Joan Webster-Vore, (b. 1954) grew up in Rockford, IL and earned her MFA in Design at the University of Iowa.
She has spent countless hours painting and drawing from nature trying to capture the ever changing, ephemeral, illusive quality of water or observing the cornfield across the road from where she lives in Hudson, Iowa. These drawings and paintings inform her mixed media work which investigates incorporating drawing and painting with three-dimensional structures that consider the environment. www.joanwebstervore.com
She has spent countless hours painting and drawing from nature trying to capture the ever changing, ephemeral, illusive quality of water or observing the cornfield across the road from where she lives in Hudson, Iowa. These drawings and paintings inform her mixed media work which investigates incorporating drawing and painting with three-dimensional structures that consider the environment. www.joanwebstervore.com
Lisa L. Mahar has been honing her craft as an artist for over twenty years. She is a self-taught artist who paints whimsical designs on repurposed furniture and canvas. She creates one of a kind assemblages and sculptures out of found objects ranging from discarded scraps of metal to game pieces to toys. “I find great joy in creating and trying new techniques and love the reaction from patrons, when I use their donated objects to create unique pieces of art. My art can be found in homes from New England to California and in local and regional venues. My goal as a woman and an artist is to be kind to others and to put happiness and joy out into the world. I hope that my art gives people as much joy as it does me when I create it.”
Lori Roderick
The vessels in this exhibit were created to celebrate 100 years of women's right to vote in America. They are part of a series that was inspired by famous suffragists. Each was an attempt to reveal the differing attitudes of grit and determination that were (and are) required to spend a generation or more fighting for human rights and social justice.
All the vessels and sculptures I make are built by using the very simple and old hand building techniques of pinching and coiling. I use coils of terracotta (low fire) clay and build each hollow piece from the bottom up. I paddle, carve or otherwise leave marks that hint at the hand of the creator and react in interesting ways with the layers of glazes. Pieces are fired in my Rock Island home studio kiln multiple times until I am satisfied with the depth of the color and surface.
The best part of making art is sending it out into the world to make other people happy. Enjoy!
The vessels in this exhibit were created to celebrate 100 years of women's right to vote in America. They are part of a series that was inspired by famous suffragists. Each was an attempt to reveal the differing attitudes of grit and determination that were (and are) required to spend a generation or more fighting for human rights and social justice.
All the vessels and sculptures I make are built by using the very simple and old hand building techniques of pinching and coiling. I use coils of terracotta (low fire) clay and build each hollow piece from the bottom up. I paddle, carve or otherwise leave marks that hint at the hand of the creator and react in interesting ways with the layers of glazes. Pieces are fired in my Rock Island home studio kiln multiple times until I am satisfied with the depth of the color and surface.
The best part of making art is sending it out into the world to make other people happy. Enjoy!
Kristin Garnant
With a background in graphic arts I have dealt with the design and construction of books, black and white photography, letterpress and offset printing. I have used portions of my design background to create pieces in metal. The distinct quality of steel and the combinations of textures reveal unique compositions much like the layering of fine handmade papers. Reinterpreting ideas in metal can turn the most ordinary form on its head and give it a distinctly new identity. I enjoy envisioning this transformation and witnessing all the twists and turns that often take the piece into a completely different realm from the one I had planned on. It is this creative unfolding of each piece that has captured my interest in this form.
With a background in graphic arts I have dealt with the design and construction of books, black and white photography, letterpress and offset printing. I have used portions of my design background to create pieces in metal. The distinct quality of steel and the combinations of textures reveal unique compositions much like the layering of fine handmade papers. Reinterpreting ideas in metal can turn the most ordinary form on its head and give it a distinctly new identity. I enjoy envisioning this transformation and witnessing all the twists and turns that often take the piece into a completely different realm from the one I had planned on. It is this creative unfolding of each piece that has captured my interest in this form.
Judy Bales has exhibited her work in over 75 group and solo exhibitions, both national and international. She has worked in diverse artistic endeavors, including public art, fiber art, installation and avant garde fashion design. During the 2000’s she completed 10 public art projects in the Midwest and southwest and competed as a finalist in 12 major projects nationwide. Since 2010 she has been passionate about art as fashion and has participated in Omaha Fashion Week yearly since 2015 as well as in numerous other fashion events.
Bales, who received both her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Georgia, majored in painting as an undergraduate and completed her post-graduate work in fiber art. This combination of very distinct even unlike disciplines has served her well and helps to explain her broad range of art forms. While closer to a fiber artist in her choice of materials, she approaches her art more like an abstract painter, relying on improvisation and painterly techniques rather than the more precise, controlled approach traditionally favored by fiber artists.
