliment and realized that someone liked my work - great feeling for an artist!'
With the exception of large stretched canvases, most of Judy's paintings are created in the studio. Inspiration and stimulation motivate her when surrounded by these beautiful pieces. 'I actually seem to gain positive energy from my art.'
Spontaneity is also key to her creativity, allowing her compositions to evolve over time and through experimentation. Acrylics and latex are her typical 'go-to's' with the palette knife on close standby. 'Texture - I love texture,' she expressed. This signature element is always visible in her works whether it be a subtle addition or an intricate expression of the focal point.  
'I express my style through nonobjective, abstract design. I see ideas everywhere and derive inspiration from personal pleasure.' This concept is truly evident when stepping into her studio. Her abstract landscapes - or 'landshapes' - and abstract florals allow you to see a setting or a beautiful flower in a completely different way than you imagined. 'I create to please myself because I love the creative process! When I feel successful, my art reflects that moment.'
If you'd love to create your own masterpiece but don't know where to start, don't know what to do or think you aren't creative enough, give Judy a call. 'I still get excited and gain energy when I instruct workshops and help others appreciate their talents and the arts,' she added. 'The artwork that is created is always amazing . . .'
   'My requirement for a workshop or special instruction is the desire to take time for creative pleasure. Preconceived talent is not important.' By stressing the creative process, people are able to gain a greater appreciation for being an artist and can understand art as more than strokes on a canvas. All workshops are offered upon request - morning, afternoon or evening.
'No, I have not made a fortune; but, my mission of sharing my knowledge and ability with the arts with others has made for a fantastic 10 years!' Her passion with the arts is still in her heart – for that reason, she feels fortunate!
Another year brings new excitements and unlimited creative potential. 'I invite everyone to visit The Artist Studio – let’s talk art!'

This post was co-written by guest blogger and owner of The Artist Studio, Judy Barks-Westrich, and Old Town Cape Project Manager, Christa Zickfield.

        
        

"I shop for the store like I'd shop for my home," said Susan Hall, owner of Shoppe La La, a furniture and housewares repurposing and resale studio studio located at 437 Broadway.

Lucky for me, Hall and I must "shop for our homes" in a similar fashion. My husband and I decided to make a stop at Shoppe La La one Saturday, on a whim, while making our occasional jaunt to the downtown area's antique and vintage stores. I'd spent nearly two years searching for larger, more eclectic bedside tables to pair with the mass-produced bedroom group we'd purchased after our wedding.

My new tables were nestled in the studio work area of Hall's shop, one of which has been the perfect height and size for holding a can of Old Town Paints and multiple brushes. After decided to purchase the side tables, Hall and I discussed available colors and finishes. I placed a 50 percent deposit on the tables after deciding on the perfect color, finish and completed price of $100. About two weeks later, the tables graced by bedside and are a perfect fit!

"What's unique about us is not only do I have pieces that are prepared, I have pieces that customers can pick unfinished and be a part of that process," Hall said. "Or, if you have something and you need it remade, or made over, you can bring it in and we'll do that, too."

Other than customers special-ordered pieces, Hall takes an artistic approach to choosing other projects for her studio. "They just kind of talk to me. I don't really do a factory assembly line type of painting," she said. "I look at each piece and as I'm cleaning and base coating it, it tells me what it needs to look like. Something just attracts my eye."

Hall will bring chosen items to the studio if the pieces have great lines or a potentially great purpose. A busy bee, customers will almost always find her and her employee working on a new item or three. Projects include everything from a small set of candleholders to large and detailed buffets and sideboards.

"Most people would think they were beyond repair. We took them, and took away and added to, and made them beautiful and useful again. For me, that's probably what sticks out in my mind. We can take pieces that really have been forgotten, whether it's been damaged or is out of style, and give them new life so people can enjoy them for the next 20 or 30 years," said Hall.

Shoppe La La is also a retail location for Old Town Paints, the type of chalk paint Hall uses to create beautiful "new" pieces. Chalk paint is gaining popularity worldwide, thanks to Pinterest, and its durability and ease of use makes it a great product for painting furniture. "I actually used to use a different chalk paint starting out. I decided not to carry that brand, so I went searching for something that I would like," Hall said. "I contacted several companies, had them send me their paint, tried it out, and Old Town Paints won, hands down."

Hall liked that the Old Town Paints brand had a large selection of colors and was relatively inexpensive. "I don't think it should cost a huge amount of money. You really can get quite a few projects out of one quart. And then it was just a really lucky coincidence that it was called 'Old Town Paints' in Old Town Cape," she said.

After being involved in design and repurposing for 20 years, Hall started concentrating on furniture, originally selling out of her home and then from a booth space. Growth landed her back in Old Town Cape. Hall only sees advantage to operating out of the downtown district. "I think there's a great energy down here. I think there are a tremendous amount of creative people down here. I think it's a mindset - even when customers come down, they know they're going to get something that someone created," Hall said.

If you'd like to learn how to create your own works of art with chalk paint, Hall is offering classes at the studio beginning in January 2014. "The first classes are an intro to chalk paint. You can come with absolutely no prior painting skills. Then, throughout the year I'm going to up the ante," she said. The three-hour classes cost $50 and is hosted at Shoppe La La. Entrants should bring their own small project, and Hall will supply the paint, brushes and other supplies. Course space is limited. Email shoppelala@gmail.com or call 573-803-2744 to sign up. A small fee must be paid to hold your spot in class. Upcoming classes include 1 to 4 p.m. on January 21st, 3 to 6 p.m. on January 25th, and 6 to 9 p.m. on January 31st.

Shoppe La La can be found on Facebook, and operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.