ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (November 20, 2019) — On exhibit from December 13, 2019 through January 24, 2020 will be photographs by Chris Rayburn of Davenport, Iowa, watercolors by Tim Schiffer of Iowa City, Iowa, and giant glass goblets by John Miller of Champaign, Illinois.
Chris Rayburn presents “Transplanted.”
In a series of large-scale photographic prints, Rayburn calls out the unnoticed details of ordinary places in order to enrich the act of looking. He focuses his photography on trees in suburban environments. Located in commercial developments, the trees can become so repetitive that they get overlooked. The artist uses his lens to draw attention to the artificial combination of young trees, encircled by concrete asphalt, gravel, and other materials.
Tim Schiffer will show watercolor paintings that combine fallen leaves with objects and images from art history. It looks as if the leaves have gracefully landed on the iconic works of art, asking the question of what is more beautiful, the man-made works or the miraculous nature around us. The leaves seem to imply that even with time and loss of vibrancy, we still want to hold on to objects that remind us of magnificence.
John Miller presents “Gathering.” He has been working in glass for more than 20 years and focuses on blown sculpture. He earned his MFA at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He exhibits internationally, lectures and demonstrates nationally, and is an assistant professor and head of the glass department at Illinois State University. He will exhibit a selection of over-sized goblets from a recent series of collaborations with other accomplished glass artists.
The public is invited to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary food and beverages 7-9PM, December 13, at Quad City Arts in Rock Island.
Additionally, John Miller will be giving a one-day demonstration and lecture on December 14, 9-3PM at Hot Glass Inc in Davenport. Registration is required and admission is $125 per person which includes lunch. This information packed; high-energy demo is for anyone interested in learning more about glass-blowing, from beginners to those with experience. Miller’s talk will cover the history of the Studio Glass Movement from the beginning to latest trends. He will share pro tips and techniques. To register, call Hot Glass Inc at (309) 236-9223.
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit 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. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108, or by email at dwmetallo@quadcityarts.com.
