Art show features works from families across generations

LOGANSPORT, Ind. (AP) - Traits are always passed down among people from generation to generation. And for several families whose work is in an upcoming exhibit at the Logansport Art Association, a love of art is one of those inheritances.

It's the association's first legacy show, featuring area artists who were inspired by their ancestors and who influenced their descendants.

Works by members of six local families make up the free show across the mediums of paint, fused and stained glass, sculpture and photography.

Diane Welsch, a member of the Logansport Art Association Board of Directors, said the purpose of the show is to recognize those who have instilled "the love of art into the next generation."

"I just want to honor the people that have gone but yet they play such a big role in our lives about where we are today," she said. "...I don't want these people to be forgotten."

Sculptures and fused glass works by Welsch will be in the exhibit. Paintings by her late mother, Mary Regan, will be displayed as well. Jamie Nies, Welsch's daughter, will have paintings in the show too.

Welsch said she's been doing fused glass work for about 12 years and sculpting for about 10 years. She creates her sculptures from copper and epoxy and uses a kiln to melt down and fuse the glass in her glass pieces. Her mother got her started in stained glass about 25 years ago, she said.

Even though she didn't follow in her mother's painting footsteps, Welsch said she still influenced her understanding of art's universal elements like colors and shapes that she applies to her sculptures and glass work to this day.

The late Dwight Steininger's paintings will be in the legacy show as well, along with paintings by his nephew, John Henry.

Henry recalled a story from his cousin about Steininger wading out into the middle of a creek and setting up his easel to paint. He expressed admiration for his uncle's work.

"He just painted what he saw, painted what was already created," Henry said.

Barb Hanlon, president of the art association's board, said she hopes the show will expose visitors to works they've never seen before.

"I think there's so much art around Logansport that is unknown," she said.

Welsch said she hopes the first show will encourage members of other local artistic legacies to come forward and be part of future shows.

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Source: (Logansport) Pharos-Tribune, http://bit.ly/2v9ewxF

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Information from: Pharos-Tribune, http://www.pharostribune.com