Logan County Arts brings an "International Flair" to June exhibit

[June 07, 2019]     For their upcoming June exhibit, Logan County Arts members have chosen to display new artworks with an “International Flair” theme. The show will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Art Institute Gallery, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln.

Reports from the various artists’ studios indicate that visitors can expect a wide variety of unique approaches to the theme. Tony Shuff, who has traveled to and collected in sites around the world, will have pieces depicting Haiti, Poland, Russia and Canada, including photographs and artworks in acylics, watercolor and pastel.

Bev Noble’s photographs, taken during visits to the Amalfi Coast, Naples and Pompeii, capture the rustic countryside and majestic peaks of the region. Ruth Fredericks’ painting of a Swiss chalet was inspired by buildings at the Swiss Historical Village Museum in New Glarus, Wisconsin, while Alice Furgeson has created a new set of raku pottery containers to hold floral arrangements.

For music enthusiasts, Jason Hoffman promises a unique contribution in the form of an electronic music set consisting of a mix of Deep House and Techno tracks typically produced by groups from different regions of Britain. He will use an Ableton audio workstation with special mixing board and midi controllers. Jason will be available to coordinate the renditions, as well as to explain the stylistic origins of the music and the technical features of the audio components.

Gallery owner Moses Pinkerton will show a 3-dimensional artwork that he says was “a pleasure to create.” Though a little mysterious about the details of the piece, he says it “represents the finest work from zythologists around the globe.” He looks forward to discussing aspects of the work with gallery visitors interested in zythology. Pam Moriearty will share a Zen garden and a painting of a harbor on the Ionian Sea, as well as a multilingual look at mobile phone communication.

As one LCA member recently pointed out, the exhibit represents more than just pretty postcards from abroad. “Artists have always been ambassadors,” she noted. “Frequently, dislike or mistrust of “foreigners” is simply due to unfamiliarity. By sharing their inspirations of cultural richness and natural wonders, artists can break down these barriers and promote empathy and compassion. And our little planet can always use more of that.”

After opening night, the artworks will be available for viewing and sale until July 6. Anyone wishing to visit the gallery can contact Jason Hoffman (309-287-3744) or Mitch Douglas (630-890-1318) for a private showing. Also available at the “International Flair” opening will be information on the July exhibit, which will feature a solo show of works by Springfield artist Jeff Williams.

[Pamela Moriearty]