Convention Center Artists

Rock Room Art Gallery At The Historic Owen Theatre

When the Branson Regional Arts Council began operations from their new home in the Historic Owen Theatre in January 2018, one of their short term goals was to create an artist gallery, within the venue, as a place to feature a variety of area artists in rotation to coincide with major theatrical musicals and plays on the Owen Theatre stage.

“This gallery space fits perfectly into our long term goal of preserving the rich cultural heritage that Jim Owen brought to our community when he built the entertainment venue in 1936. In fact, in addition to the movie theatre, the original use of this facility included a jewelry and art gallery shop curated by Elsa Bates Freund, the famed Ozarks artist and good friend of Jim Owen.”
– Jim Barber, Executive Director of the Arts Council

Elsa Bates Freund was commemorated by the City of Branson and the Branson Art Council with a metal plaque in her honor, mounted to the front entrance of the Historic Owen Theatre building on South Commercial Street.

Two of her four original wall murals are still on display inside the seating area of the theatre. Unfortunately, a previous tenant painted over two of the four murals, but the Arts Council is exploring the possibility of restoring those original works for future generations to enjoy.

Creation of this new artist gallery space was possible because of the generous donations and hard work from several volunteer board members of the Branson Regional Arts Council and others. Special thanks to Marty Schmitt (donated art wall hanging system), Darla Howe, Nathan Howe, Kim Hale, Art Hale (room preparation, sanding painting, staining, lighting fixtures and curtains), and Lowe’s Hollister (donated paint and stain).

James “Kwaku” Addai

Lisa Murphy, BRAC Board Member Emeritus and Art Committee Chair, invited Internationally renowned artist, James “Kwaku” Addai, to be the first artist featured in the new gallery space.  An opening night reception at the gallery was celebrated by patrons attending the musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers on November 1st, with special music provided by pianist Delyla Uebel.

Several of Addai’s works have been on display for the past two theatre productions, and were enjoyed by approximately 2,000 patrons. He also donated his artistic skills to paint a canvas mountain scene backdrop for the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers musical production.

If you didn’t get an opportunity to see Mr. Addai’s work at the Historic Owen Theatre, he is also currently featured at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition along with a dozen other talented area artists. This Branson Regional Arts Council sponsored exhibition is located on the second floor tier of the Branson Convention Center, and open year round to the general public.

Coming to the Rock Room Gallery in 2020…

In 2020, the Arts Council plans on featuring a wide variety of local area artists in the Rock Room Gallery, with rotating exhibitions that relate in some way to the featured stage production at the time.

Currently, the gallery exhibits will only be open to the public in conjunction with any live musicals or plays presented at the theatre. Discussions are in the works, however, to secure a full or part-time curator so that regular gallery visiting hours may be established year-round.

Call For Artists…

On February 14th, the musical The Wizard Of Oz will be presented, and any artists who would like to submit theme related works for consideration to be displayed in the gallery are asked to contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org. If selected, artists will be able to offer their exhibited works for sale to the public during the run of the musical which is expected to play to sold out audiences through March 1st.

Rock Room Gallery at the Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend the 2019 Annual Member Meeting and New Artist Reception at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd Level Concourse in Downtown Branson.

This FREE Community Event will be held on Friday, September 6th from 6-8pm

The annual member meeting will run until 6:30pm, and will provide an opportunity for elections of new board of directors as well announcements regarding several new, exciting events and theatrical performances slated for 2020. The short meeting will be followed by an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition.

The Branson Convention Center Art Gallery has been visited by approximately 100,000 people annually, according to General Manager Marc Mulherin. Several of the featured artists will be attending the reception to discuss their work, and members of the Branson Regional Arts Council Board will be there to answer any questions. Refreshments will be available as well.

Bring yourself, or a group of friends and enjoy this FREE community event!

Deceased Board Member and Beloved Friend of the Arts, Robert Cohn, enjoyed an earlier Artist Reception. His dedication and hard work to initiate and develop the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will not be forgotten.

A Tara-ific Event Is Blowing Into Branson!

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Film and Art Fundraising Event.

