Aareon Boyd, first exhibitor of the season at the LAI, enjoys a great turnout for his artist reception

[May 17, 2023]   The Lincoln Arts Institute kicked off its 2023 exhibit season on Friday, May 12th with an artist reception for solo exhibitor Aareon Boyd. The event was very well attended with several visiting the Moses Pinkerton Gallery on the third floor of the LAI to enjoy the artwork and hear a personal message from the artist.

Boyd was born and raised in the Peoria area and has always had an interest in the arts. He told the audience that while he works a full-time job, his art is his personal therapy that helps him relax and express himself in a way that is quite satisfying.

He noted that he began sewing as a part of his art after he was willed a sewing machine by his great-grandmother. He began working with sewing and blending it with other mediums to create his works.

Boyd’s enthusiasm for art led him to the Art Institute of Schaumburg in 2015 where he began academic studies in illustration and design.

In 2019 he opened his own online shop TwistedAWays.com.

On Thursday night he said he was excited about being in Lincoln, that it was his first public show, and he was looking forward to spending the evening visiting with the guests.

The exhibit includes more than 30 pieces some quite large and some quite small. Boyd shared that many of the sewn pieces included a plant-based leather that is manufactured in Peoria. Boyd likes using sustainable products as much as possible. His work ranged from leather cubes to large wall hangings and everything in between.

Some of his reclaimed canvas and acrylic paint pieces have hidden images within the large image. Many enjoyed studying every piece to see if they could find other things when choosing not to just “look at the big picture.”

If you missed the event last Friday, you would have a few more opportunities. The Lincoln Arts Institute will be open to the public for drop in visits every Friday from now through June 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each time.

[Nila Smith]