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 Well, Lincoln did not have the parade but there was a Mardi Gras
celebration at the Lincoln Art Institute as members of Logan County
Arts opened their latest show. The walls of the LAI were hung with
artwork by LCA members displaying their take on the raucous
celebration of Fat Tuesday.
There was a sparkle in the beautiful gallery. After all, Mardi Gras
is the day for the maximum party before settling down for the
prayerful solemnity of Lent, as observed by many Christian
denominations. The gallery was filled with masks, beads, and street
scenes depicting the classic take on Mardi Gras.
Poet Vern Phillips got the celebration off to a great start with his
depiction of the big day and the not so fun aftermath on Wednesday.
Cheryl Spove surrounded a mask with tiny glowing lights for her take
on Mardi Gras. Can you guess what the title of her piece, “Masq or
Aid” means?
 Nancy Rollings Saul depicted an actual event from Mardi Gras history
when the Grand Duke of Russia visited as a young man. Her classic
nested dolls with Mardi Gras decorations combined a classic Russian
icon with Mardi Gras themes painted on them.
Artist Pam Moriearty was surprised with the varied art. “We did not
discuss what we were going to do with the Mardi Gras theme
beforehand. There was no conventional take on Mardi Gras, none of
the usual hedonistic depictions,” she said.
Gallery visitor Libby Anderson remarked that Moses Pinkerton, owner
of the Lincoln Art Institute, was one of a kind for creating such a
wonderful space for art.
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“The Lincoln Art Institute is a wonderful addition to downtown
Lincoln,” said Mayor Marty Neitzel who stopped by to admire the
works on display.
Quote of the evening comes from artist Mitch Douglas…”No matter the weather, no
matter the mood, Mardi Gras is for all dudes.”
You don't want to miss this fantastic, one of a kind show praised as one of the
best yet from an array of exciting shows held at the Lincoln Art Institute.
The show runs through the month of February. Contact Moses Pinkerton at
217-651-8355 or Mitch Douglas at 630-890-1318 for information on gallery hours.
The March theme at the Lincoln Art Institute will be the annual “Calling All
Artists” show. Any artist can display their work in the gallery. Contact Moses
or Mitch for details. Last year’s show displayed how much wonderful talent there
is in central Illinois.
[Curtis Fox]
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