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 Marcia Cook of the LAI said that in years past,
the institute has had similar exhibit sales with the artists
donating their works to be sold. Proceeds then went to the upkeep of
the art gallery. Cook said that the LAI decided not to do that type
of show this year, so that the artists could benefit personally from
the sale of their works.
The LAI is owned by Jason Hoffman and Cook, and they are trying to
operate the gallery in the traditional fashion, taking a percentage
of any sale as a “gallery fee,” but allowing the artists the
opportunity to realize some financial benefit from their efforts.
The exhibit opened on Thursday, December 9th with an artist’s
reception that was well attended. The gallery will be open this
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for shoppers to stop by and take a
good look around.
The gallery will run the show through December 18th. They will be
open on Friday evening the 17th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The December Show and Sale features a huge variety of pieces for
sale, by a number of artists, most of whom are members of the Logan
County Arts. The works vary in style with the likelihood high that
shoppers will be able to find something that will fit the style and
taste of anyone on their list.
Alice Ferguson
When the Logan County Arts is hosting the art show at LAI for a
month, the works of Alice Ferguson, featuring Raku-fired sculpture,
are almost always present.
The little turtles that she produces are intriguing and some would
say, just down right cute. But, there is more to the story.
At the December Show and Sale, Ferguson has several of the turtles
on hand for sale. Along with her display she has written a detailed
account of how she makes the little figures and why they are
significant to her.
After reading “The long Story,” the little turtles take on a new
meaning and make them a much more significant gift idea for someone
who loves nature and relates to Mother Earth.
Higher Starr
Higher Starr is another regular exhibitor with the Logan County
Arts. Her works also most often reflect her interpretation of nature
with traditional scenes in unique colors.
This work entitled “Chill Rising” looks at a wintery scene with a
pink color pallet. It catches the eye and holds it as one takes in
the icy pool and the rose hues in the trees and shrubs with an
orange-ish sky and a dark sun.
In addition, this month Starr is offering items ideal for gift
giving at very reasonable prices. The small table features
mini-journals, magnets and ornaments all done in Starr’s unique
style.
Randy Washam
Randy Washam is a local photographer who has mastered the ability to
manipulate his photos digitally, turning them into stunning works of
art.
Washam has several pieces on display and for sale at the show this
month. A crowd favorite at the Thursday night reception was this
gravity defying coffee pot.
The piece entitle “Best Part of Waking Up” is very reasonably
priced and would make a great gift for someone who loves coffee and/or vintage
items.
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Bev Noble
Poured acrylic is becoming a very popular art form, and Bev Noble appears to
have mastered the technique beautifully.
Among her offerings in December, Noble has this lovely Christmas wreath done in
the poured acrylic method.
Noble also offers several small works in the form of poured acrylic on nine-inch
tiles. All are unique and attractive. The tiles would be a great gift for
someone who loves art but has a limited amount of display space.
Steve Stover
If you have a police officer in the family, then you will want to take a look at
this piece by Steve Stover. Made of painted wood, Stover’s piece entitled
appropriately “Blue Line Flag” is reasonably priced and would make a great gift.
What about glass or resin?
If you are a fan of glass, or have a fan on your Christmas shopping list, then
you should not pass up the opportunity to see the items on display at the
Lincoln Arts Institute this month. From a variety of artists, there are a number
of blown glass items in a wide variety of prices.
Also featured on the front table is a number of wood and resin items produced by
local artists Bob and Cindy Dunovsky.
Gingerbread coming Saturday
Cook said that the Logan County Tourism Bureau is sponsoring a Gingerbread
Contest again this year in conjunction with the Downtown Christmas Express -
shop local promotion.
Gingerbread entries should start arriving at the LAI this weekend. On Saturday,
December 18th the public is invited to come to LAI, view the gingerbread and
vote for their favorite pieces. The entry with the most people’s choice votes
will be named as the 2021 winner of the Gingerbread Contest.
Looking ahead to 2022
Cook said that Hoffman is excited about heading into the new year at the Lincoln
Arts Institute. She said the LAI will not have an exhibit in January. Hoffman
wants to do some freshening-up in the gallery with some new paint and other
maintenance items on the “to do list” for the first month of the year.
The gallery is planning a show in February, and Cook said that all the exhibits
through 2022 have already been scheduled. She said there will be a variety of
artists coming to the gallery in 2022 and the community should enjoy all that is
offered.
Meanwhile, the last show of 2021 is an eye-popper. It is hoped that the
community will take advantage of the weekend hours to take it all in and perhaps
purchase some original art to meet their gift giving needs this Christmas.
[Nila Smith]
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