"If we went by any other name, would it have grabbed your attention?" asked Gail Langley, the founding member of the Mystic Order of East Alabama Fiction Writers.
The Mystic Order, or the "Mystics," is composed of six female members whose friendships have blossomed from their love for art and literature.
This August, the Mystic Order has held its Premiere Art Show at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, curated by Margaret Gluhman.
The exhibit features a variety of art, including paintings, assemblages and photography.
The signed guestbook located on the front wall of the exhibit is proof that the Mystics' art show has been well-received by the local community.
"The artwork is interesting because each piece is so different," said Tiffany Paulsen, resident of Opelika and exhibit visitor.
Langley said she believes the Mystics work as a team to provide motivation
"We meet once a month to share our shorts, poems and art," Langley said. "And if we are all sober at the end of our meeting, we will critique each other."
The Mystic Order's members--Marian Carcache, Joanne Camp, Mary Dansak, Gail Langley, Judy Nunn and Margee Ragland--have compiled a collection of their short stories and poems in their first published book, "Be the Flame."
While the Mystics are not currently open for new members, Langley said they may not be opposed to the idea in the future.
Marian Carcache is not only a member of the Mystic Order, but is also an English instructor at Auburn.
Three other members of the organization are schoolteachers or professors, while the remaining two "drink coffee and fan themselves throughout the day," Langley said.
To close the exhibit, the Mystic Order will hold a reception Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the JDCAC. It will be open to the public and feature refreshments and a short reading of their book.
"We are excited about the reading because visitors can put faces with the works of art, as well as hear a preview of the Mystic Order's first book," said Sarah Hand of the JDCAC.
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