'An August Art Frolic' brings beauty of nature Indoors to Gallery 200 during August
Lois Easley intends to bring the beauty of nature to the people during her month-long exhibit, “An August Art Frolic,” at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago. According to her, the idea that people are attracted to beauty is no accident.
Easley's philosophy centers around the idea that people need to experience more beauty in their lives – more than they realize. She, in turn, uses color on a variety of surfaces to bring her love of flowers, leaves and the lushness of summer foliage into a collection of artwork that people can enjoy.
She's passionate about her need to be an artist. Easley said, “We're all on this planet for a reason. I honor the reality of being alive through my art.” Although she understands that she cannot reach everyone through her art, she is not afraid to take risks while trying to connect with people.
An early interest in art did not initially translate into a career in art. Her epiphany came during her 40s while teaching English at a community college, where she realized that it was now or never to become an artist. She quit teaching and began her study through six months of art classes at College of DuPage, mostly in acrylics. She has since taken classes in watercolor, oil and calligraphy as well as broadening her skills as a graphic designer by completing her Website and Foundational Graphic Design certificates, also through College of DuPage.
She became active in the local art community several years ago after Fredericka Howard, a member of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission at the time, recommended that she enter her works into the Fine Arts Fiesta. That connection led to becoming one of the original member artists at Gallery 200, an artist's co-op supported by the City of West Chicago. Her current role at the Gallery is as coordinator of future Featured Artist exhibits.
Although fine art is her passion, her desire to learn and continue her own education has not waned. As electronic forms of media have become the norm, Easley has embraced the digital era. Not only does she use digital photography to capture images that she later translates into paintings, but she has continued to develop her computer graphic skills which include a stylus mouse that acts as a paintbrush and computer software that imitates a painting canvas.
Her education continued outside of art as well. A decade ago, Easley received a Master's Degree from National Lewis University and is still a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She took her classes at night, when her husband could help. Their sons were in fifth and first grades at the time.
She admits that this is a side of her that not many people know about. When asked about how her degree in counseling correlates to her understanding of how art affects people, she said, “I'm convinced that people need to take time out for themselves or they will come apart at the seams.”
A free Opening Reception of art on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Gallery 200 offers an opportunity to meet the artist, hear songwriter/singer Alexandra Georgas perform live and enjoy free refreshments. The exhibit, “An August Art Frolic,” will be on display throughout August.
Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, and is one more reason West Chicago was named an Illinois Arts Friendly Community in 2007. Gallery 200 is open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, including a complete list of current art classes, Gallery Theater and Local Music Night entertainment, call (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org.