Artists set free to offer their favorite style and theme in ‘Wild Card’

 

[February 17, 2020] 

Think of a wagon wheel with the hub in the center and spokes pointing off in all directions. That perfectly describes ‘Wild Card,’ the latest art show opening at the Lincoln Art Institute.

Logan County Arts members did their own thing, took off in many directions, chose media, and subject matter that appealed to them. The results are an eclectic mix on the walls of the LAI, enough to catch the interest of any visitor.

Members of LCA chose oils and water colors and acrylics to cloak their canvases. There were landscapes and portraits in every style from impressionism to surrealism. There was even a sculpture or two.

For those who really wanted to delve into the show, a new feature is a short course into how one of the types of art displayed was created. Go through the short course in the front window and then try to find the art in the show that matches what you have learned.

Thursday evening was frigid, but that did not stop a crowd from coming into the Lincoln Art Institute. “Mother Nature could not freeze us out of the first art show at LAI for 2020,” said artist Moses Pinkerton.

President of Logan County Arts, Jason Hoffman, has a full year of excellent exhibits planned, from one person displays to the traditional themed shows. “I have sent out a schedule of our 2020 events to every art gallery in Illinois. We have received a strong local following, and now it is time to reach out,” he said.

There were many new faces at Thursday’s event. Jason has even received responses from state wide galleries on Instagram, the preferred social media for the art community. Logan County Arts exhibits at the Lincoln Art Institute on the square in downtown Lincoln have now received a statewide following.

Logan County Arts members are the best advertising for the gallery shows. Nicole Lee is the latest artist to join LCA. “I decided to join because LCA member Sheralyn Bolton told me about the group and the gallery,” she said. “I have been doing art for a long time, but when I finished something, I would just put it in the closet and move on. Now I get to hang my art for all to see, and I have developed a new group of friends thanks to Sher. Art brings people together, regardless of age or style,” she added. Nicole is self taught, but said she always loved to watch her grandmother paint, and finally took it up herself.

Logan County Arts is a very welcoming group. Release your inner artist and become a member, hang your creations on the walls of a beautiful gallery. Socially, opening night for shows has become ‘a thing’ in Lincoln.

Wild Card will be available for viewing at the Lincoln Art Institute until the new exhibit in March. Contact Jason Hoffman (309-287-3744) or Moses Pinkerton (217-651-8355) to open the gallery and show you around.

[Curtis Fox]