Local artists, writers pair up for show

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

On Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. at Frames & Things in Cove Terrace Shopping Center, a reception will be held for the artist and writer exhibition, Word Works: Artist and Author Challenge. 
The show is a pairing of 16 artists and writers and has been about six months in the making, said Nicole Metts, founder of the Central Texas Writers Society. Metts worked with Samra Thompson, who coordinates the monthly lineup of artists for Frames & Things’ monthly show First Friday Art After Dark, to pair up the artists and writers.  
The pairings are a collaborative pairing between the writers and the artists, whether it be a visual artwork based on a written piece, or writing based on an artwork, Metts said.
“There’s a variety of art pieces, to include painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture. In some cases, some who are usually the artists became the writers for this show. Artists and authors were paired people up randomly, which added to the fun of it.”
Friday evening’s reception will culminate with the naming of the People’s Choice awards, with voting on the numbered pairings being cast through Friday. 
Those who can’t attend the event on Friday night but would still like to do so can stop by Frames & Things this week and check out the art, then vote for their favorite ahead of time. 
Joe and Debra Friddle, owners of Frames & Things, are providing prizes for first, second, and third place winners of the friendly competition. The two have continued the monthly art show that was created by Robert Weidinger II, the shop’s former owner. 
“I was really wanting to see what would come in and it’s exceeded my expectations,” said Debra Friddle. The community support has been excellent. We’ve already had people come in and vote.” 
Friddle spoke to the uniqueness of each of the pairings
“Just the directions different people took, the way they’re displayed. Things just go together so well. I don’t know what came first, the chicken or the egg? Was it the author who had the idea, or the artist?”.
Metts is thankful the monthly tradition of the art gathering on the first Friday of every month has continued with the Friddles’ ownership of the shop, which has been in business for more than 35 years in Copperas Cove.
“I appreciate everyone’s support in this, especially Frames & Things who have supported the Central Texas Writers Society since its creation.  I hope this gets people excited about voting and the arts,” Metts said.
The lineup of writers includes: Helen Munday, Mary Jo Gregory, Mikey Carlie, Missi Thompson, Nicole Metts, Jeremy Gallen, Renee Alter, Mike Matthews, Brent Royster, Heather Chandler, Gwenyth Jett, Wanda Gunter, Gwendolyn Gray, Michele Frank and Kevin Marsh. 
Among the artists are: Jean Lizama, Raven Garcia, Jutta Mac, Elaine Kelly, Samra Thompson, Cherish Yuke, Emily Scott-Graham, Jose Estrada, Linda Lapierre, Sheri Wilson, Rebecca Scott, John Clark, Azeita Taylor, Annette Capps, Joe Friddle. 
Word Works will be on display at the shop through August 25.