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			 The latest art gallery opening of the Lincoln Art 
			Institute on Thursday evening attempts to answer that question. The 
			members of Logan County Arts entitled their latest art show 
			“Inspired By…” and the artists gave the visitors to the gallery 
			their take on what inspires them. 
			 
			There were as many sources of inspiration as there were paintings 
			and photographs on the walls of the gallery. 
			 
			
			  
			“There are a variety of things that inspire an artist. I think 
			artists are tuned into receiving inspiration,” said Pam Moriearty. 
			Pam had several pieces in the show and each came from a different 
			part of life that she finds important. One is inspired by artists 
			from another era. Another is inspired by nature, specifically the 
			beautiful Lincoln College Environmental Center at Creekside. Even 
			the arrangement of the vase of flowers on the table containing the 
			treats for those attending came from one of Pam’s paintings.  
			 
			Many of the artists find inspiration in other artists and many find 
			it in unusual parts of their own lives. Matthew Welchel attributed 
			his art to fascination with optical illusions. Lacey Mei finds some 
			of her inspiration in her home state of Florida. Suzanne Faulkner 
			found it in a trip she took to a third world country. Sheralyn 
			Bolton attributes her art to fellow members of Logan County Arts who 
			she admires. 
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			A trip to the Lincoln Art Institute during this exhibit will help 
			shine a light on the paths that lead an artist to a completed work. 
			It is important to note that each artist has several paintings, and 
			photographs hanging on the walls of the LAI and each have a 
			different inspiration attributed to it.  
			 
			An artist can see something in the world around them and use it to 
			create a feast for the eyes. That is an important lesson for all of 
			us to understand. Look around and see what inspires you, what 
			creates a sparkle in your eye. It does not matter if that 
			inspiration leads to a work of art. It will lead to a better day.
			
			 
			  
			
			 
			“Inspired By…” will grace the walls of the Lincoln Art Institute for 
			the rest of the month. Contact gallery owner Moses Pinkerton to 
			arrange a viewing. He can be contacted at 217-651-8355. The Lincoln 
			Art Institute also maintains a website:
			
			http://lincolnartinstitute.wix.com/lincolnil#!  
			 
			[Curtis Fox]  |