February art exhibit will leave you "seeing red"

[February 09, 2015]  LINCOLN - For their first art exhibit of the 2015 season, Logan County Arts members will be “Seeing Red”. The show will debut with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln, next to the US Post Office.

In addition to viewing the artworks and enjoying refreshments and music, visitors will be able to discuss the works with the artists themselves.

The group chose their theme because red is a strong color, with rich emotional associations, cultural history and symbolic meanings. Each artist was able to take his or her inspiration in a unique direction. Photographer Nancy Rollings Saul captured a conjunction of reds: tousled copper hair, flushed cheeks, red uniform, and even a rosy soccer ball combine to radiate the heat and energy of a tired little athlete. As Saul points out, the image wouldn’t have been nearly as effective “.. if she had been a brunette wearing a blue uniform and sitting on a black and white ball.”

Sheralyn Bolton, though an experienced painter, still found the theme to be a challenge. She says, “I use thick, bold colors often, so I was not afraid of red. However, this show made me work harder and more diligently to focus the attention, not just flowing on a whim.”

Pam Moriearty’s acrylic monotype print, entitled “Dong Fang Hong [The East is Red]”, alludes to the political connotations of the color. She explains, “For years, red could seem menacing because it was linked to Communism. That era is largely transformed now, but its legacy still affects the lives of many people.”

Other artists participating in the show include Rob Swofford, Cheryl Spove, Tony Shuff, Kerry Rolewicz, Moses Pinkerton, Jason Hoffman, Bert Hill, Mitch Douglas and Margie Douglas. After opening night, the show will be available for viewing until March 7 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 “Seeing Red” opening will be information on the upcoming March, 2015 exhibit, “Open Easel: Calling All Artists”. For that show, Logan County Arts is extending an invitation to all community artists who would like to exhibit their artwork at the gallery. For further information about participating in that exhibit, artists can also contact Mitch Douglas at 217-737-7428 or via email at [e-mail].

[Pamela Moriearty]