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 This is always a special evening because gallery
attendees get to see what the next generation of artists is doing.
And the artists get to show their work in the spectacular space of
the Lincoln Art Institute and talk art with those attending.
While most of the artists are from Lincoln
Community High School studying with art instructor Miss Washburn, a
few others from area schools were present.
India Weaver is homeschooled and she had a chance to show off her
art along with everyone else. Her series of portraits of a girl, and
her animals, drew a lot of interest. She was even one of the first
to sell a painting to a pleased patron.
Another artist, Hannah Hunter, did not have a price on her painting
“Ocean”, but that did not stop Jeremiah and Kaitlin Ratliff from
asking if they could buy it. She was only too pleased to say, yes.
Jeremiah and Kaitlin are relative new comers to the monthly openings
at the Lincoln Art Institute. “We love this event and plan on
attending every monthly opening,” said Jeremiah. This is their
second purchase. “I guess we have become art purchasers because of
the Lincoln Art Institute,” Kate said with a laugh. Their purchases
will be divided between Jeremiah’s office at Lincoln Christian
University and their apartment.
The Ratliff’s are not the only ones pleased with
the quality of art at the monthly shows at the LAI, as indicated by
the increasing attendance on opening night.
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Artist Rob Swofford provided the street side music for this month’s
opening.
It is wonderful that the young artists have a place
to display their art, but it is equally special when those attending
think the art is good enough to purchase and display in their homes.
It is an affirmation for any artist that someone wants to buy their
work. Perhaps one of the artists in Thursday evening’s show will
take the accolades they received as an indication that their talent
deserves to be pursued further. One or more may become a known
artist and tell someone years from now that they sold their first
painting while still a teenager, and it was in a gallery on the
square in Lincoln, Illinois.
The Young Artist’s show will continue at the Lincoln Art Institute
through the end of the month. Contact Moses Pinkerton at the LAI for
hours or for a private showing. His number is 217-651-8355.
[Curtis Fox]
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