Emily Christenson

Helen Boyd

Jacki Olson

Emily Christenson, Helen Boyd, & Jacki Olson
January 6 - February 10
Reception: January 13, 7 pm

On display from January 6 through February 10 are works by Helen Boyd, Jacki Olson and Emily Christenson, all of the Quad Cities.

These three women have designed an exhibit based on the idea of “Primitive Modern.” The interpretations of primitive art, culture, or methods in this exhibit are an attempt to bridge time and to connect in a spiritual way to the ancient world. Drawing from the natural environment at several regional sites largely untouched through time these works represent an attempt to reach deeper into the world of our predecessors. What inspired them, what did they treasure, how did their imaginations fill their days and nights? The artworks use natural materials when possible and were created using primitive methods, such as wood fires, rubbings and water found on site yet also incorporate modern methods or materials to create a link between the two environments.

Join us for the opening reception on January 13 from 7-9 pm, in the gallery. Refreshments will be served and artists will be on hand to answer questions about their work.

Come enjoy this exceptional exhibit from some of our best local visual artists!

Quad City Arts Gallery
1715 Second Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201
Open to the public & free admission Tues. - Fri. 10 am to 5 pm; Sat. 11 am to 5 pm; (Mondays by appointment only)

David Murray

Judith Eastburn

Jay Stratton

David Murray, Judith Eastburn, & Jay Stratton
January through February

In January and February Art @ the Airport features oil paintings by Geneseo painter, David Murray; black & white photographs by Judith Eastburn of Des Moines; and wood sculptures by Bettendorf artist, Jay Stratton.

David Murray’s large scale oil paintings reflect landscapes constructed from memory and imagination.  “They are meant to be ideals and transcend nostalgia or aesthetics to become an icon,” Murray explains. “The only evidence of humans is the patterns and alignments of natural forms within the work. These forms corroborate our need to leave a mark in the world and participate in the elusive vastness of it all.”

Judith Eastburn is a landscape photographer who uses traditional methods of exposing film and printing in the darkroom. Her gelatin prints are toned with selenium for permanence. She states that trees are a favorite subject. She enjoys the expressive gestures found in branches and “marvels at the leaning and twisting trunk formations that record the forces that shaped them.” She finds that “even in decay, the textures of bark, wood and fungi are beautiful.”

Jay Stratton spends a lot of time studying trees as part of the process of creating wood sculpture. Once he decides upon a
shape for his creation, he laminates pieces of wood together to define that shape. After that, he uses a variety of tools to carve the wood. Stratton explains, “Then, it’s on to sanding, sanding, and more sanding until I achieve my required essence for the piece. I strive for an organic feel, sensibility and movement in my work to make the wood ‘soft’ and flowing.” In addition to sculpture, Stratton creates bowls, boxes and furniture.

All three artists are inspired by and respond to nature in their own way to create unique reflections of our natural world.

Do not miss this exhibit from some of our most talented regional artists just because you do not have a plane to catch or a passenger to pick up. The lights in the gallery are always on and the airport offers free parking for the first hour. The gallery is located in the guest waiting area across from the airport restaurant. Meet a friend for lunch and enjoy the art in this beautiful gallery!

Quad City International Airport Gallery
2200 69th Ave. Moline, IL 61265
Open to the public and free admission with 1 hour free parking