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ARTS for the PARKS: Travel the country—in Kokomo
January 8, 2003 | |||||
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KOKOMO, Indiana — The 2002 ARTS for the PARKS exhibit featuring 100 images of scenes from the National Park System will make its only stop east of the Mississippi River at the IU Kokomo Art Gallery from January 12 through February 15. The opening reception, on Sunday, January 12, from 2–5 p.m. will feature live jazz by Encore Duo. Two-time ARTS for the PARKS artist and illustrator Christopher Leeper will address visitors at 4 p.m. Leeper, a graduate of Youngstown (Ohio) State University, will speak about his work and his experiences with ARTS for the PARKS. Selected for the 2002 ARTS for the PARKS exhibit, Leeper’s work appeared in the 1995 show as well. He is also the winner of the 1997 and 2003 Pennsylvania Trout/Salmon Stamp competition. Leeper enjoys painting scenes from our National Parks because “They are some of the most beautiful areas in our country . . . for a landscape or wildlife artist, the National Park System holds a wealth of inspiration.” Michael Finkler, Ph.D., assistant professor of physiology, will speak in Kresge Auditorium about conservation in conjunction with the exhibit on Wednesday, February 5, at 1 p.m. There will be a reception in the Gallery immediately following his lecture. ARTS for the PARKS is “the type of exhibit that appeals to a wide audience,” according to Art Gallery Director Minda Douglas. “Since Indiana doesn’t have the types of vistas represented in this show, it offers an opportunity to learn about the parks. Hopefully, it will inspire families to travel to the various parks that are portrayed,” continued Douglas. The 100 canvases represent work by artists from 35 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and 3 countries (United States, Canada and Australia). The exhibit is being funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County, a mini-grant from the Tippecanoe Arts Federation, and a donation from IU alumnus Richard Ford of Wabash. The Gallery's “Artist Spotlight” windows have been planned, according to Douglas, to “relate to the exhibit.” Spotlight artist Cynthia Blasingham of Indianapolis received a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission to create a series of images based on the Indiana wetlands. “This will bring an aspect of Indiana to the exhibit,” said Douglas. Terry Lacy of Delphi will exhibit watercolors that were completed while traveling in the western United States. A native of western Pennsylvania, Christopher Leeper grew up on a farm surrounded by beautiful woodlands and farmland. His parents “were nature lovers and birdwatchers, and they instilled an appreciation in me for nature,” said Leeper. “This appreciation has stayed with me. I am constantly finding new and exciting themes or subjects to explore,” he continued. He usually has an oil painting in progress, concurrent with work on a watercolor or acrylic painting. Following his lecture on January 12, Leeper will sign copies of River Otter at Autumn Lane, a book he recently illustrated for the Smithsonian Institute. In addition to River Otter, Leeper is illustrating books on the black rhino, African lion, and mountain gorilla; they will be part of a new children’s series, in conjunction with The African Wildlife Foundation and the Smithsonian (fall 2003 release). He will also be writing and illustrating a book tentatively titled Exciting Realism in Watermedia, scheduled for release in 2005. Douglas expects that “the prestige of ARTS for the PARKS will increase the credibility of the IU Kokomo Art Gallery,” and serve as an excellent launch for a very exciting year in the Gallery. Groups and teachers interested in visiting the IU Kokomo Gallery for field trips should contact Minda Douglas, gallery director, at 765-455-9523. This is the first of two national traveling exhibits to be featured this year. America: From the Heart, a display of quilts responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, opens February 23. Lucia Maya, a world-renowned Mexican painter, will have an exhibit in April and May.
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