On Display: Rackers provides art connecting actions and place

<p>Courtesy of Brandi Rackers</p><p>Brandi Rackers, Jefferson City Art Club member and artist, said the purpose of her art is to provide opportunities for insight and connections between our actions and our mental and physical place. Rackers shared two of her 2018 pieces — a watercolor painting of a flower called “Native,” left, and an acrylic painting of a peacock call “Proud” — that showcase her artistic expression.</p>

Courtesy of Brandi Rackers

Brandi Rackers, Jefferson City Art Club member and artist, said the purpose of her art is to provide opportunities for insight and connections between our actions and our mental and physical place. Rackers shared two of her 2018 pieces — a watercolor painting of a flower called “Native,” left, and an acrylic painting of a peacock call “Proud” — that showcase her artistic expression.

This week's featured artist is Jefferson City Art Club member and artist Brandi Rackers.

She was born in Jefferson City and now lives and works in Jefferson City. She is a ceramic artist, painter and art educator.

"The purpose of my art is to provide opportunities for insight and connections between our actions and our mental and physical place," she said. "Sometimes my work is more representational of natural forms and sometimes it is more lyrical and expressive, helping me to find mental clarity and acceptance of my physical space."

Rackers received her Bachelor of Science in art education from Missouri State University and her Master of Art degree in studio art from Lindenwood University.

She developed a passion for art at a young age when her mother allowed her to fill sheets and sheets of computer paper with watercolors and spread them out over her bedroom floor. She also was encouraged by her aunt as a middle-schooler to start ceramic lessons, and she instantly fell in love.

"My passion persists as I continue to explore and create. As a teacher, I am continually challenged to pursue new methods and to stay relevant in my approaches to art and art understanding so that I can provide the very best learning for my students," she said. "It is my belief that we are forever in motion, making changes to not only ourselves, but also the world around. What we do matters, and our actions, big or small, send ripples into the world.

"The 'we' in my artwork is inclusive to all things. My artistic aim is to help all find a positive place, where we realize the potential of our actions by highlighting the detailed actions of others or by providing a means for others to grow. My art has no set form or media, just the desire to enlighten and inspire."

For additional information, you can visit Rackers' website at brandirackers.weebly.com.

Jefferson City Art Club, Capital Arts and Mid-Missouri art news

Are you an artist? Are you interested in learning more about art, the art scene in Jefferson City and exhibits in the area? Join the Jefferson City Art Club, which is celebrating its 115th active year fostering art appreciation, during its next meeting 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at 409 Ellis Blvd. in the community room. Professional artist Ann DeRosier will give a presentation titled "Fun with Clay." The club meets the third Monday of each month, September through May. Find out more information at the club's website at jeffersoncityartclub-missouri.com.

The Columbia Art League's Headquarters and Gallery is at 207 9th St. in Columbia. Stop in to see the collection of art there, which is open 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 573-443-8838.

Jefferson City Art Club featured artist Dianna Fowler has an online exhibit up through Jan. 7 at jeffersoncityartclub-missouri.com.

"I truly love to paint. I enjoy the challenge of each piece I paint. My medium of choice is oil on canvas," she said of her artwork. "I paint landscapes, mountains, cozy home scenes and beautiful horses."

A collection of her artwork is also on display 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday through Jan. 7 at the Department of Motor Vehicles, 1617 Southridge Drive. Learn more about Fowler in next week's "On Display" column.

Capital Arts, 1203 Missouri Blvd., invites the community to "The Portraits Exhibit" featuring people, pets and silhouettes from Jan. 4-Feb. 5. There will be a reception 1-4 p.m. Jan. 13.

Experience an art project of your own at Capital Arts' Imagination Station. For a $1 donation per person, learn to paint with watercolor, acrylics or on ceramics, or pick from many pre-arranged art projects in the fully-stocked art room. Call ahead to find out more about projects available at the Imagination Station. Capital Arts is open noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 573-635-8355.

Capital Arts, 1203 Missouri Blvd., invites the community to the "Give The Gift of Art" exhibit, which is open through Dec. 30 and includes works of art perfect as affordable gifts this holiday season.

The Fulton Art House is the artist hub for Fulton. Make plans to stop by the Fulton Art House, 531 Court St. For more information, call 573-592-7733.

The Village Arts Studio, Suites 40 and 60 at 1502 E. High, has children's workshop art classes forming for Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, with morning and afternoon sessions available. For more information, call 573-230-1414.

Rick Jey, AKA Jerry Ricker, hosts videos on CenturyLink and Mediacom. In "Spotlight on the Arts," Rick gives viewers a 30-minute, in-depth interview with an artist. In "Mid-Missouri Art News," Rick highlights two guests in 15-minute interviews. Also see episodes on YouTube.

Have you been thinking about learning to paint? Gary Cadwallader has a YouTube video that coaches viewers through learning to paint with watercolor paints.

Larry Carver also has a video that coaches viewers through two of his most requested paintings: "Luna Landing" and "Tribute to Frazetta." You can find this video on the JCAC Facebook page. There you have it you have learned to paint in two easy steps.

Professional artist Jimmy Mustion does club promotions and publicity for Jefferson City Art Club and Capital Arts.