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.
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