Putting the spotlight on local art
Latest ‘Art in the Atrium’ exhibit at Lincoln Presidential Library showcases pastels by central Illinois artists

[January 24, 2017]  SPRINGFIELD – Artists working with colorful, delicate pastels get the spotlight in the latest “Art in the Atrium” exhibition now running at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The show features 18 different members of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. Their work will be on display in the library building’s atrium through April 30.

The paintings range from an eye-popping view of Wrigley Field to ivy changing color in autumn to a Capitol building gleaming in the morning sun.

“We're pleased to be a part of Art in the Atrium,” said Sue Scaife, president of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. “We hope Lincoln Presidential Library visitors and staff enjoy our diverse subject matter and excellent paintings.”

The Illinois Prairie Pastel Society was founded in 2009 to promote, stimulate and foster creative painting with pastels. Its members provide instructive programs and demonstrations utilizing pastel media. For more information, visit www.illinoisprairiepastelsociety.org.

“Art in the Atrium” is a joint effort by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and local arts groups to present work by some of the best artists in the region. It allows the presidential library to support local organizations, much as the people of Springfield and central Illinois have supported the ALPLM for the past decade.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.

The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history. The museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.

For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.

(Paintings by Phil Locascio, top, and Dee Belter, bottom.)

[Shanta Thoele
Executive Secretary
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library]