BY FRANCES HART

Staff Writer            15 Mar 2002

Lisa Wagner is only two weeks into her new job as the Gallery Coordinator for the Searcy Gallery (also known as the Black House) and she seems terribly excited to be there.

"Several people talked to me about this position," she said in a recent interview from the Black House, "and I guess that they knew I was an artist. Actually, she called my mom (Ruby Nell Moye). When I heard they wanted me, I was so flattered. I was excited about the interview."

Eloise Muncy, a member of the Arts Council, was charged with finding the right replacement for the former coordinator, Debra Wolfe, who left to accept a position with Simmons Bank.

"We didn't know all about Lisa's abilities or I would have been more interested in her," said Muncy. "I am so glad that we have her now."

Wagner is filling a part-time position and will be coordinating volunteers and the exhibits which run through the end of the year. There are approximately 14 volunteers who assist with the Searcy Gallery, giving tours and operating the gift shop.

The gallery is staffed entirely with volunteers and is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 noon until 3 p.m.

The current exhibit which runs through March and April is entitled the "White County Young Artist Exhibit."

It is from school-age children, kindergarten through 12 grade. In addition, Muncy said the the Arkansas Arts Center has sent some works from its collection of the works of young artists.

"We plan to build on this exhibit and would like to work with area schools," she said. "We would like to see this exhibit really grow."

There will a reception on Sunday afternoon March 24 from 2 until 3:30 p.m. in celebration of the Young Artists.

Wagner's plans for her new job include expansion of the Young Artist's Exhibit to handicapped children, and she plans to work with the Sunshine School in Searcy.

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