Art of Illinois Opens at Gallery Seven

Art of IllinoisOpens at Gallery Seven

-Lockport Gallery Seven in Lockport opened its exhibit Art of Illinois: A Bicentennial Celebrationto a “bursting at the seams” crowd on Saturday, October 6th. Over 60 artists from around the state are part of this exciting exhibit, which is on both the second and third floors of the Gaylord Building.

Presenting the awards and a certificate of Recognition from the Illinois State Senate was Senator Pat McGuire. Carrie Carlson from Orland Park was one of the featured artists with her work Robin’s Nest.

“As a scientific illustrator, art and science are tightly twined together in my life and I am inspired to celebrate this through landscapes, botanical studies and portraits of nature’s smallest objects and winged creatures. I hope to reveal a bit of the wonderment I find in simple subjects by drawing attention to something beautiful or unique about them that might normally be overlooked or taken for granted. I am especially interested in raising awareness about issues faced by threatened or exploited populations, be they human, bird or bumblebee.

Field sketching is a cornerstone of scientific illustration. I cannot imagine visiting a local zoo, much less traveling abroad, without a sketchbook. Travel and field sketching generate a deeper appreciation for humanity and the planet. The act of drawing forces us to slow down, to notice, reflect, cherish, and consider… What I gain from these experiences is a passionate environmentalism and driving responsibility to speak up for under-served populations. Through my artwork, I pray my steady, hopeful voice brings greater attention to how we can contribute to solutions and healing.

If field sketching sparks new awareness and intimacy with the natural world, then creating finished prints satisfies an eagerness for studio challenges. I greatly enjoy learning the complicated processes of traditional printmaking. Relief printing, linoleum block in particular, has been an especially satisfying outlet for my creative energies.”

This exhibit is free and open to the public until October 31st. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this amazing work by amazing Illinois artists

Gallery Seven is managed by a group of local artists, located at 200 West 8th Street, Lockport. This free gallery is open to the public Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. All exhibited work at Gallery Seven is for sale.

815.483.4310 gallery7@ymail.com www.galleryseven.net