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MARSHALLTOWN, IA — The Ray Frederick Gallery at Marshalltown Community College is proud to present A Feast for the Eyes, a solo exhibition by acrylic artist Missy Sharer. While Sharer is a familiar face in the community, this collection marks her first formal solo art show since her senior show at Grinnell College. The exhibit opens with a public reception on Friday, February 27, from noon to 1:30 pm and will remain on display through Friday, March 27, at noon.

Sharer’s artistic path started early; even in kindergarten, her teachers noticed she had a “different eye” for drawing. She grew up in a deeply artistic family, spending weekends doodling in the studio of her influential aunt and uncle, Theresa Sharer-Benoit and Art Benoit. While they were realist watercolorists, Sharer eventually found her own voice in acrylics, a more forgiving medium that allows her to lean into an impressionist style. Inspired by the work of Edward Hopper, she takes creative liberties with her subjects, using vibrant, “non-natural” colors, like blue cows, to express emotion and provide a bright contrast to the drabness of an Iowa winter.

Her return to MCC out of high school was unexpected; she had originally signed to play basketball in Arizona but came home after feeling homesick. Though she admits she came back “kicking and screaming,” it turned out to be a perfect fit. Sharer became a two-time All-American with a retired jersey and eventually returned to coach the women’s team.

“What I absolutely love about both of the institutions I attended, is the people that I met—both students and professionals—are still some of my biggest supporters, not only of me personally, but of my businesses,” commented Sharer. “George Johnson buys so much of my art he probably has more of my work in his house than my mom does! I really value the connections I made. It is truly touching to me.”

The exhibit title, A Feast for the Eyes, reflects her evolution into a restaurant owner. Since the 2018 tornado claimed her “Messy Missy’s” brick-and-mortar studio, she has viewed her culinary work and catering as just another form of art. To Sharer, coaching, teaching painting parties, and plating an elevated charcuterie board all stem from the same passion.

Most pieces on display will be available for purchase. The Ray Frederick Gallery is open to the public on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. For further information, please contact Tim Castle at Tim.Castle@iavalley.edu.