"Midwest Traditions: New Works by Michael Dubina and Thursday Gervais"
2003-08-01 until 2003-08-30
Peoria Art Guild
Peoria, IL, USA United States of America

The Peoria Art Guild will host Midwest Traditions, an exhibit featuring new works by Michael Dubina and Thursday Gervais, from August 1 through 30, 2003. The paintings of these artists from Bloomington, Illinois offer an intensely rich version of familiar Midwestern surroundings. The opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2003 and offers the public an opportunity to meet the artists, discuss the work, and enjoy refreshments. Gervais will also lead an informal discussion of the work on Tuesday, August 5th at 7 p.m. Both events are open to the public.

The expansive horizon and quality of light that graces the Illinois landscape inspires the works of both Dubina and Gervais. Dubina's dramatic canvases are both luminous and brooding, soothing yet provocative, in their sensual presentation of land and sky. Gervais, strongly influenced by Dubina, additionally presents the viewer with beautifully executed waterways, suggesting an emotional fluidity that distinguishes her vision.

Through his paintings, Dubina hopes to dispel the idea that Illinois is "flat and boring." In his view, the Midwest possesses a "poetic, harmonious energy" and "the light quality has a strong spiritual presence that borders on the sublime." The inspiration for Dubina's work comes from the surrounding prairies of Bloomington and Peoria. "I am mostly interested in the quality of light as it appears at dusk and dawn. Storms are another favorite theme of mine," he says.

Gervais strives to "establish truth and reality," and views her paintings as "conversations with myself and memories of the past." Her works are a testiment to the female artist and to women throughout history who have challenged the traditional view of female artists. Gervais' has been showing her work throughout the Midwest since 2000, after she was redirected back to her early roots in landscape painting through Dubina's mentoring.

The Peoria Art Guild, one of the nation's oldest visual arts organizations, exists to serve the community and artists by promoting education and appreciation of the visual arts. The Peoria Art Guild provides the community with art exhibits, art classes, original artwork for purchase or rent, and other special events such as the Fine Art Fair. Programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of Illinois

Other Important Exhibitions in Illinois