Logan County Arts hosts first in-person art exhibit of 2021 on April 8th

[April 02, 2021]    Logan County Arts members are returning this year to a regular schedule of monthly art exhibitions, starting in April with artworks celebrating a theme of “Transitions”. The show will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 8 at the Arts Institute Gallery, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln. The recently refurbished gallery will also be open on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout the month.

The events will follow current Covid guidelines, including masking, distancing and a capacity of 25 visitors at a time. As gallery owner Jason Hoffman pointed out, “The gallery will be open for a stretch of three hours, so there will be enough time for everyone to see the show. We’ll just have to pace ourselves. There will be sheltered outside seating if someone needs to wait a while before entering.”

When deciding the themes for the season during their first meeting of 2021, LCA artists decided that the exhibitions should be forward-looking, reflecting the resilience that has been necessary to get through a tough period and the promise that this year holds.

The artists have not been idle during the long months of the shutdown, and several new members have joined the group. New LCA member Deb Splain brings a lot of art experience with her, having recently returned from Sedona, Arizona. She presents a mixed media charcoal portrait full of swirling emotions, entitled “Heard the News.”

Pam Moriearty has stayed close to home with her hand-colored monotype entitled “Four Corners,” which depicts the buildings at the intersection of Woodlawn Road and the Parkway under a towering sunset sky. She notes, “The ‘four corners’ are the transition point between the little town of Lincoln and the wider world reached by continuing on to the Interstate. But we are all part of a much wider universe, and even a sunset can change our perspective.”

Bev Noble’s colorful acrylic collage, entitled “2021- Return of the Smile,” at first glance resembles a large flower. A closer look shows that the petals surrounding the smiling lips are actually face masks, all painted with the flowers and greenery of spring.

Other artists have made references to the importance of a focus on healing. Early last year, Jason Hoffman remembered the traditional remedies his mother turned to whenever mysterious illness struck, which included health-giving foods and Vicks Vaporub. He has created large realistic sculptures that turn these ordinary materials into imposing symbols of practical maternal concern. Sharon Fak’s painting of a blossoming lotus and stacked rocks recalls the mindfulness that leads to balance in one’s life.

After opening night, the artworks will be available for viewing and sale until May 7. Also available at the “Transitions” opening will be information on the May exhibit, which will feature a solo show of works by Bloomington artist Lisa Lofgren.

[Pamela Moriearty]