Friends of East Atlanta Library Neighborhood Party to Host “Cool Tones and Tunes”

By Katina VanCronkhite
Georgia artist Mark Hodges and Atlanta jazz musicians Tom Marnell and Jennifer Dunn will be featured at the Friends of East Atlanta Library (FEAL)’s annual neighborhood party and member meeting on Friday, October 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the library. The evening event, “Cool Tones and Tunes – A Party with Plein Air Artist Mark Hodges, Jazz, and Wine,” will include the smooth, classic sounds of the jazz duo and an opening reception, gallery showing, and short program highlighting Mark’s works and his development as a professional artist with his unique vision and personal style.
Since reviving his childhood love of painting in 2009 after a 30-year communications career at Georgia Tech Research Institute, Mark has developed a growing following as an artist. He works almost exclusively in oils and enjoys working on landscapes, portraits, and still-life subjects. He and his family lived in the Ormewood Park neighborhood for more than a decade but currently live in Athens. His works have been exhibited in Atlanta area galleries; most recently, Mark was accepted in a juried show curated by representatives from the Whitney Museum at the Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens. Many of Mark’s pieces will be on display during the evening and on the gallery wall at the East Atlanta Library through November.
The duo of Tom Marnell and Jennifer Dunn will bring the music of Sinatra, Bennett, Ellington, Armstrong, and other jazz greats throughout the evening. Tom is a jazz guitarist who has performed in many top Atlanta venues, including the Fox Theatre and Civic Center, in some cases with the Atlanta Symphony. Jennifer is an accomplished jazz and classical bassist whose innovative, creative bass lines have made her a much sought-after player with some of Atlanta’s finest big bands as well as small ensembles.
Members of Friends of East Atlanta Library will be able to vote for new board members upon arrival; Gina Root, President of FEAL, will announce the new board at the conclusion of the evening. The event is open to the public at no charge.