The Gallery at the Prattville Creative Arts Center to Participate in ARTrek 2012 with Works by Kellie Newsome
Sunday, September 16, from 2:00-5:00pm

For more than 20 years, ARTrek has kicked off the art season in the River Region. This annual event is the premier cultural event of the season and the Prattauga Art Guild is proud to be a part of it. The event is sponsored by the Montgomery Art Gallery Association and Prattauga Art Guild has been a member of MAGA for seven years. ARTrek features several member galleries in Montgomery and for the last three years has ventured across the bridge to Prattville's Gallery at the Creative Arts Center.

This year The Gallery will feature the brightly colored works of artist Kellie Newsome. A newcomer to the area, Kellie has hit Prattville and the entire state of Alabama by storm. Originally from Alabama, Kellie has moved around and travelled a lot, but has returned to Alabama, settling down in Prattville with her soon to be husband, Mark Halpin, and their basset hound, Salvador Doggie. When Kellie is not working and creating in her studio, she travels around the state teaching workshops and promoting CHROMA's Atelier Interactive paints, for which she is the representative for the southeastern United States.

Kellie jumped in with both feet to take on the role of new President of the Prattauga Art Guild and is active in their community and educational outreach programs and volunteering at The Gallery and with the Special Events office for the City of Prattville.

Kellie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Troy University and received the 2007 Award for Outstanding Artistic and Scholarly Achievement. Her work has been featured in magazines and product literature and is included in many private and public collections. She has won numerous awards and has been featured in several one-man shows, with many to come in the next several months.

The ARTrek exhibit will feature her avant garde portraits with a brightly colored, almost neon palette, which include famous personalities and public figures. In addition to her portraits, Kellie will present her whimsical farm animals, which are sure to delight adults and children alike. Joining Kellie in this exhibit will be members of the Prattauga Art Guild with their works from paintings and drawings to photography and clay sculpture.

Kellie Newsome's artwork will be on exhibit from August 25 through September 20, with a reception in conjunction with ARTrek on Sunday, September 16, from 2:00-5:00pm at The Gallery at the Prattville Creative Arts Center at 342 Chestnut Street in historic Downtown Prattville. You don't want to miss this exciting exhibit.

After viewing the wonderful artwork, you can take a stroll through the adjacent art garden, featuring four large sculptures by Charlie "Tin Man" Lucas and walk along the beautiful and newly expanded Creek Walk. Enjoy a relaxing and cultural afternoon in Prattville, the Preferred Community. For more information, contact the Prattville Cultural Arts and Special Events office at 334-358-0297 or barbara.simpson@prattvilleal.gov.