This weekend marks one of the biggest local art shows, annually drawing in hundreds of visitors over its two-day stretch. This year's Harrison Art Show will feature 35 different artists, showcasing their best work in the Harrison Memorial Hall. The show runs May 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Each year, one artist is chosen to be featured in the show, and this year will be Joey Ellis. While she is well known for being one of Agassiz's most talented artists, and has taught many classes over the years to share her talents with others, she has recently ventured off into another artistic direction.
She spent two years working writing a children's book, which she launched late last year. Sir Rafford the Rabbit is a story that opens the dialogue on war, and the many scary images that children are exposed through in the media. It also underlines the importance of finding peace in the world, and in our own families and friendships. In addition to writing the story, she illustrated each page. She'll have copies of her book for sale this weekend, while exhibiting her artwork. She'll also be sharing a table with Helen Chernoff Freeman, who was featured in December in the Observer when she launched her book, Girl #85.
"It's amazing how many people in Agassiz have gotten involved in writing," Ellis said. But it's no surprise that Ellis branched out as an author; as a dedicated Lions member, she's one of the area's busiest volunteers.
"Right now, one of the things I'm doing is painting at Logan Manor," she said, and they are considering putting together a seniors and children's art show. Recently, she was able to see her brother-in-law create his first painting, at the age of 86.
"It's wonderful," she said. "It's really great to see people who have never done anything find that they can create something really nice out of a blank piece of paper. I take great joy in seeing that."
To see what Ellis and others have been creating over the last few years, visit the Harrison Art Show this weekend.
"It's a really good show," she Ellis said. "It's one of the better shows around. They have a lot of really good artists that show there, and a wide range of artwork."
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