Author, artist and educator are just a few words that describe G. S. Binkley.
Binkley began teaching general psychology at Lincoln University before becoming an adjunct professor at Moberly Area Community College, where she has shared her passion for teaching psychology and human development for more than 15 years.
As an author, Binkley has written more than 15 fiction books, several screenplays, a one-act play and a children's book. Her fiction writing began many years ago. She began to think about what drives people to act in certain ways, which led her to investigate by reading articles and psychology books on the subject. As she pondered these thoughts, characters began their introductions, demanding to be brought to life in her stories.
At first, there were just short snippets of plot lines, character attributes and scenes that floated in her head. Binkley began to write them down and develop them further. The most interesting part was what motivated these fictional characters just like in real life.
In the early 1990s, Binkley became aware of the America's Best Screenplay Competition, and in 30 short days, she wrote "A Question of Murder" which centered on a fictional riverboat located in Jefferson City. For her work, she received an honorable accommodation in the top 100 that further spurred her journey as a writer.
Eventually, she expanded her writing into books and wrote a one act play called "Shades of Gray" in 1994. Two of her aunts and her mother, V. P. Binkley, (known for her insightful poetry) entertained an audience for two delightful nights at a local establishment, where Binkley produced and directed her play.
Nearly all of her books are fictional with a romantic element. The various plot lines range from murder and adventure to high stakes business worlds that lead the reader's imagination to different locales, such as a safari expedition in Africa, the glamorous world of modeling, cutthroat advertising, shipyards in the Northeast, western adventure and Hollywood movie making.
Binkley has also written a children's book, "Hanging Together," which is about two sisters enjoying life together. You can find her books on Amazon.
Other books by Binkley include "Heart of Africa," which is about a young woman who battles poachers, commercialism and greed to preserve Africa's beauty and falls in love with an unlikely comrade along the way; "Angel in Disguise," where a heavenly guide is sent to protect a young detective who is in hot pursuit of a master criminal; "Once Again, Alexis," about a young creative woman learning to believe in herself and finding out that she can accomplish everything she dreamed even in the face of adversity, deceit and uncertainty; "Murder at Knifepoint," which focuses on Desiree Talbert, who returns home after years of silence to successfully run the family boatyard but is quickly accused of murder; "Murder at Red Rum," where a paramedic on the verge of inheriting a wealthy cattle ranch is suspected of murder; and "The Woman I Love," where a beautiful television star on vacation with her family meets a writer who challenges and changes her life forever.
Mid-Missouri art happenings
Through Aug. 6, the Capital Arts Gallery "Creative Collaboration" exhibit will have art made by groups of artists, not just one artist. This collaboration of multiple artists opens new perspectives on the same themes. The Capital Arts Gallery is located at 1203 Missouri Blvd. CAG will also host the "Tell a Story" exhibit Aug. 9-Sept. 17, with a reception set at 1 p.m. Aug. 18.
Orr Street Studios, located at 106 Orr St. in Columbia, offers a space for artists to make their art, with many coming for conversation and the celebration of creation. For more information, call 573-875-4370 or email [email protected].
Under the streets of Columbia, Art Underground Downtown offers classical art training for all ages in both a historic and art-filled atmosphere. All classes are booked through the end of the summer. Classes for children in kindergarten through twelfth will be held Tuesday through Thursday nights starting in September. For more information, call 573-355-2255 or email [email protected].
Columbia Palette (Plein Air Painting) meets each week to paint in different places. Group members are of different backgrounds and experiences. All benefit from this sharing of ideas, techniques and materials. Painters primarily work alone. Painting as a group gives each member a chance to interact with artists, to hear their encouragement and recieve constructive criticism. These artists are plein-air painters, and the group paints outdoors as often as possible. Find out more at columbiapalettepainting.weebly.com.
The third annual Free Community Wide Block Party will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 24 at the New Bloomfield City Park. The event will feature entertainment, food and activities, including games, a waterslide and a bounce house at no cost. An arts and crafts show also will be included, along with the Christian Motorcycle Association which will show off their motorcycles. The event is sponsored by Hopewell Baptist Church. For more information, call 573-491-3408 or visit hopewellchurch.net.
Tune in to JCTV to see Rick Jey, also known as JCAC member Jerry Ricker, host "Spotlight On The Arts," a 30-minute interview of one artist, and "Mid-Missouri Art News," which features two guests in 15-minute interviews. Find JCTV on CenturyLink and Mediacom, as well as on YouTube.
The Village Art Studio's "Summer Art Camps" for 2019 are ongoing. All camps are geared toward ages 6 and older. Each camp is $125 per session. It runs 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. For July 22-26, the theme will be Ole' Mexico. For July 24-28, the focus will be on CreaTeen for Middle School and High School. Both studios offer birthday parties for all ages at 1502 E. High St., Suites 40 and 60. Call Ann for more information at 573-230-1414.
The Silver Smith's Design Company specializes in personalized jewelry made of silver and precious stones. Sarah Smith is an accomplished artist/painter. The Smiths make fork and spoon rings, which may be made from your own antique silver, or you can choose from their extensive selection. Debbie Smith designs and re-designs handmade clothes, which may be made from your own clothes. The company has a shop in Tipton at 11272 U.S. 50, though they are closed throughout July. For more information, find the Silver Smiths on Etsy, Facebook or Instagram.
The Lake Arts Council and "Arts at the Lake" will begin its fourth annual Art for the Seasons Show on Aug. 31 at the Porto Cima Yacht Club at Sunrise Beach. Setup will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the show will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Each artist will be assigned an 8-by-10 space where they can display pamphlets, printed materials and other items. For more information about registration, contact the Lake Arts Council at 573-374-9297 or email [email protected].
The Lake Arts Council and the Lake Area Camera Club will present Photo Quest 2019, an amateur photography contest and exhibit, Aug. 10 at Stone Crest Mall in Osage Beach. To find out more, including category information and specifications for submissions, visit artsatthelake.com.
Artist David Carter will be the Sedalia Visual Art Association Featured Artist through Aug. 18. The association maintains a rotating art exhibit at Sedalia City Hall, 200 S. Osage Ave. The association meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the annex to the Central Bank building, 403 W. Broadway Blvd. An exhibit will be at Goddard Gallery of Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, State Fair College in Sedalia through Aug. 18. For more information, call 660-458-6575 or 660-238-6242, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
Artist Gary Cadwallader has very basic design, drawing and watercolor demos on YouTube, using regular watercolors; look for the G logo. Another artist, Larry Carver, released a series of instructional videos to walk people through his most requested paintings one element at a time, allowing viewers to produce their own versions. Find the videos on Facebook on Cindy Powell Carver's page.
The JCAC Featured Artist from Aug. 8 through Sept.19 will be artist Brandi Rackers. You may view a collection of Rackers' artwork, including paintings and ceramic relief sculptures, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, 1617 Southridge Drive. Also, find her as featured artist at the JCAC website, jeffersoncityartclub-missouri.com. Starting Sept. 20, the featured artist will be Essex Garner.
Jimmy Mustion is a professional artist who is involved in area organizations and galleries.