Thyen-Clark Cultural Center Announces Addition of Myra Schuetter's Works to Gallery

The large, detailed watercolors that fill the gallery by Schuetter are all issue-driven. Schuetter states, “I want people to think about the things that are not right, but I want to present questions about race, religion, politics and social issues in a way that does not depress the viewer. I don’t mind making people angry, because I believe that anger can be a driving force for positive changes. However, I want to express my feelings in a way that can be appreciated on different levels. I have painted some very serious topics here, but have tried to do so in a way that can be enjoyed by young and old. And hopefully, when you leave the gallery, you might have a smile on your face.” 

In 2021 Myra enjoyed a solo exhibition at the Canton Museum of Art in Ohio. Many of the paintings in this current show were exhibited in the Canton show, hence the same show title. She recently had her painting “Political Circus” acquired by the Indiana State Museum as part of their permanent collection. 

Schuetter said, “It has been suggested to me that my work is "busy". My paintings are very full of detail, to be sure, but that is because they are full of thought and meaning. Much of the detail centers around small action figures and toys to help tell the story. Much of the thought behind the stories pertains to current events, political, social and cultural issues, our persistent biases, discrimination and other injustices. For example, Break Out, painted in 2017, is an example of our tendency to “pigeon-hole” people, letting stereotypes rule our perception. Many times, this endemic bias has caused hardship and pain, and is justifiably an important issue. On the other hand, The Chocolate Wars, from 2011, is important only to me and my bad habits. In each painting there is a lot going on, both in detail, color and a multitude of objects, but it is only to tell the story that is within the painting.” 

“I use realism, along with the scale of my work, to not only draw in the viewer, but to keep their interest long enough to recognize that there is much more going on than what originally appeared to them. I consider realism another usable tool to draw in the viewer, keep their attention and get them to think about the issues that are being presented”, said Schuetter. 

“I choose to work in transparent watercolor, a decidedly non-traditional medium for such large and complex compositions. I feel that by using watercolor, I have control of all stages of transparency from light and airy color to fully intense color. Watercolor allows me to render bright, shiny highlights and deep shadows without layers of paint that might intrude upon the flatness of the paper surface and be distracting. Color placement, contrast between light and dark, and my attention to detail make the key pieces of the still life stand out and demand attention”, Schuetter said. 

“So therefore, my use of realism creates a sort of comfort zone. Using watercolor keeps the paint itself from being a distraction and lets me really get into the detail. The placement of little figures and toys helps convey a message. And I have such fun doing it!” Exclaimed Schuetter. 

Myra Schuetter’s solo exhibition will be on display from January 6th through February 20th , 2022. First Thursday Reception will take place on Thursday, January 6th from 5:00-7:00pm. A gallery talk by Schuetter will begin at 5:30pm. The event is free and open to the public. 

In addition to Schuetter’s solo exhibit, the following activities will also take place: 

• January 7 from 8:15am-noon, JHS art students, gallery discussion and workshop 

• January 8 from 10:30-11:30am, Mornings with Myra for kids and adults 

• January 10 from 1:00-2:30pm, Homeschool Connections; gallery talk & discussion 

 • January 22, another Mornings with Myra, 10:30-11:30am 

• February 5, the last Mornings with Myra, 10:30-11:30am 

• February 9, from 11:30 to 1:00, Brown Bag Lunch in the gallery 

The galleries at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, located at 100 3rd Avenue, Suite A, Jasper, IN 47546, are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Sunday from noon to 3:00 pm. School groups, clubs and students are welcome. Admission is free. Donations appreciated. 

For more information, please call 812-482-3070. Jasper Community Arts is a department of the City of Jasper. JCA is supported in part by Friends of the Arts, Inc., the Indiana Arts Commission, The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, and the National Endowment for the Arts.