Blue Melon Rendezvous Receives Spotlight Award
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The Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce presented the Business Spotlight Award to the Blue Melon Rendezvous, owned by Mari Foster (center). Chamber members presenting the award to Foster, who was accompanied by her husband, Eddie Foster, and daughter, Cinnamon Foster are (from left) Tonya Eubanks, Tracey Varner, Jessica Richardson, Angie Hodge, Jackson Ward, Grant Thompson, Zandra Walker, Hunter Edwards and Erin Sharp. – Photo by Jessie Gurner
WATER VALLEY – On Monday, July 8, The Blue Melon Rendezvous, owned by artist Mari Foster, received the Business Spotlight Award from the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Established in 2016, this award recognizes merchants, businesses, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional support for the community and active involvement in local activities.
Mari Foster’s work is currently exhibited at her gallery, located at 500 Main Street. “Years ago, after the Crafters Mall burned, Kevin Herrera suggested I open a gallery and name it the Blue Melon Rendezvous, inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s song ‘Blue Heaven Rendezvous,’” Foster recalls. “I was searching for a place to display my work when I realized we owned a building.”
The building, previously home to the North Mississippi Herald, had been recently renovated by Eddie Foster. “I was amazed by the traffic and the interest and encouragement I received.” Originally a small 400-square-foot exhibit space, the gallery has since expanded to over 4,000 square feet.
“Due to COVID, I wasn’t going anywhere and spent two years painting steadily. My studio was completely packed.” Foster is adored by her admirers for the joyful essence of her art. “I want people to feel joy when they look at my art. Countless times, people have told me my work makes them feel good. That’s the best compliment I can imagine.” She is also renowned for her photography, especially her breathtaking sunsets. While she now works digitally, she fondly remembers starting with 35mm film. “Nancy (Fachman) and I did nature photography for a long time. I recall one day we were in a field, trying to capture milkweed fluff in the air, only to realize I had no film in my camera.
Nancy, smugly pointing out her camera’s film indicator, later discovered her own camera was empty too.” “I was stunned, convinced those were the best photos I would ever take,” Foster laments. Her fans disagree, as enthusiasm for her sunset collection continues to grow. “Each one has its own personality and is exciting to see.”
Foster’s fantasy creations, known as whimsies, remain a significant part of her art. “It started years ago for a charity. Bozarts asked if I would create something to auction. After the Crafters Mall burned, I thought I would never do art again, but I agreed to do something for a good cause.” This led to a stunning dragon design painted on an old school desk, still displayed at Bozarts. “That got me going again.”
Also featured in the gallery are photographs by Jack Gurner showcasing a collection of Water Valley images along with vintage photos from the area.
“Although I had been on Facebook for about three years, I knew little about how to use it. Eddie showed me how to scan my work, and posting it online led to being invited to do an art camp in Oxford with Andi Bedsworth.” While brainstorming project ideas for children, Foster decided to see images in concrete cracks. “I practiced on Facebook, and people were as excited as the children.”
This sparked another endeavor. “I decided to let my pen create freely each morning without any preconceived ideas. That’s how the “daily doodles“ started. Aside from the experimental, whimsical drawings, I have painted sunsets and landscapes and began creating large abstract paintings on canvas.”
“Working on the Turquoise Galaxy series (layers of color, collage, and gold leaf) and the Lake Shore series (based on my love of the geological formations and eroded bluffs around Enid and Grenada lakes) gives me much joy. I also still love carving Santas and Green Men out of driftwood and am very grateful for the support I’ve received in continuing to make art.”
Business Spotlight Drawing for
$25 VISA Card
In honor of this Business Spotlight award, the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a $25 gift card to the person who can correctly answer this (easy) question:
How did The Blue Melon Rendezvous get its name?
All correct answers will be compiled and the winning name will be drawn on July 19. You have “10 days and two ways” to answer between July 10 and July 19. You may (1) reply on Facebook OR (2) stop by the Chamber of Commerce office any time during regular office hours and leave a written answer. The winner will be called OR notified on Facebook.
The winner’s name and photograph will be published in the Herald.
