Community embraces artwork in church’s Nance Metz Gallery – Shelby County Reporter
The community embraces the works of art in the church’s Nance Metz gallery
Posted at 11:10 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022
By EMILY SPARACINO | Special for the journalist
MONTEVALLO – The new art gallery of the Presbyterian Church of Montevallo and the first featured artist were warmly welcomed by the community.
An opening reception on Sunday August 28 for the late Robin Nance Metz drew between 50 and 75 people to the gallery, a space designed to showcase local artists and share their gifts with others.
Curator Tonia Mayton said the gallery was renamed Galerie Nance Metz in a ceremony initiated by Mayton and approved without reservation by the MPC Session.
“Nance Metz’s work was so well received in the weeks that followed that there are only a few original pieces available for purchase,” Mayton said. “However, many of his hand-signed print packs are still for sale. All of his original works will remain in the gallery until October 14, and then be distributed to their new owners at that time.
Anyone interested in viewing the gallery or purchasing a piece should go to the artist’s page on the church’s website, Montevallopcusa.org/art-gallery/artists-creations. The form at the bottom is contacting Mayton.
A percentage of sales from the first gallery show will benefit the church.
A new artist will be presented every two months.
The next art opening reception will be on Sunday, October 30 from 2-4 p.m. and will feature local landscape artist Amy Feger, who teaches painting and drawing at the University of Montevallo.
Light refreshments will be served.
“Please come support the Nance Metz Gallery and enjoy an afternoon of art and community,” Mayton said.
The church aims to showcase various local artists and even students from the Montevallo University art program.
In a previous interview, Mayton said another reason the gallery was created was to make fuller use of the interior space of the church.
“We strive to be good stewards of the property,” she said. “Our goal is to welcome others into this space and share the beauty of art.”
Artists interested in exhibiting their work in the Nance Metz Gallery can email Mayton at photoeden@yahoo.com, or they can contact the church on Facebook Messenger and request an appointment with Mayton.
