Sophomore Heather Jones’ vibrantly colored creation is one of numerous artworks sculpted in ceramics or art foam in the upcoming Young Artist Exhibit at the Lincoln Art Institute.  More than 30 Lincoln Community High School and other local students will present their works in the show, which opens at the gallery on May 9.

Logan County Arts and Lincoln Art Institute welcome "Young Artists" to May exhibit

[May 03, 2019]   Logan County Arts and the Lincoln Art Institute are preparing for their annual "Young Artists" exhibit, which will showcase recent artworks by students of Lincoln Community High School. This is the eighth year that the arts group and gallery have co-sponsored the student show, which will debut with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at the gallery, located at 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln.

More than 30 LCHS students from all four class years will be exhibiting in the show, and most have taken two or more art courses. Styles in the exhibit range from pop and abstract images in vibrant colors, through portraiture, landscape and sculpted objects. The variety of mediums used includes graphite, pastel and ink drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, fabric and wood.

Several students look forward to incorporating their art in their future careers in graphic design, medicine or cosmetology, and most participants look forward to continue with art as a pastime or hobby. Many students find that the hands-on approach and concentration of doing art are soothing and help them express themselves. Sophomore Heather Jones says drawing and painting are her favorite mediums because “They help me relax and feel like I can do anything.” Freshman Morgan Routson also likes painting because “I feel like with painting you can tell a story with your work.”

The students are excited to be participating in the show, but several have expressed uncertainty about displaying their work. LCHS art Instructor Lisa Durbin has worked to build their confidence. “I have been explaining to them that their artworks will not be judged,” she says. “I want them to see the larger purpose of sharing their work and communicating their ideas to a wider audience.”

This is the first year at LCHS for Durbin, who has transferred from a high school in Indiana. She received her art education at Illinois State University, completing a double major in drawing and art education. She focuses not only on building studio skills for the students but also familiarizes them with the art world, starting each day with a cameo presentation on a contemporary artist.

She has also introduced foam carving to the curriculum, and the students have taken to it. “It’s a challenging 3-D method, because you have to create the sculpture by subtracting material rather than adding it. There’s no going back once you’ve carved something away,” she explains. Several pieces using the technique will be displayed in the exhibit. After opening night, the show will be available for viewing until May 23 by appointment. Anyone interested may call Pinkerton at 217-651-8355 to arrange a visit.

Also available at the “Young Artists” opening will be information on LCA’s June, 2019 show, in which LCA members will present new works with an international flair. Nonmembers can also show artworks consistent with the theme by paying a small display fee. Any nonmember interested in doing this should contact Pinkerton for more information.

[Pamela Moriearty]