all photos courtesy of Lee Ann Kornegay
JASPER loves nothing more than grass roots arts organizing, so we’ve been watching from behind our masks as MELROSE ART IN THE YARD has grown from its first small gathering of neighbors in need of sharing their art to an almost-but-not-quite full fledged arts festival.
The heart-child of Lee Ann Kornegay, Harriet Green, and Lila McCullough, Melrose Art in the Yard held its first gathering of artists in May when, after 6 weeks of sheltering in place, the women and their neighbors were beginning to not only experience cabin fever, but to yearn for the unique kind of mental and spiritual stimulation that viewing a collection of art can offer. With COVID-sponsored safety and social distancing being a top priority, the neighbors made use of the shared resource they have in abundance - the streets and yards that connect them. Melrose Art in the Yard was born.
“My motivation was that I really wanted to have something my elderly parents could participate in and look forward to,” Kornegay says. “Knowing we had many artists in the area, we picked a date and had a handful of folks participate. We brought in a food truck and invited the neighbors to get out with their families and stroll the historic community as a distraction from the lock down.”
“People loved it,” she continues, “and now we are on our third event with over 30 participants. Most actually live in the neighborhood while other artists have asked to join in, not having very many options at this time to show their work in a safe environment.”
Participating artists are spread throughout the neighborhood with most of the activity centered around Shirley, Hagood, and Gladden Streets. The list of artists includes but is not limited to Betty Kornegay-Kaneft and Jack Kaneft, Julie and Larry Webster, Betsy Kaemmerlin, Alex Ruskell, Bob Waites and Jenks Farmer, Rubin Garcia, Laura Ray, Melissa Ligon, Kathryn Van Aernum, Flavia Novatelli, Bohumila Augustinova, Valerie Lamott, Diko Pekdemir-Lewis, Jane Dillard, Laura Rav, and Rob Shaw. Elaine Delk and Hope McClure will have antiques and vintage items. Columbia City Ballet soloist Anna Porter will prove she is as talented in the kitchen as she is on the dance floor with her baked goods. And, in addition to Kids’ Tables, Historic Columbia and the League of Women Voters will be there along with noshes from Mary’s Arepas, Brown Sistaz Island Vibz, and Lick Pops.
Artist - Angela Hughes Zokan
Artist - Krissy Walters Militello
There will even be music in the streets! Preach Jacobs will spinning from 3 - 5 pm on Melrose Street and The Defenders, featuring Rhodes Bailey and Jake Erwin, will perform on the corner of Hagood and Melrose from 5 - 7.
There is no admission to attend and Jasper isn’t sure if there will be potties available. Don’t count on being able to use your credit cards either, though some folx may have that capacity. This is truly grass roots, y’all. But we do know that hand sanitizing stations will be situated throughout the area and SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED.
Congratulations to all involved for this inspiring example of problem solving, cooperation, and community spirit. Let us know about other opportunities to enjoy the arts in the area and we’ll do our best to share the news.