Lincoln Arts Institute opens season with Open Show by LAI Members

 

[February 15, 2022] 

The 2022 exhibit season at the Lincoln Arts Institute opened on Thursday, February 10th with an artist reception. The first show of the season featured the works of the LAI Members. The members of the LAI are made up mostly of those who were members of the former Logan County Arts, plus a few new artists. Membership to the LAI is open to all artists. Those interested in becoming a member should contact gallery owners Jason Hoffman or Marcia Cook.



With the first show of the year opening just a few days before Valentine’s Day, the first piece guests saw as they walked in the front door was a pair of overlapping simple hearts created by resident artist Christopher Tice.

From the front door, all around the gallery walls, the art varied widely as the theme for the first show was of a miscellaneous nature.

Art is always subjective. One viewer will find a piece they love while another may see the piece as less than interesting. Some are whimsical, some serious, some sensual, and some disturbing. Regardless of how the viewer sees the work, all art is an expression of the artist, who may regard it in a completely different way than the viewer.

Around the room, there was plenty of whimsy adorning the walls. Many guests took pleasure and cracked a bit of smile when they viewed the three works submitted by artist Molly Pickering.



Molly had submitted a study of cows. But these were extraordinary cows. Their bright and unconventional coloring and the soft, gentle eyes with very long lashes gave the animals a different personality than what one would find visiting a dairy farm. Pickering’s works were watercolor on paper and carried such titles as “Rosie.” “Flora,” and “Paisley.”

Artists Stanley Bly brought a thought provoking work entitled ‘Taste the Rainbow’ to the show. The work was eye-catching not only for its message but for its artistic technique. The painting which was oil on wood was simply astonishing.

Thom Whalen brought in an oil on canvas entitled, ‘Wig Stick.’ While some may have balked at the subject matter, surely no one could deny the time and talent that went into the bright, magnificently detailed work of art.

The Thursday evening reception was well attended as it appeared that those who enjoy art were anxious to return to the gallery for opening night and see all that the LAI had to offer.

Be sure to check out the slideshow of works from the February show. The works in the slideshow are only a sampling and a number more are on display this month. To get the complete experience, one should attend the exhibits in person. There will be plenty of opportunities to do so each month.

The Lincoln Arts Institute Open Show continues Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Saturday, March 5th.

The next show will be a single artist show entitled “Conversations” features the works of Tony Crowley.

The monthly opening night artist receptions are hosted by the LAI on the second Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The schedule of exhibits will run through November 4th. From November 10 through December 23, the LAI will host the annual show and sale.


[Nila Smith]