The upcoming 3rd annual BCE Art Auction will owe it's success to supporters like Tamera Rooney, who serves as a juror and an important link to the Findlay art community. Here Tamera explains how she became the "Red Tornado" and a promoter of local fine arts.

Q. Tell us something about your background:
I had a studio for 9 years in the Jones Building [and] I have sold many pieces over the years. I enjoy watercolor with my subject matter being animals and plants. I also enjoy painting portraits of my daughter. I started showing other artists in my studio and felt that the next step was to own a gallery.

Q. Do you "wear other hats?"
I work at United Way of Hancock County as the communications director.

Q. How did Red Tornado get started? The name, the business, the gallery?
I enjoy using my marketing skills to promote local artists. I was dubbed the Red Tornado about 10 years ago by a friend who felt that I was and am a "whirlwind of activity." And I have to agree. I started out promoting artists by coordinating exhibitions at local businesses such as the Wine Merchant, Coffee Amici and Schey Hair Salon. I also coordinate the new gallery wall at the Agency on Aging.

Q. When did the Red Tornado gallery open?
The Red Tornado Art Gallery opened 9 months ago. The exhibitions rotate about once a month. [This month] it will feature Erika Clark. Her paintings and drawings are inspired by her cousin's spinal injury. Her work is abstract and dark, but hopeful and very interesting.

I am excited to announce that in October the gallery will host the first ever exhibition of photos from Motown. The exhibition will include photographs that were on the cover of Hype & Soul magazine, the Supreme's magazine and will also feature a gown worn by Flo Ballard, one of the Supremes. The exhibition will feature 50-60 poster sized black and white photos.

Q. What can you tell readers about the BCE auction?
It is a wonderful event. I have enjoyed being involved. I especially appreciate that artists receive a portion of the sales. Artists are small business entrepreneurs and I think the connection is a good one.

To contact Red Tornado about exhibiting at local business, postcards and marketing materials for exhibits, and to learn more about local artists, visit redtornadopro.com.