Park Art Center to feature works of Elmhurst artist
"Emulating the Creator," the paintings and drawings of William Lawrence Edwards, will be on display next month at the Park Art Center in Villa Park.
The exhibit runs Saturday, Sept. 3, through Friday, Sept. 30, at the center, 9 E. Park Blvd. The opening reception will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3.
This will be Edwards' first solo show displaying his oil paintings and life drawings, which have been described as reminiscent of the artist Toulouse Lautrec. All events are free.
Edwards, an artist from Elmhurst, is dedicated to painting the human form from live models. He uses a variety of materials such as Tyvek and regular house paint, inspirations from his knowledge and background in building construction and architecture.
"The paintings and drawings selected for viewing are all generated from models in life-study groups. For me, the message is not just the likeness of the subject, but the subjects' persona, their actions, maybe just how things are for them that day," Edwards said.
"There is nothing extraordinary with regard to the process. All the studies are generated in the range of one minute to three hours. That some of the information about the subject passes to the viewer via the media is, for me, a wonder in itself. Involving the viewer, the viewer's interaction, is a necessary end to my work."
"We are extremely fortunate to have come across this highly talented and thoughtful local artist," said Wendee Goles, president of Park Art Center. "Bill is passionately dedicated to creating the essence of the human form through his paintings and drawings, not just a reproduction of the likeness of his subjects.
"He has rendered cautious, considerate care to a complicated art form, and we look forward to sharing his talent beyond the boundaries of his exhibit."
Park Art Center is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For information, call (630) 501-1455 or visit parkartcenter.org.
If you go
What: William Lawrence Edwards art exhibit, "Emulating the Creator"
When: Saturday, Sept. 3, through Friday, Sept. 30; opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Where: Park Art Center, 9 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 501-1455 or parkartcenter.org