By Kathy L. Collins
The July exhibit at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City features the fabulously creative artwork of native Plant City resident and artist, Arden Mays Merckle. There are four large pieces in the exhibit including “Utah (The Beehive State)” and “West Virginia (The Mountain State).” Also included in the exhibit are two Disney inspired pieces including his breathtaking “Cinderella’s Castle.”
Merckle specializes in large scale paintings, which usually depict scenery from Europe and around America. The two pieces featuring states are a part of a large project Merckle is working on to create paintings of landscapes from all 50 states.
Merckle is the owner of Arden Mays Designs, located in historic downtown Plant City on Evers St. For many years, Merckle moved to Atlanta after graduating from Florida State University’s School of Visual Arts. He returned to Plant City a couple of years ago. This is the second exhibition of his work at the Bruton Memorial Library.
Anne Haywood, Library Director for the Bruton Memorial Library said, “It is exciting to see the progress of his states project.” A reception was held on July 1 to mark the opening of the exhibit. At the reception, Merckle brought additional works. Haywood added, “It was awesome to see some of his other work that he set up for the opening reception. It really illustrated the depth and breadth of his talents. We’re certainly enjoying the four large format pieces that we have on exhibit. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is breathtaking.”
The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. The exhibit is open during normal library operating hours seven days a week.
