Rock Island, Illinois - Born and raised in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York, three area artists have created works that reflect their discovery of the Mississippi River area in an upcoming art exhibit. The Art Collective, twelve artists from the Quad City region, will present a group show during January and February at MidCoast Gallery West, 1629 2nd Avenue, Rock Island. "A River Runs Thru Us" will debut at an opening reception on January 8, from 6-9 pm and is free to the public.
One of the artists showing work is Naidine D'Angelo, who creates layered photographic works. Born and raised in the Bronx, the transplanted New Yorker was fascinated by the unexpected existence of pelicans in the Midwest. "I thought pelicans were only found in the south, so seeing these beautiful birds flying over the Mississippi was amazing," D'Angelo explained. She has created a grouping of works reflecting her curiosity about these creatures for the Collective's show.
Rose Moore moved to this region from the Chicagoland area nine years ago and felt drawn to the power and history of the Mississippi River. Traveling the upper Mississippi for work, Moore was impressed by the scenic bluffs and valleys of northeast Iowa. "I promised myself I would return to that region and paint," she said. Her works for the show reflect retro travel postcards with one work paying homage to Black Hawk and his people.
Another transplant with an urban upbringing is artist Rev. Patricia Halverson, who was raised in a suburb of Minneapolis. "Although the Mississippi was only a mile from my home, I paid little attention to it growing up," Halverson shared. "However, when I began oil painting eleven years ago, I found I was drawn to painting water in nearly all of my work." Her pieces for the show reflect the blending of industry and recreation on the river, showcasing well-known Quad-City river scenes: barges and a sailing regatta near the Village of East Davenport.
The Art Collective show will feature the work of 12 artists with media ranging from wood to calligraphy. In addition to D'Angelo, Moore and Halverson, the Collective includes Jay Stratton, Amy Nielsen, Bill Wohlford, Sheryl Lammers, Andi Naab, Bonnie Grebner, Lori Miller, Brent Langley and Judy O. Gray. For more information on the show and The Art Collective, visit our Facebook page at The-Art-Collective.
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