Special to the Parade
Virginia Eggert demonstrates how to sketch a scene before painting it. (Courtesy photo)
The Laguna Madre Art Gallery has selected Virginia Eggert and Roger Theriault as May’s featured artists. Eggert and Roger met in Alaska then moved to Arizona to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson where Eggert obtained her PhD and Roger earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. The couple moved to the Valley a number of years ago and resides in Port Isabel.
Eggert is an accomplished painter who is well known for her colorful paintings of local scenes, fauna, and flora. She studied under internationally known watercolorist Walter Hook, ceramicists Peter Voulkos and Rudy Audio, and illustrator Jerold Bishop. Eggert paints with acrylics on watercolor paper or canvas “in an impressionistic, somewhat realistic style.” All the works Eggert has in the Gallery are original works. She rarely makes prints of her work. The whimsical poster of Port Isabel and the Causeway, which Eggert painted for the local Chambers of Commerce, is an exception. It was selected to appear in Southwest Art Magazine, and can now be purchased in the Art Gallery.
Theriault works in the engineering field by day but enjoys working in his jewelry studio at night. He has designed and crafted jewelry for over 20 years. He casts one of a kind jewelry pieces using the lost wax technique, creates delicate and intricate designs on silver with enamels, and uses various metalworking techniques to form beautiful bangle bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Recently, Theriault started working with the Mokume-gane technique of using a rolling mill to mix two metals into one. He also makes one of a kind chains, unique charms, and rings. Although many of Theriault’s designs are delicate in nature, he also produces jewelry pieces for men.
On May 16, Eggert will be in the Gallery to demonstrate sketching techniques. Sketching or drawing is the first step an artist needs to take to produce a good painting. It is often a step that is hastily done or not done at all. In her Master’s thesis at the University of Montana, Eggert explored the process of teaching children how to draw using their right brain functions. In this hands-on demonstration she will take the audience through the steps of contour drawing using these same techniques. Audience members will learn how to train their eyes to produce a drawing. The demonstration will begin at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Two workshops will be given in May. On May 13, Linda Stair will give a one day pastel workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On May 20, Beth Fedigan will conduct a one day collage workshop. In this class participants will learn to gather color, shapes, textures and forms to tell a story. Fedigan says that it is a good way to “jumpstart those creative urges by allowing your collage to tell something about yourself.”
During the month of May you can view Eggert’s and Theriault’s artwork in the gallery window. Come in and take time to look at the new themed display, “Animals.” And sign up for the new May workshops. The Gallery is located on Lighthouse Square in Port Isabel at 405 E. Maxan St. For more info, call (956) 943-1407.
1 comments
Hello. After my mother-in-law passed away I found these two Virginia Eggert lithographs (black and white) in her home. She loved Alaska, loved photography and appreciated great art. I am inquiring to see the value of these as I want to give them to two of her grandchildren, my daughters.
They are: Cannery at Hoonah, Alaska #67/600 and Salmon Troller – S E Alaska #59/600 These are both signed and in their original frame by Virginia Eggert.
My husband (her son) and I are retiring and moving to a smaller home so your response is greatly appreciated.
Linda and Jerry Westcott, Carlsbad, CA.