Recap of 'An Evening with Paul Jackson'

Over 140 people were in attendance to hear stories from internationally renowned Watercolor artist Paul Jackson on Friday July 27. This was a dinner to celebrate the near completion of "River Dreams", the title of the 17.5 by 62 foot mural on the façade of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the campus of Three Rivers College. The event was hosted by The Friends of Margaret Harwell Art Museum and Holy Cross Episcopal Church. The Walmart Foundation was the dinner sponsor, Wil Fisher Distributing was the beverage Sponsor. Host Rev. Annette Joseph gave the invocation. Paul gave a lively program detailing his career.

The Mural sponsors are: Platinum sponsor: Southern Bank (who also sponsored the movie "Princess Bride" shown at the wall). Gold sponsors: Commerce Bancshares Foundation and First Midwest Bank. Silver Sponsors: Evelyn Whitworth and Whitworth's Gift Chest Jewelers; Rose Anne Huck; Emily Kinder Wolpres. Bronze sponsors: Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; Catherine and J.C. Bryant; Kim Duncan; Ron Dowd Industrial Supply; Kajacs Construction/Bootheel Rentals. Contributing sponsors: Herman Styles; Minit Print Inc; and Allen Payne.

Paul's exhibit," Visiting Old Friends" continues through August 26 at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. Paul and his key volunteers: Marla Jackson (his wife); Rose Anne Huck; Mattie Stacy; Ron Dowd; Herman Styles; Mandy Bates; and Marty Harlan are putting the finishing touches on the mural now.

So, if you want to see the finest collection of art work available between St. Louis and Memphis, make an effort to come to the Margaret Harwell Art Museum and the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Of course, the "River Dreams" mural is now a permanent fixture and a landmark attraction for this area. It is a masterwork by a master artist. Paul is putting all of his talent and energy into this project. He is driven to perfection and will not stop until he is satisfied. He has put in 12 to 20 hour work days(mostly nights to avoid the heat) on this and the afore mentioned volunteers have put in incredible work hours too. This project has brought together dozens of people from all over the area in a common goal of creating great art. This is exactly what Paul intended to do and succeeded in doing so beyond anyone's imagination. Residents will forever remember, " the summer that Paul Jackson came to town". This experience has changed, enhanced and inspired numerous lives and enhanced the culture of Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area for generations to come. As Norma Smith said to me, "This is History".

We thank the sponsors who funded the mural, President Wes Payne and Three Rivers College for being great hosts, and all the other volunteers too numerous to mention and especially our artist and wife, Paul and Marla Jackson for pouring their heart, sole and pocketbook into creating this landmark. This is more costly than imagined due to the texture of the wall they are painting on. If you want to help in funding, donations are still being accepted and credit will still be given to you! Checks may be made out to the Friends of Margaret Harwell Art Museum, a 501 © (3) organization. You can be a proud part of Poplar Bluff history. Paul and Marla will pay for whatever it takes to do this absolutely the right way and worry about cost later. Our community will be graced by a beautiful landmark forever.

To help, you may contact MHAM director Steve Whitworth at 573-686-8002, and swhitworth@pbcity.org. The Museum address is 421 North Main Street. And many thanks to the DAR for the great coverage we have received on these events including the Workshop Paul conducted.

- Steve Whitworth