Art Folio: Meet Poster Artist for Decatur Arts Festival

Artist Mary Pousner is about to uncover what she’s been secretly working on for months, the poster for the 23rd Decatur Arts Festival. On May 5, at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur, the poster will be unveiled in a ceremony that has become a popular harbinger of the three-day festival celebrated over Memorial Day Weekend.

This year, three artists were invited to submit work for the poster, said Lockey McDonald, member of the board of Directors of the Decatur Arts Alliance. Artists included Pousner, whose work made it into the juried Decatur Fine Arts Exhibit last year and was purchased at the festival. Pousner is an artist who’s been showing and selling work at the festival for a number of years.

For the competition, each participant was asked to send in some sketches, but “none of them quite hit the mark,” said McDonald. In response, the poster committee, all of whom have formal training in art, contacted the artists to give them more specific guidelines of what they wanted the poster to convey.

The poster representing the art festival should appeal to all the people who come to the event and highlight the different forms art celebrated during the festival, said McDonald. “We also told them that the posters that have been the most successful have been whimsical and light hearted.”

“Mary took those ideas and really ran with it,” said McDonald. Pousner gave the committee three more designs, one tight rendering, one with a lot of loose brush work and one that was completely different. The committee’s choice out of those three will be soon be revealed and appearing on posters, T-Shirts and logos all over town.

Pousner received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia. She has worked many years as an artist, exhibiting her work in galleries and selling to private collectors.

“A lot of my work has a light-hearted feel with quirky imagery,” Pousner said. But concern for the environment comes through as well, especially in her earlier work. Exploring the effect pollutants have on our water and food supply, eating local food without pesticides are some of the themes that appear in her paintings.

Her work also has a southern, rural feel to it and explores family relationships and memories.

“I like to capture an expression or a timeless moment — like when the potato salad is put on the table at a family picnic," she said.

Her two children, ages five and nine offer endless inspiration.

“There is always something going on with their toys or a battle of some sort,” she reflected. Ideas also come from her husband’s collection of folk art, old found photographs, that might have an expression or a gesture that she wants to convey.

Her work is always evolving and currently some has an abstract feel to it. “Art changes along with you depending on what’s happening in your life," she said.

The poster unveiling is May 5 at the Courthouse on the Square from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and those present will receive a free, signed copy of the poster, or a voucher for one at the festival.

Art Shots

“Liar’s Child,” May 3, presented by Working Title Playwrights, Academy Theatre, 110 Center St. 7:30 p.m. A legacy of violence is explored. Is killing in the genes? A son must choose between parents and do an unspeakable wrong for the right reason. Based on Aeschylus, “Orestia,” the play is told by the outsiders, women, children and servants. No reservations required, though a $5 donation is suggested. For reservations contact managing@workingtitleplaywrights.com . 404-585-7695.

Decatur Craft Beer Festival calls for 2011 festival logo. The logo will be used on souvenir T-shirts, tasting glass and festival website. Winner receives $300, tow admission to the festival and two T-Shirts. Deadline is June 15. For more information and a copy of the submission form and guidelines, visit www/decaturbeerfestival.com or call Katie Abel, 678-553-6573.

Blue Sky, noon, May 4 Diane Durrett, folk-blues, May 11, The Band of Desperate Men. Evening Concerts: 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 7, Please Please Rock Me, Beatles Tribute Band, May 14, The Dammages, Rock and Roll.  

Several Dancers Core presents Lunchtime in the Studio, May 5 noon to 1 p.m., Core Studios, 139 Sycamore St. Free lunch provided by Johnny’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A with coffee from Starbucks to the first 40 audience members. 404-373-4154.

, Oakhurst Garden May 6, 9,13, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 435 Oakview Rd. $60 member, $65 non-members. Professional artist and teacher Pam Beagle-Daresta teaches all levels. Materials provided. Class is four sessions.

, May 14 and 15. Visit 13 gardens throughout Decatur. This year’s theme: “Outdoor spaces. Entertaining places.” Ticket is good all weekend and includes a Saturday twilight tour and entertainment. Proceeds are shared by the Oakhurst Community Garden Project and the Decatur Preservation Alliance.

“Revive,” through May 14. A reunion art show of Agnes Scott College Alumnae, hosted by Yay Studio, 2830 Franklin St. Avondale Estates. Show features works by graduates from the class of 1955 to 2004 in a variety of styles and media from oil painting and photography t pottery and handmade puppets. 404-585-0363.

Catlanta, the quirky little kittens appearing all over metro Atlanta hit the city of Decatur last week, according to Visit Decatur website. The brightly colored felines, created by an anonymous artist are left in places all over town in hopes that they will be found and adopted. To speed the hunt along, clues and hints are left on Facebook, Twitter and  Flicker. The three found in Decatur were hanging out at Agnes Scott College, a junction box on Commerce and the front lawn of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Where will the next litter appear? Follow the clues to see if they’re coming to your neighborhood.