By Kathy Collins During the month of July, the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City will hold an exhibit of Plant City native, Arden Mays Merckle (Mays to his friends and hereafter). The exhibit features three of Mays’ large scale paintings, which include Utah- The Beehive State, Maine- The Pine Tree State and Montana- Big Sky Country.
Mays is the owner of Arden Mays Designs located at 107 1/2 S. Evers St. in historic downtown Plant City. He is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Visual Arts. He made his name first in Atlanta and then returned home to Plant City in 2008. He now works around the Tampa Bay area. He specializes in faux finishes, murals, interior design, art classes, fine art, decorative pieces, hand painted furniture and photography.
This is Mays’ third exhibit at the Bruton Memorial Library. Guests will not be disappointed by taking a visit to the library and admiring his fine work.
Tonda Morris, director of library services for the Bruton Memorial Library said, “Mays is a fifth generation Plant City native. He has been traveling extensively to paint landscapes representative of each state he visits. He chose three paintings for display from the states he has completed.”
Morris added, “We are very pleased to be showcasing the talent of a professional artist who calls Plant City home. Mays has recently opened a studio in Plant City, relocating here most recently from the Atlanta area.”
Each month the Bruton Memorial Library exhibits the fine arts of artists from the local area. Next month the Bruton Memorial library will present an exhibit which will feature watercolor painting by Muriel Cook who also resides in Plant City. Individuals interested in having their artwork featured at the library can contact the library at 757-9215 and inquire about their application and other pertinent information.
The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 W. McLendon St. in historic downtown Plant City.
For more information, visit www.ardenmays.com or call 470-9790.
