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.
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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] |