In response to the “Mardi Gras” theme of the Logan County Arts February exhibit, artist Cody Sparks used digital techniques to create a glowing festival mask.  This vibrantly colored work, as well as that of ten other local artists, will be on view at the Lincoln Art Institute from Feb. 4 to March 4, 2016. 
 

Logan County Arts opens 2016 show year with "Mardi Gras"

[January 28, 2016]  LINCOLN - For their first art exhibit of the 2016 season, Logan County Arts members will be celebrating “Mardi Gras”. The show will debut with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 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 this theme because Mardi Gras has vibrant visual associations, cultural history and symbolic meanings. Since each artist took his or her inspiration in a unique direction, the works will include painting, printmaking, poetry, three dimensional pieces and live music. Artist Cody Sparks does all his artwork digitally, but follows a traditional sequence involving preliminary sketches and analysis of composition, light and shading. He was inspired by the festival’s energetic colors to create a glowing Mardi Gras mask.

Artist Nancy Saul was inspired by Mardi Gras’ long history and has incorporated nesting dolls to depict a part of that history. The pre-Lenten festival is celebrated worldwide, from Quebec to Senegal. Originally each Mardi Gras followed a local tradition, but in many places, including New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, the local populace is now greatly outnumbered by an influx of reveling tourists. This change has transformed the spirit of the holiday for many people.

Without any prior discussion, artists Moses Pinkerton, Pam Moriearty, and Vern Phillips focused on similar aspects of Mardi Gras. All three were impressed by the way celebrants are changed, sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently, by their transformation into a new persona during the event. The good times roll, but only for a brief moment in time; then reality returns.

Other artists participating in the show include Rob Swofford, Cheryl Spove, Tony Shuff, Kerry Rolewicz, and Jason Hoffman. After opening night, the show will be available for viewing until March 4 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 “Mardi Gras” opening will be information on the upcoming March, 2016 exhibit, “Calling All Artists II”. For that show, Logan County Arts is once again 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 630-890-1318 or via email at [e-mail].

[Pamela Moriearty, Logan County Arts]