The Lyon College Kresge Gallery will showcase the work of mixed media ceramic artist Kimberly Riner, visual arts director for the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro, Georgia, from Tuesday, Aug. 22, through Friday, Sept. 22, in the historic Alphin Humanities Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

There will be a reception and artist talk on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the gallery. The event is free and open to the public.

In “Fleeting Time,” Riner recreates the vanitas genre – a genre that flourished in the Netherlands in the late 16th and early 17th centuries as a metaphor for the meaninglessness of earthly life and transient nature of earthly goods and pursuits. Translated from the Latin word meaning vanity, hallmarks of this artistic genre include depicting symbols associated with death and the futility of earthly pleasures. Employing classical iconography, such as skulls, timepieces, fruit and flowers in contemporary fashion, Riner comments on 21st century vanitas to allude to the transient and cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth.

Riner received her Master of Fine Arts from Georgia Southern University in 3D art with an emphasis in ceramics. She currently holds faculty positions at Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College.

Riner is actively involved in growing the art scene in the Statesboro area where she has worked with ArtsFest, Summer Studios and Creative Art Studio. Most recently, she opened the Averitt Center’s new visual arts facility: The Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts.

Her artwork has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and is held in private collections. Exhibition venues include Mason City, Iowa; Atlanta, Georgia; North Charleston, South Carolina; Lake City, South Carolina; Fort Myers, Florida; and Sheffield, England, UK.

Riner lives in Statesboro with her husband, Richard, and twin daughters, Olivia and Alannah.

Kresge Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Admission is free.

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Have a Seat, an exhibition by Clay Palmer, at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St) August 15 – September 30, 2023. Palmer, who currently resides in Trenton, TN, won first place at BAAC’s 2022 National Juried Exhibition.

Palmer’s work examines contemporary Southern life through genre scenes that address the anxiety of living in a period of history ravaged by ideological, economic, and socio-political friction. His recent works are directly related to the anxieties of his newfound role as a father. “As I navigate this unfamiliar territory, I find myself meditating on my own paternal relationships, reflecting on my childhood, and analyzing my many shortcomings to gain some insight into the everyday challenges and joys that becoming a new parent imparts.”

BAAC will hold a closing reception on Friday, September 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. with a brief artist talk at 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. This exhibition is sponsored by Fuller Bumpers Attorney at Law. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Reception:

Friday, September 29, 5 -7 p.m.

Members Only Happy Hour: 4 - 5 p.m.

Free movie at Melba Theater for specialty court and recovery communities. Hosted by Independence County Sobriety Court. All specialty court staff, participants, recovery, and support groups are invited. Donation proceeds benefit Independence County Specialty Court programs.

First Community Bank has announced that Keith Melson has been promoted to senior vice president, director of loan review for the financial institution.

In his role, Melson ensures that risk in the loan portfolio is appropriately monitored and managed. Melson brings with him 45 years in the banking industry and eight of those years spent as a bank regulator for the Arkansas State Bank Department. 

He said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our company in this capacity. Our department consists of only three other employees who do admirable work and are dedicated to their job responsibilities."

Melson has completed numerous banking schools and is a graduate of the Graduate Banking School of the South, Louisiana State University in 1991. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and economics from Ouachita Baptist University.

He and his wife, Ellen—together 33 years—have two daughters and three grandchildren. In his free time, Melson enjoys walking, sports and spending time with his family.

Michelle Reesor, executive vice president, chief risk officer for First Community Bank, said, “Keith is an outstanding asset to First Community Bank, and we are very fortunate to have someone with his caliber of experience leading our loan review department.”

Low Power Community Radio Station
FCC will be accepting applications November 1 - 8 for a Low Power FM radio station that would cover Batesville and the surrounding areas. Pre-registration is required & only non-profit organizations with an education program may apply. Need not be tax exempt, just a state recognized non-profit. For more info call (870) 213-7179 or review the Public Notice at: https://www.fcc.gov/document/november-2023-lpfm-new-station-application-filing-window

Now Hiring Personal Lines Account Manager
We are looking for a new teammate for our Batesville office. If you love working with people and helping them with problems, then this might be the job for you. No experience necessary, but is a plus. Email me for more information or apply with the link below. Amanda Dickey ADickey@Acrisure.com 870-793-6391 Job posting link: https://acrisure.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Acrisure/job/BATESVILLE-AR/Manager--Personal-Account--Block-Agencies-_JR101632

There is Hope. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides a 24/7 connection to confidential support.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing chamber members advocacy, promotion, and resources. The Chamber works to set the standard for service, collaboration, growth, and high quality of life in the Batesville area. We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening our business community.