Artist and art teacher Jennifer Grimaldi puts finishing touches on her painting, “Every Day is a New Ride: Choose Your Path”, which was inspired by the free spirit of a young family member. This work, as well as that of eight other local artists, will be on view at the Lincoln Art Institute from April 9 to May 2, 2015.

Logan County Arts to present “Religious and Spiritual Inspirations” starting April 9

[April 08, 2015]  LINCOLN - Continuing their well-received series of exhibits for 2015, Logan County Arts members will be responding in April to “Religious and Spiritual Inspirations”.

The show will debut with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln, next to the US Post Office.

The group chose this focus for their latest exhibit because artists can use a wide range of ways to visually express the personal insights of religious and inspirational experience. Art has always had an integral role in many world religions, but in very different ways. In Christianity, artists have depicted the events and personages of the Bible in exquisitely illustrated books, awe-inspiring murals and, later, in works commissioned by devout individuals. In Eastern religions, artworks have often been used to create an atmosphere of serenity, contemplation, or meditation. In contrast, in Muslim religious art, depictions of God have been considered a form of idolatry. Inspired Muslim artists have focused on revering the Word of God and their houses of worship through beautiful calligraphy and the elaborate harmonies of arabesque designs. Beyond the themes of formal religion, many artists have used their works to share personal spiritual inspirations.

Similar imagery, including parable, contemplation and calligraphy, will be featured among the artworks in the upcoming exhibit. For example, local artist and art teacher Jennifer Grimaldi’s large format acrylic painting is entitled, “Every Day is a New Ride: Choose Your Path.” She was inspired by a young family member who was recently lost in an accident. “I wanted to capture his fearless spirit,” she said. “I was inspired by his appreciation of the open road.”

Other artists participating in the show include Margie Douglas, Mitch Douglas, Pam Moriearty, Moses Pinkerton, Rob Swofford, Tony Shuff, Nancy Rawlings Saul, and Cheryl Spove. After opening night, the show will be available for viewing until May 2 by chance or appointment. Visitors may ring the doorbell, and if curator Moses Pinkerton is available he will open the gallery. For an appointment, people may call Pinkerton at 217-651-8355.

Also available at the “Religious and Spiritual Inspirations” opening will be information on the May, 2015 exhibit, which will showcase works by young artists in the Lincoln Community High School art program. LCA also noted their thanks to the community members who participated in the recent Open Easel exhibit and congratulated the numerous artists who sold works they had displayed.

[Pam Moriearty]