Jackson Free Press

Fischer Galleries on North State Street in Fondren has a steady, knowledgeable hand at the helm in art enthusiast Marcy Fischer Nessel. The gallery opened last November, after Nessel's former partner, James Patterson, returned to photography full time, but she's been part of the Jackson art scene for about 12 years, representing artists and helping get them established. Tonight, the gallery features art from the HeARTworks program at Stewpot Community Services.

Nessel has a real love for the neighborhood where she lives and works. Fondren has become a center for Jackson's up-and-coming young artists like William Goodman, Mathew Puckett and Josh Hailey, putting Nessel in the midst of young and vibrant creative energy.

"That's one thing I absolutely love about having the gallery here," Nessel says. She also loves the fact that she can ride her bike to work on weekends. "It feels so urban here," she says.

A single woman, Nessel, 46, is a lifelong Jacksonian with two sons in college. Spencer, 19, and Alexander, 21, both attend Millsaps College. Alexander, a senior, will graduate soon with a degree in business.

The subject matter of the one-night-only show at the gallery is another passion of Nessel's: the homeless. When her children were younger, Nessel volunteered at Stewpot, where her friend Stacy Underwood founded and helps facilitate the HeARTworks art program. Once a week, Underwood and Jamie Randle provide the space and guidance where Stewpot clients can explore and express their artistic side.

"I don't think she had to ask," Nessel says about holding a show in her gallery. When Underwood told her about HeARTworks, "I think I just said: 'Yes, yes, yes. When do you want to do it?'" she says. "Stacey and her partner, Jamie, have just done an incredible job with this work."

The show, which includes more than 100 works of art, opens at 5 p.m. tonight, and the artists will be in attendance. Fischer Galleries is at 3100 N. State St. Call 601-366-8833 for more information.

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Previous Comments

ID

151767

Comment

I'm so excited about the show tonight. Marcy, the Jackson community is blessed to have you!

Author

melia.dicker

Date

2009-09-10T12:36:47-06:00