'Blue Moon' exhibit to open Friday at Grayson Gallery

Sep. 28—GRAYSON — Kentucky is in the spotlight — or moonlight — at Friday's opening reception this week at the Grayson Gallery and Art Center.

The theme, "Blue Moon of Kentucky — Arts in Appalachia," inspired more than 50 pieces of original art by artists from the area.

"They really stepped up," gallery director Dan Click said of the artists who were encouraged to submit large-format pieces. "We're making room for what looks like the most large-canvas and -panel pieces we've ever had in the gallery in a single exhibit."

The reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, with an awards and announcements at 7:30 p.m.

Awards, each worth $50, include People's Choice, GCAC Board Choice, the Brandon Click Memorial and the Pen Lady's Choice, presented by Gallery President Amanda Grigsby.

Refreshments will be provided by Catering by Laura, along with water and soft drinks.

A special musical performance by bluegrass great Don Rigsby, along with his son Andrew Rigsby and Friends, is planned, Click said. "Don Rigsby teaches personal music classes in various instruments on various dates and times at the GGAC."

For more information, call (606) 776-5894 or (606) 738-4778.

Click said the gallery has changes in store, including plans to expand the Doug Anglin Arts Education studio and classroom space at the rear of the main gallery in the coming months for open-studio use and workshops.

The GGAC also is also considering a part-time "Artist in Residence," who, along with dedicated volunteers, will enable the gallery to have more regular hours of operations, he said.

In addition, gallery memberships and the extra benefits included for joining are ongoing and always available to donors.

Coming up in October will be several seasonal-focused events: the annual Halloween Art Show and Costume Party is set for Oct. 27; the first Haunted Hustle 5K Run, a fundraiser for the GGAC organized and handled by O Such Race Planners, will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the gallery; registration and sponsorship forms are available via email or by private message on Facebook. Contact Click at graysongallery@gmail.com and look for the Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. on Facebook for more information.

"Blue Moon of Kentucky — Arts in Appalachia" will be on display through mid-October for visits during open hours and by appointment.

The gallery is at 301 E. Third St.