“We are so excited to present this award winning film that received 8 Academy Awards in 1939, including Best Picture as well as an Oscar for Vivian Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett.”
– Adele Groote, Taneyhills Community Library Liaison

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, the American classic film, Gone With The Wind, returns to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, 78 years after it was first released in 1940. Written by Margaret Mitchell, this famous film stars Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh and is one of the most recognized films of all time.

“The Branson Regional Arts Council has been seeking a means to collaborate more often with our community library, and this opportunity has worked out beautifully. The Historic Owen Theatre opened in 1936 and uniquely brings a sense of nostalgia to the film. We want to thank Marc Mulherin, Clint Cross, and the entire team at the Branson Convention Center for their enthusiasm and contribution in making this after-movie artist reception possible.”
– Jim Barber – Executive Director of BRAC

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

A Tara-themed gala at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will immediately follow the movie. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and visual art exhibition with an opportunity to meet the amazing local area artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

“This event came about through The Great American Read project with PBS. The library is a co-sponsor of this 7-part television series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, and told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels. The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books. Our local PBS station is very excited that the library and the Branson Regional Arts Council is hosting this Gala to celebrate Margaret Mitchell’s iconic Pulitzer prize novel through the showing of the epic film.”
– Marcia Schemper-Carlock – Taneyhills Community Library Director

The event kicks off with the showing of Gone With The Wind at 1:00 pm, followed by the Tara-ific Gala Reception at 5:45 pm. Cost to attend is $29.95 per person which includes a reserved theatre seat to the film, and the Gala Art Reception, just one block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible as this event is a fundraiser for both organizations.

With only 200 seats available, advance reserved tickets are recommended by visiting BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind.

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Event. Join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 for a special reserved showing of the 1939 American classic film, “Gone With The Wind” at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

A Tara-themed reception will follow at the Branson (Hilton) Convention Center Promenade Art Gallery. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and opportunities to meet the amazing artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

Gone With The Wind Film & Gala

WHEN
Saturday, September 29, 2018
1:00pm – Gone With The Wind Film (Historic Owen Theatre)
5:45pm – Tara-ific Gala Reception (Branson Convention Center)

WHERE
Historic Owen Theater, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
Branson Convention Center – 2nd Level Art Gallery

COST TO ATTEND
$29.95 per person – includes reserved seat theatre ticket to Gone With The Wind film, followed immediately by the Gala Reception just one-block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your donation is tax deductible. ONLY 200 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE – RESERVE YOURS EARLY!

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

[fac_icon icon=”credit-card-alt”] Advance Reserved Seats Available At: BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind

This is a special fundraising event for the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library. All profits will be split by the two organizations. The wearing of period costume will be enjoyed by all, but not required attire.

The Great American Read

The Great American Read is a 7-part series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.

The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.

The Taneyhills Community Library is a sponsor of the Great American Read and is excited to join with the Branson Regional Arts Council in celebrating the reading and the art of storytelling through the showing of Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel, “Gone With The Wind.” She received a Pulitzer prize for the book in 1937. The iconic novel became an international phenomenon that has sustained the public’s interest for over 75 years.

The Branson Regional Arts Council, in collaboration with the Branson Convention Center will be hosting the opening reception of the current fine art exhibition featuring acclaimed artists. These artists will display their award winning artwork, ranging from oils to acrylics to photography, at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery located at 200 South Sycamore, Branson, MO.

This free, community event is this Friday, May 12th from 7pm – 9pm at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery located on the second floor concourse of the venue. Reception attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their works and creative process. The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors and staff will also be part of this fun premiere event. Refreshments including a cash bar will be available.

Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin is thrilled with the response he has been receiving from the thousands of visitors and convention center guests, and city officials that pass through the art exhibit every week.

We are honored to have the opportunity to share great works of art from area artists at the Branson Convention Center.  I am in awe every time I’m at an event and see these beautiful masterpieces on display for the world to view. – Karen Best, Branson Mayor

Each artist will display a variety of their work in the Concourse of the Branson convention center on a 14’x20′ wall panel. All works are for sale and will be replaced by the artist as they are sold, so it is advisable to visit the exhibition often during the exhibition dates. Click here to view and purchase artwork online.

Featured Missouri Artists:

*online gallery pieces subject to change

Please plan to attend and also invite all of your family and patrons to the public opening. We hope to see you there.

Reception attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about their works and be part of this premiere event.