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A Few Of Our Favorite Things

Rich Egger

The West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb is trying something a little different. Instead of asking artists to display works, it asked collectors to share a favorite piece.

The show, which opens Friday, June 22, is called “A Few Of Our Favorite Things.” An opening reception will be held 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm on June 22.  The reception is free and open to the public.

Artist Fred Jones, who helped put together the show, said those who contributed pieces were also asked to write a short blurb about the art work.

“So that we would have a kind of interaction that is not normally there in art galleries,” Jones said.  “The basic idea is to get more people to understand more things about art.”

Artist and WCIAC Board Member Dean Rockwell, who was also involved in putting together the show, hoped the exhibit will open up the discussion as to what is considered art.

“Why people like art, what is good art, why they collect art. There are a lot of aspects to art,” Rockwell said.

The exhibit will showcase a variety of two-dimensional works including a wood cut, photographs, and paintings. Around 35 works will be displayed.

Rockwell said the idea for having collectors exhibit work was suggested at last year's WCIAC general membership meeting by member Bill Maakestad. He said Jones expanded on the idea by asking collectors to include a story with some background on the piece.

“They (the stories) have turned out to be compelling,” Rockwell said.

The show will remain on display through the final weekend of July at the West Central Illinois Arts Center, which is located on the east side of Macomb's Courthouse Square.

 

Rich is TSPR's News Director.