"The Virago" Solo Art Show - March 2021

In March of 2021, my paintings were displayed in a solo show that included pieces that ponder the harmful societal standards placed upon women which creates double standards. Through automatic drawing, I discovered these memories that have been harbored deep in my mind and my reactionary emotions to these standards. In doing this, my intent is to create a tangible representation of what these emotions conjure into our lives and how they affect our physical state of being and ask how can this be used to empower women? Click here to view video of solo show.

The piece below includes depictions of sensitive material - containing blood and references to sensitive material such as unsafe abortion. If you are safe with this imagery, please use the slideshow gallery feature to view the full piece.

Members and Friends Juried Exhibition 2020

A juried exhibition to celebrate Galesburg Civic Art Center’s opening after Covid-19 calling for local business to close during quarantine. As noted on the prospectus, “Juried by Christopher Reno who studied painting, drawing and printmaking at Knox College, the New York Studio School, Robert Blackburn’s Printmaking Workshop, Flatbed Press in Austin,Texas and the MFA program of the University of Iowa. He is currently the Gallery Director and University Curator at St.Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and the Co-Director of the Quad Cities Veterans Art Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to providing therapeutic access to art for veterans, active military and their families.

“As an artist myself, I approach juried exhibitions with empathy, patience and generosity. Like everyone else I’ve been rejected or overlooked dozens (if not hundreds!) of times and I understand how much each submission means to artists that take the time to submit their work. My goal is to understand each artist’s intentions and make judgements according to both formal invention and conceptual depth.

In all honesty I’m a sucker for poetic surprise and/or a sense of humor, but I pride myself on working with an open mind and avoiding the typical art dichotomies.”

—Chris Reno

Best of Show: Cycling Emotions, acrylic paint – Madelyn Turner (Galesburg, IL)

3 Dimensional Award: Connections, ceramic – Chris Dokolasa (Galesburg, IL)

Painting Award: 2019, acrylic – John Nelson (Quincy, IL)

Mixed Media Award: Incorrect Memories, acrylic, pencil, and sand on gesso board – Amina El Moudden (Galesburg, IL)

Photography Award: Impressionistic Lupines, New Zealand 2019, digital photography – Michael Godsil (Galesburg, IL)

Works on Paper Award: Tickseed + Blanket Flower, watercolor & ink – Julie D. Nelson (Quincy, IL)

Fiber Award: Can’t Buy Me Love, leather, acrylic – Carolyn Seeger (Galesburg, IL)

Linda Lytle Memorial Award: Arched Pump, steel – Matt Moyer (Columbia, MO)

Cycling Emotions, Best of Show, 30x40”, acrylic paint.

Click on this image to view my virtual artist talk!

“Cycling Emotions is a painting that delves into my own subconscious mind. I wanted to implement surrealistic elements to open up opportunities of exploration into emotions. In doing this, my intent is to create a tangible representation of what these emotions conjure into our lives and how they affect our physical state of being. By visualizing my subconscious and the processing of emotions, my goal is to challenge societal norms about mental health while also engaging the viewer in this dialog. For example, this piece in particular I discovered that I primarily revolve around three emotions that often effect my choices and feel them intensely. These can be seen as flaw, but I wanted to paint them together to show that while the emotions may be drastically different, they work in unison almost like a machine and one cannot be felt without the other. Much like if we never experience sadness, we would never know what true happiness is. They need each other. I encourage the viewers to find their own interpretation of the work and to explore the world that is not usually seen but felt.

-Madelyn Turner”

Click on image to see Chris Reno’s comments and awards.

"Create, Destroy" Solo Art Show - March 13th, 2020

March 6th-28th, 2020 I had my first solo art show at the Galesburg Civic Center! This was an amazing opportunity for me and I met so many amazing people along the way. However, sadly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that happened in February of 2020, the show had to be taken down early. Nevertheless, the experience was one to remember. Here’s to the next one!

To view the pieces in this picture, please click on the title names below:

No Longer Here

Worst Parts of Me

Dissociated

Thank You

To view the pieces in this picture, please click on the title names below:

Who Am I?

Can You See Me? Can I See You?

Contritum Identitatem

Self-Portrait

Cranium

Betrayal

Before states across America had the Shelter in Place orders given, family and friends came down to see my show before they were taken down.

2019 Carl Sandburg College Student Art Show Pictures

Photos from Carl Sandburg College Art Show

“The creative works of Carl Sandburg College students were featured during the annual juried Student Art Show from March 25-May 6 in the Lonnie Eugene Stewart Art Gallery on the Main Campus in Galesburg, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.

An opening reception [took] place from 5-7 p.m. March 29. Both the show and reception [were] free and open to the public. Awards [were] provided by Blick Art Materials will be given out in several categories for the show, which features dozens of student-created pieces in various media.

The juror for this year’s show [was] Jessica Bingham of Peoria. Bingham has Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Bradley University and is the curator for University Galleries of Illinois State University. She also is the director and co-founder of Project 1612, a short-term residency and independent artist-run space at her home.

Bingham’s reviews and interviews have been published in “Sixty Inches from Center” and “Expose Art Magazine.” Her pieces have been part of exhibits in Chicago; Findlay, Ohio; Iowa City, Iowa; the United Kingdom; San Antonio, Texas; Peoria; Milwaukee.

Established in 2006 and named for area artist Lonnie Eugene Stewart in 2015, the Lonnie Eugene Stewart Art Gallery has hosted group faculty exhibits, juried student exhibits and the works of area professional artists.” - Carl Sandburg College

A picture next to It’s Consumed Me to show the size!

Lisa’s Feet, charcoal on paper.

Regret, oil on canvas.

One of my favorite pieces. It was purchased to a private collection from this show. It was hard to part with, but has a great home!

2018 Carl Sandburg College Student Art Show Pictures

“Do it again”.