Come Celebrate “Fabulous Faces” and Three Dames “All About Color” in February
By Amy Nichols
The public is invited to attend the Plateau Creative Arts Center Gallery’s First Friday on Friday, February 7 from 5-7 PM. The members’ Art Challenge, “Fabulous Faces” will be on display in the large gallery. Art Guild members will create their interpretations of fabulous faces in a variety of media, resulting in a charming eclectic exhibit. In addition, there will be a special guest exhibition in the small gallery featuring the works of “Three Dames”: Linda Blair, Marcia Shelly (Maru), and Cheryl Massey (Cherdo). This much-anticipated event is sure to delight art enthusiasts with a captivating array of watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and ink creations. The Three Dames have chosen “All About Color” as their theme for their display.
The Three Dames are a group of artists based in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. They are known for their vibrant and collaborative artwork, often showcasing their pieces in local galleries and events. Their work is celebrated for its creativity and the way it brings color and life to the community.
Though they each come from different backgrounds and interests, creating art for the Three Dames is more than just an individual journey—it’s a shared experience rooted in trust, accountability, and the deep bonds of friendship. Working together on exhibits brings a sense of comfort and collaboration, offering an environment where creativity flourishes and ideas are nurtured. In this spirit, these three talented artists have come together to exhibit their work, bringing joy to the world of art.
Together, the Three Dames embody the essence of artistic collaboration, creating works that are not only visually captivating but also deeply personal and meaningful. Their journey serves as an inspiration to artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Meet the Three Dames
Dame Linda Blair is devoted to all forms of creativity – gardening to music and several in between. Linda’s focus is on watercolor. “Creativity, especially art, comes from the best part of ourselves and is among the best common denominators we have of one another. We created Three Dames a few years ago to enjoy the advantages of exhibiting collectively. We each lean towards water media, which naturally allows our work to be a cohesive display.”
Dame Marcia Shelly, known by her signature “Maru,” specializes in vibrant, colorful acrylic paintings that have captivated admirers both nationally and internationally. She sees art as a puzzle, always striving to find the perfect balance of color, depth, and composition. Marcia’s art embraces bold, large-scale works that command attention and inspire awe. Marcia shares, “You think you know what you are going to achieve right from the start, but art always tricks you. Finding the ‘wow’ can be very elusive.” Marcia has been featured in numerous publications, including Contemporary Artists, the American Impressionist Society (AIS) annual catalog, Artsclamation calendar, and many more. Her work has varied from billboards to children’s book illustrations to current acrylic works. She currently lives and paints in Lenoir City, Tennessee.
Cheryl Massey, the third member of Three Dames and known as “Cherdo,” is a self-taught artist and Tennessee native. A lifelong enthusiast of paint, pencil, and pastels, Cheryl enjoys creating pieces that evolve over time. Cheryl also has a past nursing career and is a dog trainer – and has two dogs who do therapy visits! Key elements in those careers that also fit with painting are observation and attention to detail. For Cheryl, creating art is deeply personal. “I only paint when it is meaningful to me,” she shares. While commission work has its place, her most fulfilling creations come from an internal spark of inspiration, resulting in pieces that resonate with authenticity and passion. Cheryl is President of the Tennessee Watercolor Society and the Tennessee Artists Association.
Advice to Aspiring Artists
The Three Dames encourage emerging artists to embrace their individuality and trust the process. “Be true to yourself,” Cheryl advises. “You can’t force it, and your best work is personal. Don’t let outside forces shape your vision, and don’t rush your growth as an artist—it will come with time and experience.”
The Plateau Creative Arts Center invites all art lovers to enjoy the member’s art challenge exhibit, “Fabulous Faces” and experience the magic of the Three Dames and their extraordinary creations this February. Their art will be on display from February 7 – March 6. For more information, visit the Center’s website or contact the gallery directly.
The Arts Center, located at 451 Lakeview Drive welcomes the public during our winter hours, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Our phone number is 931-707-7249. The Art Guild is dedicated to teaching, learning and inspiring by cultivating the artistic talent and abilities of people, making all art accessible in a welcoming and enriching environment.