Logan County Arts presents the works of Jeff Williams
Artist reception July 11th

 

[July 06, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

For their July presentation, Logan County Arts will host a solo exhibition by Springfield professional artist Jeff Williams. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, July 11 from 5 to 8 pm at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. Mclean St., Lincoln. The show will include both retrospective and new artworks, showcasing the varied interests and enthusiasms of this multi-talented artist. While some pieces are from private or corporate collections or were professional commissions, other works will be for sale, several at special prices for this show.

Williams’ background as a touring professional musician, as well as his passion for long distance cycling, have both influenced and been featured in his works. The exhibit will include numerous dynamic sports paintings, including works done for the cover of Bicycle Times Magazine and some completed for the Philadelphia Bike Expo.

Sporting subjects are only one of many themes addressed by the artist. He explains, “I try to create rhythms, eclectic history, colorful dissonance. Serious, yet humorous at times, some nearly indigestible themes, but brought with an eye towards appreciation more than depreciation.” One piece on display, entitled “What Art Feels Like”, was created for the visually impaired and is meant to be touched as well as seen.

A graduate of Illinois State University, Williams is a graphic designer for University of Illinois Springfield. He participates actively in the Springfield art scene, being a member of the SAA Collective, an artist group with 80 members, as well as acting as Events Coordinator at the Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space in downtown Springfield.

Jeff Williams focused on shades of blue in this intriguing acrylic entitled “Buffalo,” inspired by 19^th Century Buffalo Soldiers, who wore blue uniforms with yellow trim.   This painting, as well as many other Williams works, will be on view at his solo show, opening with a reception at the Lincoln Art Institute on July 11th.

His affiliation with Logan County Arts began when he cruised through Lincoln on a cross-country bike trip and was surprised to see an art gallery on the square. He recounts, “So I am about to peek into a window... Next thing I know Moses Pinkerton invites me in. Boom! I love meeting different people and sharing space and ideas, so it’s been great being a member.” Current LCA President Jason Hoffman notes, “We are really glad Jeff has made the effort to participate in our group. His work definitely adds new perspectives to our exhibits.”

After the opening reception, the Williams exhibit will be available for viewing until August 3. For an appointment, people may call gallery owner Pinkerton at 217-651-8355. Also available at the July 11 opening will be information on the August exhibit, in which LCA members will show works on the theme “Endangered”. Non-members can also show artworks in this exhibit by paying a small display fee. Anyone interested in doing this should contact Pinkerton for more information.

[Pamela Moriearty]