Icons & Illusions: Solo Exhibition in Decatur, IL - Part II

Welcome to  "Icons & Illusions", my solo exhibition in Decatur, IL. (March 2-28, 2018)

The Anne Lloyd Gallery staff has done a beautiful job arranging and hanging artwork.

This painting of Kartikeya was a good choice for the centerpiece.

Kartikeya on Peacock

65 x 58 inches (64” rods)

acrylic on hand blocked Kalamkari fabric

A painting of Buddha is flanked by River Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the end wall.

Another diptych occupies an adjacent wall.

Three images of Ganesh fill another wall.

Golden Ganesh

26” x 20” image

conte and acrylic on paper 

printed with metallic ink

Tables are set up for an Indian themed spread of food and a wine bar as the staff prepares for the opening reception.

An exhibition preview appeared in the newspaper, Decatur Herald and Review, March 1, 2018. I hope this brings attendees to the reception.

People start arriving.

Two featured pianists are scheduled for tonight. 

Larry Wade, first pianist of the evening, starts his performance as the crowd grows.

It is fun meeting everybody. I even have the chance to discuss curriculum with faculty from the local art college.

All gather for the Artist Talk and a series of speeches to celebrate the Decatur Area Arts Council's 50th Anniversary.

Sue Powell, the gallery director, gives me a nice introduction before I say a few words.

Perhaps I should hold this sign while I teach classes at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee! 

The second pianist, Mike Waltenberger,  plays some of my favorite melodies and ends the evening with a lovely rendition of "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess.

SOLD!

Teaching Buddha

49 x 43 inches (48” rods)

acrylic on hand blocked Kalamkari fabric

Thank you Decatur Area Arts Council's Anne Lloyd Gallery for the memorable event and the opportunity to exhibit in the Madden Arts Center!

Visiting the Madden Arts Center in Decatur, IL

Among downtown Decatur's treasures is the warm and welcoming Madden Arts Center - a richly renovated hub that's home to the Decatur Area Arts Council, galleries, classrooms, an art shop, and rehearsal spaces.

Particularly inviting is the first floor storefront exhibition space, the Anne Lloyd Gallery. 

I am delivering artwork to the gallery for my solo exhibition "Icons and Illusions" which will be on view here from March 2-28, 2018.

The gallery is more spacious than I had anticipated. The historic building has high ceilings covered in ornate tin.

Sue Powell, the gallery director pictured above, tells me that these fabric covered panel walls cost about $11,000. In her opinion it was the best investment. They look new after many years of use and have saved countless hours that would have been spent patching holes and repainting drywall.

My framed drawings lean against the walls and boxes of my scroll paintings rest against the grand piano in the bay window as I tour the Madden Arts Center.

The Amherst E. Hardy Arts Education Center occupies the second floor.

The Schmalz Classroom is an inviting space for community art classes for adults and children.

Classes are also held in the Barnett Arts Studio

This is a perfect space to rent for parties. Many children have enjoyed birthday parties here.

On the third floor is another gallery space where community art exhibitions are held. The original hardwood floor has been beautifully refinished. Currently a show of local artists' copies of master paintings is on view. 

The original hardwood floor has been beautifully refinished.This space can be rented for wedding receptions and other events.

I'd like to stay to help hang my exhibition, but leave when the gallery director insists that I rest after the long drive to Decatur, IL.

After taking a walk around the block, I can't resist peeking in the gallery storefront window.

My scroll paintings already lay on the floor in preparation for hanging. Can't wait to see how the gallery looks when everything is up. 

I'm looking forward to the opening reception tomorrow night! I'll post images from the reception on my next blogpost.