arts & entertainment
County Arts Council. They have also participated in numerous local art shows, sponsored by the Greenville Brushstrokes. Dodi recently had a solo showing at Art & Graphics and U.B.E. She is also currently showing at the North Carolina Estuarium in Washington, NC. Both artists will have works in the upcoming Greenville Brushstrokes’ Show at Emerge Gallery. The couple have been recognized in juried exhibitions. In 2008, she received the 2nd Place Award for the Arts Council Plein Air Paint Out in Kinston, NC and Honorable Mention Awards in other shows. In 2009, John and another artist tied for the honor of People’s Choice Award.
John Grosser painting “en plein air” in Kinston, NC
During the “Art in the Yard” fundraiser held for the Ronald McDonald House, this dynamic couple visited the lovely gardens of Stan and Ann Riggs. Inspired by the setting of this beautifully landscaped farm and its blooming glory with hundreds of opium peony poppies, John was able to complete 11 small paintings in acrylic. John, like Dodi, also paints in oil. Dodi, painting on larger canvases, rendered six paintings in oil. The two were joined by artist friends, Janet Dixon and Lou Everett as they painted en plein air. Marty Bullock, a realtor with Greenville’s Prudential Prime Properties, recognizes the positive impact that a strong cultural arts fall/winter 09
emphasis has on tourism and individuals relocating to the area. Bullock has begun utilizing artists such as the Groessers and others for art shows and demonstrations at open houses where she is the listing real estate agent. This spring, she invited the Groessers to paint outside on the lawn of a home in Oak Hill East. When torrential rain arrived, Bullock and the home’s builder, L.L. Everett, III invited the artists to demonstrate their work inside the home. A raffle drawing for one of their paintings was an additional incentive to encourage attendees. Their work have also been a part of a show for a broker’s luncheon. Working with artists, Bullock has created a way to offer the community cultural enjoyment without a fee. The public is cordially invited to attend the open house, whether they are looking for a new home or not. It could be said that Bullock has pioneered an approach to showcasing the kind of community Greenville is and what it has to offer new residents. The supportive community has witnessed the economy’s trends and knows business leaders and citizens must find a way to positively contribute to the cultural well-being of others. Taff Office is another Greenville business that understands the need to support the arts. According to Taff’s sales manager, Stephanie Hinnant, the Grosser’s art is on display in Taff’s beautiful Historic Cupola Building at 226 West 8th Street. The pair will also be among artists featured on October 3 in the Turnage Theatre in Washington, NC. At 7:00 pm that night, the theatre will present A Lavish Night of Entertainment. Other artists’ work will be in the lobby and visitors may meet the artists at 6:00 pm. Other Greenville artists to be showcased are Janet Dixon, Lou Everett, and Jeffrey Jakub. Simply watching the couple paint encourages other artists to do so. One can readily see their philosophy in action — “It is far better to give than receive!” 11