Magpie Art Center in Sedalia opens in April
Cherri LaMarr, director for Magpie Art Center is pictured (left) with Robin Sandell. The MAC’s grand opening is April 26. Prior to Cherri purchasing and renovating the home into an art center, it was owned by Robin’s late mom, Rosemary Sandell. Cherri and Robin have become friends over the past two years.
At 4138 Rio Grande Avenue, just over the second set of train tracks in downtown Sedalia, sits a quaint property once owned and lived in by Rosemary Sandell, a well-known Sedalian. Cherri LaMarr purchased the home about two years ago and has renovated it into the Magpie Art Center (MAC). The grand opening is planned for Apri1 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cherri, director of the MAC, has an art and graphic design background and has lived in the Indian Creek area of Sedalia for 12 years. The inspiration for the gathering space came during her frequent drives through the downtown area. Cherri pictured a cute place where people of all ages could gather and explore.
When Rosemary’s house became available about the same time Cherri was selling her late mother’s home, it felt serendipitous. She used some of the proceeds from the home sale to create her dream. During the past few years, she has become friends with Rosemary’s daughter, Robin Sandell. “We talk about how much both of our moms would love this,” shared Cherri.
The MAC’s name came by way of a suggestion from Cherri’s daughter. It is an ode to a bird that has frequently nested on the property. “Magpies are curious and inquisitive by nature—just like artists,” said Cherri.
Classes for all ages across as many genres as there are interests will be available. Some include watercolor, knitting, drawing, painting, fiber arts and even latch hooking. Single trial classes, multi session classes, all day workshops, weekend workshops, summer classes and kids’ afternoon classes and summer camps are all planned.
Cherri also anticipates creating an art therapy program to support those suffering from grief, trauma and post traumatic stress disorder and will promote the sciences with gardening and cooking by way of vegetable and pollinator gardens. She looks forward to having some of her national artist friends visit to teach classes throughout the year as well.
In addition to classrooms and a gallery, the MAC includes an art and gardening library and will have a guestbook available so visitors can share stories about the history of this special place. Cherri also included a touching tribute by naming rooms after her mom, Marybell, and Robin’s mom, Rosemary.
“I hope this becomes a sanctuary for people —a safe place to come and talk about big ideas, relax, socialize with friends and try out something new,” concluded Cherri.
Magpie Art Center is a 501(c)(3) and is on the lookout for volunteers, instructors, marketing or finance savvy board members, as well as grant money to support after-school and art therapy classes. If interested, contact Cherri at mac@magpieartcenter.com.
For more information, visit magpieartcenter.com or visit the MAC’s Facebook page.
By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos
