ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (March 5, 2021) — From March 3-April 28, 2021, Quad City Arts’ Art at the Airport presents aquatic paintings by Brian Buckles of Waterloo, Iowa; fiber tapestries by Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, Davenport; and coiled fiber-baskets by Kelly Hanson of Moline, Illinois.
Brian Buckles, Underwater Blues
Brian Buckles was born and raised in the Quad Cities yet has had a lifelong fascination with marine life and sharks. “The cruelty of shark-finning and the unsustainable fishing practices that are threatening the survival of many species are the inspirations for my work. Because most people won’t see these animals in their natural habitat, I use canvas and oils to bring the sea to life for the viewer with the hope of inspiring others to learn more and engage in protecting these amazing animals.”
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, Hues from the Edge
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson presents “Color Field Tapestries” — tapestries woven out of wool, linen, cotton, silk, and rayon, for which the objective was to produce color-field tapestries, inspired by Abstract Expressionist artists such as Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and Clyfford Still, whose canvases, devoid of figurative forms, used color to express emotion. Weft-threads intersect warp-threads, creating an image by changing colors of yarn. She explains, “While using centuries’-old techniques, I introduce new elements and incorporate new materials. Several techniques are used to push the boundaries of traditional tapestry such as incorporating feathers, glass beads, and other reflective materials to heighten contrast. Texture and color are integral components.”
Kelly Hanson has always liked working with different fibers and creating pieces that were also useful. She was introduced to the coil stitch-weave at a class and she now builds unique baskets with color-schemes that can either pop against the natural jute or complement it. Hanson explains, “Coil stitch-woven baskets have been utilized by many different cultures throughout history. Though the methods have changed a bit with different tools being available, I like being able to connect to history while also creating something different and new.”
These three artists incorporate their views of the world into their own art forms. In addition to the airport gallery, the artist’s works can be seen and purchased online: https://www.quadcityarts.com/art-at-the-airport.html.
Art at the Airport in The Quad City International airport gallery is easy to find. It is just across from the gift shop and restaurant and right before the security checkpoint. The gallery never closes, and you will pay just a dollar for parking.
Quad City Arts is a non-profit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Support for art exhibitions is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM, and Saturday, 11AM–5PM.
