Bob Henry Baber's folk art exhibit, opening Monday evening, was a double-barreled success. Or, if you prefer, akin to hitting two winning home runs late in the seventh.

Despite less than favorable weather about 40 people were introduced to what Baber calls "memory pieces."

But unlike a typical gallery showing, anyone who had an interest was invited to make their own memory art. About 15 decided to take the creative leap.

Maggie Lilly captured the spirit of memory piece of art with a
well-planned effort. Maggie is an eighth grader at Gilmer County High School. She is the daughter of John and Susan Lilly of Glenville.

Baber, of Glenville, was introduced to the art form after a hitch-hiker insisted on giving him one - some 20-years ago - to symbolize his gratitude for a much-needed ride.

Eventually the art was integrated into workshops Baber created for participants of all ages.

Monday's creations quickly became very personal.

Participants revisited past adventures, celebrations, family gatherings, vacations, pets - the art becoming as varied as life.

The nuts and bolts of making a memory piece is simple and straightforward.

Glenville's Sarah Kidder used contrasting
elements symbolizing peace and feminism.

First you find an object tile adhesive grout will stick to. A bottle, old pan, plate or piece of wood will work. The next step is spreading the adhesive evening across the surface area, effectively turning it into the "canvas" for the project.

Next, gather letters, trinkets, jewelry charms, shapes, etc...positioning "the memories" into the damp grout.

As the "memory pieces" took shape, participants began sharing stories, working near the main entrance of the Fine Arts Center. Many were interested in what their fellow artisans were creating. Their work appeared to foster a friendly 'buzz' of energy in the space.

Jill Haasch, a GSC professor, and her
mother, Janet, work on their memory art.

Perhaps no one came better prepared to make a personal statement than Gilmer County High School eighth-grader Maggie Lilly. To symbolize her love of music she included a broken set of earphones. She also added a key chain from Haiti, a gift from an older sister; a star symbolizing constellations painted on her bedroom ceiling, a button from a discarded piece of furniture, a soda bottle cap - and she even found the perfect place for a leftover piece of hardware from days past when she wore braces on her teeth.

Local artist Eugene Breza created his masterpiece primarily with a gourd and antlers he's found over the years. It stood unique among all the pieces, including those exhibited in the gallery.

Local artist, Eugene Breza, toured the gallery exhibit
before creating an impressive memory piece of his own.

Glenville graduate Sarah Kidder used items ranging from a Gandhi quote to firecrackers as she made a personal statement on peace and feminism.

Seven year old Katie Skidmore, of Glenville, outpaced the others by creating more than one memory for the evening.

Over the course of seven days later this month Glenville State College is hosting a series of free workshops for several local and regional elementary schools. Baber is facilitating a creative writing component, as well as assisting participants in the art of making memory pieces.

During these workshops Baber encourages a greater sensitivity for the rich details and layers in a story - whether it's a life story, in a comic book, song or piece of art. He believes these details are key elements which kindle the inspiration to "create."

The Memory Pieces and More exhibit opens Monday through Friday 10-2 p.m. The gallery also opens an hour before any performance in the fine arts center. Additional times can be arranged by appointment.

For more information contact professor Bob Henry Baber at 304-462-7361.

EDITOR'S NOTE; Bob Henry Baber is a professor, artist, and writer. He works with Glenville State College's Foundation Office, in addition to being active with several campus and community initiatives.