From dark to whimsical, artworks
depict traditional “Folk Tales and Fables”
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[September 14, 2016]
LINCOLN
- Members of Logan County Arts opened their latest themed show at
the Lincoln Art Institute Thursday evening. The show is titled “Folk
Tales and Fables” and runs the gamut from Greek, African, Scottish,
Norse and Icelandic legends from the ages. The artists pulled out
all the stops to showcase their talents in painting, sculpture, wood
carving, and photography with themes both popular and little known
from cultures around the world.
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In an interesting twist, most of the folk tales and fables
depicted at the Lincoln Art Institute find their origins in
countries other than the United States. Artist Sheralyn Bolton
wondered about this aspect of the show. “I’m at a loss to explain
why American folk tales are not part of this exhibit. We have fables
from around the world. Is it because America is such a young country
to have developed many of our own tales,” she said.
Or maybe it is just central Illinois that has not developed folk
tales. Artist Cheryl Spove mentioned that other regions of the
country may have their own history of folk tales, regions such as
Appalachia. “The Native American culture has myths about many
aspects of their lives, but we just don’t have access to them here,”
she said.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Aug/26/images/ads/current/napa_bch1-3108.png) Artist Pam Moriearty focused on the sometimes less pleasant aspects
of fables. “Everyone has a different take on fables. Some of the
stories by the Brothers Grimm are, well, just plain grim,” she said.
That was reflected in a few examples of the art.
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Rob Swofford chose to create his own folk tale
with an autobiographical piece entitled “Teenage Me” complete
with his own pantheon of gods watching over him. “There are a
million ways to take fables. Some of them have been passed down
by word of mouth and originally started as some aspect of
religion,” he said.
The “Folk Tales and Fables” gallery exhibit, legends from around
the world coupled with imagination and talent of local artists,
will be on display at the Lincoln Art Institute through
September. Stop by the gallery and press the door bell. If
artist in residence Moses Pinkerton is around he will open the
gallery to visitors. Call Moses at 217-651-8355 to schedule a
private showing.
[Curtis Fox] |