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 When asked why this theme was selected for Logan County Arts
monthly exhibit, Lincoln artist Mitch Douglas said “religion and
spirituality, not necessarily the same thing, are very personal
points of view. No subject we consider religious or spiritual will
inspire the same response in two people. Even God means different
things to different people. This exhibit is all about individualism,
one’s personal point of view.”
Douglas' point of view was evident in the range of subjects
expressed.
Lincoln Art Institute owner and host for the evening’s well attended
event, Moses Pinkerton, chose to express his spirituality with a
painting of Buddha. “My take on the Buddha is more spiritual than
religious. Just thinking about Buddha creates a feeling of increased
compassion and serenity. To me, Buddha stresses the peaceful
connection between people,” he said. Moses stressed that he was
raised in a western oriented religion, so Buddhism and its tenets
were a new experience for him. The broad brush strokes of the
painting are deliberate. Pinkerton said “I like to paint with broad
brush strokes. That movement of brush on canvas creates a very
serene mood for me.” And, of course, a spiritual moment.
 New Logan County Arts member Patsie Hopkins from Sherman created a
church and sky painting. Asked what she was trying to tell a viewer,
she replied that “The lone country church with a receding thunder
storm in the background was a powerful image for me, both of which
speak to God’s creation.” Patsie’s husband Ed said he was very
grateful for the open and welcoming nature of Logan County Arts that
inspired his wife to return to her long time love of painting. Logan
County Arts continues to add members from central Illinois. He also
remarked on the beautiful art gallery that serves as home to the
continuing series of events, a definite asset to the Lincoln
community courtesy of Moses Pinkerton.
Artist Cheryl Spove’s complex work “The Horseback Ride” includes all
of the aspects of her life that give her pleasure, spirituality.
Surrounding a poem by Grace Greenwood that Cheryl applied in a
precise calligraphy, are parts of life that she finds especially
important. The horse is one theme that holds particular resonance
for her, but the rider standing, dancing perhaps on the horse’s back
feeling the flow of the air as the horse gallops, speaks to the
freedom that Spove feels when riding. Each line of the poem is not a
unique part of the piece, but flows from and into the surrounding
illustration. It is a piece of many layers, very complex. Cheryl
spoke of preparing the paper for the calligraphy and applying the
surrounding illustration as part of a carefully choreographed
process. She seemed to indicate that not only is the finished
product representative of her spiritual nature, but the process of
creating it also represents her spirituality.
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One aspect of the art show that may not be apparent to a casual
viewer is the placement of the art in the gallery. The members
gathered earlier this week to hang the show, and much thought was
given to where each piece should go. The visitor to the gallery, in
addition to a close inspection of individual pieces, should step
back and look at a large section of wall to see how the works blend
and flow into one another. No area is more apparent than the two
large works by Sheralyn Bolton and three smaller ones by Barb
Slobaugh. The placement of these in the middle section of the wall
is a work of art in itself.
Religious and Spiritual Inspiration will run through May 2 at the
Lincoln Art Institute. A person wishing to see the show can phone
the LCA and arrange a time for a visit. Moses may be reached at
217-651-8355.
New art shows are planned monthly for the rest of the year. The next
one is in May and will feature the art created by students at
Lincoln High School. This show is turning into an annual event.
Students of art instructor Jen Grimaldi and industrial arts teacher
Jason Hoffman will be on display. If past high school shows are any
indication, this one will be another exciting event showcasing the
works of Lincoln’s talented young artists.
[Curt Fox]
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