'Freedom Works' exhibit at the Lincoln Art Institute

[June 29, 2013]  The Lincoln Art Institute is hosting the Logan County Arts exhibit "Freedom Works" in honor of Independence Day. The opening Thursday evening featured paintings, sculpture and photographs by numerous Logan County artists.

Several of the artists chose to make their works overtly patriotic. Bonnie Mayo's large quilt shows the red, white and blue of the flag with the Declaration of Independence in the center. Nancy Saul's photograph "Plaid and Stripes Forever" is an imaginative takeoff on the Stars and Stripes. Bert Hill's painting "The Freedom to Rock" celebrates the foundation of America and the freedom we all enjoy.

Hill's homage to the band Green Day is a painting of the same name. "The painting takes Americans to task for not being aware of commercialism and lack of interest in the truth," Hill said.

Moses Pinkerton's untitled work shows wings in the flag colors in the form of a hanger. "It may be time for America to hang up the superpower tasks of taking care of the world and concentrate on our own problems," Pinkerton said.

While many of the works did not seem to be overtly patriotic, Lincoln High School teacher Jason Hoffman said "creating art is freedom, any art." He is especially proud of an end table that he worked on in collaboration with several of his industrial arts students. The project recycled many items that were leftovers from other projects. The result is an elegant object that draws from the talents of Hoffman and his three collaborators: Edward Bowlby, John Haugen and Dylon Jones.

"Freedom Works" continues at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean, through Aug. 3. Hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The exhibit may also be seen by appointment by contacting Moses Pinkerton at 217-651-8355.

[By CURT FOX]