First Friday Opening for Licking and Salem artists

By Editor | September 10, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Exhibiting artists attending the First Friday Opening included, from left: Brenda Kaiser, Billie Jean Blaylock Boley, Tana Kettner, Ellen Reynolds, Gail Phelan, Connie Blaylock Wallace and Patty Burmeister. Behind the artists, a collection of upcycled clothing is on display.

Arts Rolla! held the First Friday Opening of the art exhibit featuring the works of Current River Artists from the Texas County Museum of Art & History and the Ozark Heritage Artists. Nearly 100 pieces of art were on display at The Centre, the recreational complex in Rolla, with works by several Licking and Salem area artists included.

Jewelry, pen and ink art, needle felting, pottery, paintings, digital art, upcycled clothes, wall quilts, wire sculptures and more could be found, with several items sold before the evening was over. Sold items will remain at The Centre until the exhibit is over the final week of September, so the opportunity is still there to see (or shop) all the talented pieces by local artists.

Familiar names from the Licking art community include Ellen Reynolds, Jan Rensch, Brenda Kaiser, Patty Burmeister, Connie Blaylock Wallace, Billie Jean Blaylock Boley and JoAnne Biros. Salem area artists with works in the show include Gail Phelan and Tana Kettner.

At the First Friday Opening, artists shared information about upcoming classes. They also discussed ways to market their art, including shipping issues, payment choices and online marketing. Attendees were able to speak to the artists about their pieces as well.

To see their artwork, stop by The Centre at 1200 Holloway St., Rolla. Pieces are on display on either side of the entrance and along the hallway walls to the left and right.

Learn more about Arts Rolla by visiting their Facebook page at Arts Rolla, or go to their website, artsrolla.org, where you’ll find notices of upcoming events.

For more information about art classes at Texas County Museum of Art & History, stop by Mondays or Tuesdays between 11 and 5 p.m., or call 573-674-4799.