'A Walk Through My Mind' exhibit features artwork by Gregory Albin Stall
The Elmhurst Artists' Guild is hosting "A Walk Through My Mind," featuring original paintings, drawings and sculpture by guild member Gregory Albin Stall, in the EAG Gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst. The exhibit continues through Feb. 1.
Stall, a member of the National Audubon Society, has always had a love for the natural world, especially birds. Thus, it is no surprise that wildlife and birds feature prominently in Stall's work.
"Through my art, I enjoy showing the public the importance of the natural resource of the world's wildlife," he explained.
"Resting American Kestral" is a delicate acrylic painting of this beautiful spotted raptor, with golden chest and a vibrant purple swoosh across its forehead, at rest on a dead branch, ever watchful for the next meal. A featured watercolor, "Prairie Flowers with Sparrow," depicts the small songbird perched precariously among its food sources - purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and grasses.
Now a retired teamster, Stall is also a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller. Grateful for the support of his family and the emotional outlet that his art provides, his patriotism is evident in "Symbol of Freedom Among Branches," a colored pencil drawing of a bald eagle.
Stall won a first-place blue ribbon in the novice category at the 2018 Wisconsin River Woodcarvers show for his carved sculpture, "School of Blue Gills." The carved, luminescent painted fish appear to be swimming among the branches of driftwood.
In addition to birds and fish, other artworks displayed feature mammals, such as bunnies, chipmunks and a Canadian lynx.
Stall chose to paint the lynx "because it is a majestic predator with very few enemies. I encourage the public to hunt wildlife with a camera and not a firearm."
"With approximately 50 artworks ranging in price from $100 to $300, Greg's show provides a wonderful opportunity to acquire original artworks," said guild president Charlene Lee-Freislinger.
Proceeds benefit three ways, supporting the artist, the Elmhurst Artists' Guild and the Elmhurst Art Museum.
Paintings in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery can be viewed and purchased during regular museum hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Museum admission is $12, $10 for seniors or free for Elmhurst Art Museum and Elmhurst Artists' Guild members, and students and children under 18. All visitors are admitted free on the first Friday of each month. More information is available at elmhurstartistsguild.org and www.elmhurstartmuseum.org or contact the artist at (630) 414-3462.
The Elmhurst Artists' Guild gallery is nonprofit, operated by the Elmhurst Artists' Guild. It features contemporary artworks in a variety of styles and media. In addition to four member shows each year, the guild hosts exhibitions of individual members' artwork and invitational shows for significant local artists.