The Decatur Area Arts Council presents A Show of Observation, featuring the work of Preston Jackson, from April 4-28 in the Anne Lloyd Gallery at the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. in downtown Decatur. Jackson, who grew up in Decatur, focuses his art on social commentary through visual narratives that emphasize details and personalities of our past. His images challenge viewers to contemplate who we are, where we came from and where we are headed. This exhibit features both cast bronze sculptures and bold paintings. In many pieces, animals appear as subjects, not only to reference conservation but also as symbols representing the interaction of human beings with each other. Jackson says, “The work is about social awareness, and speaks of my respect for all living things and how closely we are all connected.”
Jackson was chosen as a 1998 Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the highest honor given to individuals in the State. He is professor emeritus of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was a founder of the Contemporary Art Center in Peoria.
An opening reception, free to the public, will be held on Friday, April 6 from 5-7:30 pm during the First Friday Gallery Walk. Jackson will speak about his art at 6 pm. Live music will be provided by pianist, Todd Dare.
The First Friday Gallery Walk also includes:
- 3rd floor, Madden Arts Center – Arts in Education, an exhibit of Macon County jr. high/high school art work. The exhibit, on display through April 18, is presented by Gallery 510.
- Blue Connection – Ceramics by Michael Holmberg, who will speak briefly about his work at 6 pm.
- Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. – Paintings by Taylorville artist, Jane Frey, who will speak about her work at 6:30 pm.
- The ArtFarm, 252 N. Park St. – Photographs by Laura Webb entitled “The Face of the Story”
The First Friday Gallery Walk is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information, contact the Decatur Area Arts Council at 423-3189.