April Show at the Lincoln Arts Institute features membership artists

[April 22, 2022]    For the month of April, the art exhibit at the Lincoln Arts Institute features the works of the LAI membership. With a theme of ‘High Energy/Soothing” the works on display are a hodge-podge of subject matter as well as mediums.

Many of the works emphasize the “soothing” portion of the theme with works that evoke a peaceful calm feeling within the soul of the viewer.



Some such works that show the soothing side of life include a set of lovely black and white photos exhibited by Captured Visions Photography. The five prints were taken at Starved Rock, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Chicago Botanical Garden, Garden of the Gods and the Garfield Botanical Gardens. The prints were being offered for sale individually, but fit together perfectly to create a lovely feature wall in the home or office of anyone who loves photographic art.

Photo art was well represented at the April show with an additional display by the Captured Vision Photography as well as a couple of pieces submitted by local photographic artist Randy Washam.



Washam uses digital editing to layer pictures together in fascinating ways. One such piece on display this month is his piece entitled “Best Part of Waking Up.”

Another fun exhibit for those of us who love trekking the woods for mushrooms in the spring was a four-piece set by Steve Blaum. Done in Watercolor, pen and ink, the four drawings feature Chanterelles, Boletes, Chicken of the Moods and Morel mushrooms skillfully drawn and colored by the artist. The four pieces were being offered for sale individually, but again, would be a beautiful grouping if purchased as a set.

At the artist reception last week, guests gathered in front of their favorites observing the various aspects of the art and commenting on how the works made them feel.



For this week, Marcia Cook, who normally mans the bar during the reception was attending another meeting, so her sister Mandy Cordray was filling in and having a good time visiting with guests as they came up to grab a refreshment.

Around the room, there were several of the artists on hand, busy speaking with guests about their woks.

The exhibit will remain at the LAI through the balance of April and the first weekend in May. The Lincoln Arts Institute is open on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The May exhibit will open on the 12th and will be a solo show featuring the work of Kyle Riley.

[Nila Smith]