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Those of you who are old enough to remember the Ed Sullivan Variety Show will remember Ed’s stiffly delivered “Tonight we have a really Big Shoe”.  (Of course, he meant “Big Show”, but he had a way of mangling his words).  He was right—the Big Show was a full spectrum of variety and packed full of numerous acts.  Well the ‘Really Big Shoe’ is back, and you can try it on at Graham Gallery in downtown Hastings.  I’m referring to the really big ‘Christmas Show’ which is packed full of all kinds of art, from a large group of artists, offering a full range of price points.  Truly a ‘Really Big Show’.

It would be very difficult to critique this exhibit because of the size and scope of what is offered.  However, Angela, the gallery owner, has an eye for good art which keeps the quality level high and gives everyone the chance to find a great gift or a treasure for themselves.  Here are some statistics that will give you a visual image of the size of this show.

Over 75 artists are represented Over 1000 pieces of art are on display The prices range from $3.50 to $7000.00 The variety of mediums include Oil Paintings Pastel Watercolor Intaglio Prints Gouache Lithography Block Prints Ceramic Blown and Cast Glass Cast Bronze & Resin Welded Metal Wood Sculpture Jewelry Fabric Pen & Ink Mosaic Photography Prints Pine Needle Baskets Hand Made Books Fibers Gift Cards Furniture Constructions And the catch all…Mixed Media

Jane Marie

Those of you, who are familiar with the artists represented by Angela, might not have become acquainted with a few ‘new’ artists to the gallery.  Look for Tad Anderson, a pastel artist from Holdrege/Wyoming; Garet Reynek, a ceramic artist and a Hastings College student from Omaha; Michael Neary, a painter who recently arrived from Indiana; Amy MacLennan, a painter and Hastings College Professor; Rollie Reynolds, a painter from Grand Island; Teresa Deger, an abstract painter from Grand Island, and Everett Deger, a bronze sculptor from Grand Island.

My last tip is to take your time and walk the gallery at least twice.  There is so much to see that you will certainly miss something if you don’t have a “plan” to see it all.

The gallery hours have also been expanded from now until Christmas, so you should find a convenient time to schedule a trip to Graham Gallery  before you fill all your stockings this season.  The gallery is open Mon – Fri 9:30 – 5:30, Thursdays late till 8:00pm, Saturdays 9:30 – 4:00 and Sundays 1:00 – 4:00.

Remember: Your feedback is welcomed and suggestions for future blogs are encouraged.

About the author: Jerry Daniels

Jeremy Daniels graduated from McCook Sr. High in 1959. He received a BA in Fine Arts from Hastings College in 1963. After almost six years in the military, he worked for Dutton-Lainson Co. in Hastings for 44 years. He was a Vice President and Advertising Manager for the firm. His artworks include most painting media, as well as sculpture. His studio is in Hastings and he can be contacted at jldan@charter.net.