Form, Function and Friendship
Lincoln Arts Institute opens new exhibit July 8th

[July 02, 2021]     Lincoln Arts Institute curators are preparing for their July art exhibition, which will feature three sculptors who work in wood, metal and other materials.

The show, entitled “Forms, Functions and Friendships”, will bring together the works of regional artists Dennis French, Randy Reid and Jason Hoffman.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 5 to 8 pm at the LAI main gallery, 112 S. Mclean St., Lincoln.

French, Reid and Hoffman know each other through Illinois State University, first in teacher-learner exchanges and then as long-time collaborators. Their artworks combine a variety of materials into constructions that are both functional and unique works of art. Though they have inspired and influenced each other, each artist’s creations show his own unique skills and inspirations.

French is a retired university art professor, artist, and designer/craftsman. In one series, he has completed a series of intricately sculpted clocks that blend elements of Biedermeier historical design with modern design or that reference well known modern artists such as Rene Magritte. His Illuminants series of lamps explores the possibilities of contemporary LED lighting in a sculptural setting. The artist explains, “I suppose I approach these pieces somewhat as an industrial designer makes prototypes for production, but mine differ in that they are created by hand as sculptural forms. Once illuminated they take on their second life as lighting.”

Randy Reid produces contemporary sculpture using traditional woodworking and metals techniques that have long been utilized to make functional vessels and furniture. He has taken these practical forms to the level of high art, where function dissolves and aesthetics demand the viewer’s attention. Reid, like French, has combined his roles as artist and art professor. When asked if his teaching relates to his art, he explains, “Teaching has most certainly affected the approach to my work. Each semester, a new injection of creative energy comes from the students. Seeing them excited about learning new techniques and media has always left me feeling that what I am teaching and making in my own work must be right.”

In addition to other artistic approaches, Jason Hoffman designs unique tables and furnishings from wood and metal, influenced by structural features of bridges and string instruments, and he also makes segmented woodturnings from fine hardwoods. The artist, who has shown his work at the Lincoln Arts Institute since its inception, recently reflected on how in some ways this show is a first for the gallery. He explains, "For most gallery exhibitions, a majority of the artwork is on the walls, and we focus on the visual attraction or message it carries. This show is unique - all the work is out on the floor so we can see it from all sides. Also, a lot of the artworks have a practical function, as a light, a clock, or a table."

The gallery will also be open on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. through August 6. Information will also be available at the opening about LAI’s August exhibition, a Logan County Arts group showing with a “Just Imagine” theme.

[Pamela Moriearty]