|
 The words just imagine encourage us to think
outside the box. Find something that makes us dream or stretches our
imagination. In the case of many of the artists, this stretch of the
imagination and thinking outside the box led them to put on display
works that are not relatable as their typical style.
For example, we often relate Jan Villarreal with beautiful
landscapes and paintings filled with immaculate details, from
rolling hills to little animals and dainty flowers, every piece of
the works are incredible and breathtaking.
But for the August Show, we saw a completely different side of the
artist. Villarreal had on display three abstract works, all
beautifully done with bright colors, geometric shapes and stark
contrasts between light and dark.
The works of Springfield artist Jeff Williams are also instantly
recognizable. Williams typically features portraiture works with a
tribal feel.
While Williams included in his offerings for August a panel
collection of his traditional style paintings, he also included
something a little different.
His work, Visitors’ Playground was a wonderfully detailed piece and
a definite departure from what we normally see from the artist.
Williams offered two additional pieces in a similar style.
A work by Deborah Splain reminded one of a “Where’s Waldo” puzzle.
“Finding Fish” made the viewer stop and look twice or three or four
times. While two fish are quite obvious there were at least two
others that were hidden within the picture, making viewers stretch
their imagination and focus off center to find them.
[to top of second column] |
Ruth Fredricks also brought to the show two sides of her personality. She is
typically known for landscapes and pictures featuring interesting architecture.
This month was no exception as she brought a piece that offers a wonderful view
of the Scully Building in downtown Lincoln.
Then she surprised us with something completely different. An amazing untitled
portrait done in pastels on paper was attributed to Fredricks.
Sharon Sheehan-Fak made us look twice to know for sure what we were seeing. Fak
had on display two pieces, nearly identical. Showing versatility in mediums,
Sheehan-Fak had painted her first “Forest Trees” as a study in watercolor on
paper. The second version of the same title and subject matter was a study in
Acrylic on canvas.
Another favorite was a work constructed by Laura Elliott. The work “Wild
Pickin’s of Kickapoo” demonstrated how every day cast-offs of nature can become
something stunning if one can “just imagine.” The work was constructed of wood,
fiber, locust and wild indigo pods and feathers, all materials found at Kickapoo
Creek Park.
There were many other incredible works of art on display Thursday evening. The
exhibit will continue through the first part of September. The Lincoln Arts
Institute will be open on Friday evenings throughout the show period.
This Friday evening, August 20th, the Arts Institute will feature a special
musical performance from Lincoln College. Students from the arts department will
perform music that was included in their most recent film endeavor, Grey Tin
Country. The film is an imaginary piece based on a 1920’s decision of the
Lincoln Town Council to ban the performance and teaching of jazz because of the
music’s perceived low moral value. Read more about this musical performance and
the film in Lincoln Daily News.
In addition, the LAI is planning a special event for the Balloons Over 66
weekend coming up soon.
If you’ve not had a chance to check out the LAI, this would be a good time to do
so. Stop in any Friday evening and take a look around and visit with
owner/artist Jason Hoffman and Marcia Cook. They’ll be happy to show you around
or just let you peruse the art at your leisure.
[Nila Smith] |
