Exhibit: Friday, May 3, through Friday, June 21
Opening Reception: Friday, May 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
Quad City Arts Center, 1715 Second Avenue, Rock Island IL
With their artistic creations elevating “those who have come before” whether in their subject matter, their artform’s technique, or even the way in which they speak about their work, a trio of gifted talents join forces for the latest exhibition at Rock Island's Quad City Arts Center, the venue's Brown, Murtha, & Vogel exhibition, on display from May 3 through June 21, treating patrons to paintings by Julie Brown, quilts by Diane Murtha, and fiber art by Jeane Vogel.
Julie Brown, once an abstract painter, has begun creating realistic paintings based on antique photographs. The photos to which she is drawn feature human faces and are often informal images taken by amateur photographers. Brown’s work highlights the timelessness of our humanity and aims to give her audience a glimpse into the past.
Diane Murtha, a lifelong quilter, was taught by her grandmother beginning with traditional quilting patterns. She has since branched out to unique art quilt patterns of her own design. Whether she is creating abstract or representational work, Murtha strives to share the joy of nontraditional quilting and inspire her fellow quilters.
Jeane Vogel is a multi-media artist focused on tapestry and fiber art. She believes tapestry is a narrative artform that women have used to pass down stories, motifs, and memories from generation to generation. With this in mind, Vogel’s work underscores themes of cultural identity, justice, feminine strength, and connection to antiquity. For the talents being showcased in Quad City Arts' latest exhibition, the past informs each artist as they make their work in present day.
An opening reception forBrown, Murtha, & Vogel will take place in Rock Island's Quad City Arts Center gallery on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., with guests invited to view the works, meet the artists, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The exhibit itself will be on display through June 21, regular gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, call (309)793-1213 and visit QuadCityArts.com.