Bales is an experienced educator and frequently gives artist lectures or workshops at colleges and universities. She is the recipient of numerous grants for individual and group projects.
Bales, who received both her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Georgia, majored in painting as an undergraduate and completed her post-graduate work in fiber art. This combination of very distinct even unlike disciplines has served her well and helps to explain her broad range of art forms. While closer to a fiber artist in her choice of materials, she approaches her art more like an abstract painter, relying on improvisation and painterly techniques rather than the more precise, controlled approach traditionally favored by fiber artists.
Bales is an experienced educator and frequently gives artist lectures or workshops at colleges and universities. She is the recipient of numerous grants for individual and group projects.
Elizabeth Rhoads Read graduated from Cornell College with a degree in art and political science. She has spent over 50 years creating, exhibiting and teaching art. Her work has been exhibited and is included in both the U.S. and abroad. A reviewer wrote about Elizabeth’s work, “[it] recalls the late post minimalist artist Eva Hesse in it’s combination of minimalist sensibility with abject items”. She currently lives and works in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Her work uses simple materials such as paper, discarded fabric and abject items to create organic sculptures. The assemblage of rearranged fragments and their relationships of the parts is her language. Elizabeth’s eye for composition and compulsion for texture invoke the sense of recesses and secret hiding places; spaces that pull one in for shelter. Her pieces create illusive light, interspersed space and speculation beyond the boundaries of the medium. Her philosophy is to immerse herself in textures and tones to express the intensity of human emotions.
Her current work is continually evolving, informed by her experiences and mediums she encounters. To Elizabeth, art is everywhere and if the viewer is open to that profound belief, the simplicity and directness of her materials and techniques are refreshing in this complicated world.
Her work uses simple materials such as paper, discarded fabric and abject items to create organic sculptures. The assemblage of rearranged fragments and their relationships of the parts is her language. Elizabeth’s eye for composition and compulsion for texture invoke the sense of recesses and secret hiding places; spaces that pull one in for shelter. Her pieces create illusive light, interspersed space and speculation beyond the boundaries of the medium. Her philosophy is to immerse herself in textures and tones to express the intensity of human emotions.
Her current work is continually evolving, informed by her experiences and mediums she encounters. To Elizabeth, art is everywhere and if the viewer is open to that profound belief, the simplicity and directness of her materials and techniques are refreshing in this complicated world.
Kathleen Washington has been creating art since childhood, but at the age of 40, decided to get some formal training. She attended Blackhawk College and studied under the late Jean Tamisia. “I am inspired by everything on this earth. Picasso is a never-ending source of ideas and inspiration.” Kathleen is proficient in many mediums including chalk, acrylic, wood and clay
Stephanie J. Baugh is an interdisciplinary artist living in Monmouth, Illinois. She was born and grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and also lived in Florida and Georgia before moving to Monmouth fifteen years ago. She teaches Graphic Design and other foundational studio art courses at Monmouth College, where she also serves as Co-Coordinator for the First-Year Experience course, Gallery Director, and Co-Chair of the Art Department. Visit Stephanie's website to see more examples of her artwork or to view her CV or exhibition record.
Karen Brinson was born into a Mennonite farming community in Lancaster, PA, raised in Southern Minnesota, and attended art school in South Carolina where she attained her Bachelors in Art and her Masters in Studio Art. Karen also attended Penland School of Crafts for continuing educations classes. For twelve years, Karen taught and was the three-dimensional art department head at a university in South Carolina. After moving to Iowa, she taught at the Family Museum and Figge Art Museum.
Robert Henri once said “Art is not an outside extra thing but being in that state of mind that makes art inevitable. Who we are and what we value comes out in what we do.” Brinson adds, “As a farmer’s daughter, I was always aware of the seasons. When your living depends on seeds and weather, one learns life doesn’t always go as planned. Learning to working with mishaps often provides a serendipitous direction to my work.”
Robert Henri once said “Art is not an outside extra thing but being in that state of mind that makes art inevitable. Who we are and what we value comes out in what we do.” Brinson adds, “As a farmer’s daughter, I was always aware of the seasons. When your living depends on seeds and weather, one learns life doesn’t always go as planned. Learning to working with mishaps often provides a serendipitous direction to my work.”
Justine Zimmer
Sculptor/arts activist Justine Zimmer received her MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of Iowa in 1999. In 1997, she co-founded Studiolo, an Iowa City Fine Art and Craft Gallery which closed in 2002.
She is the creator of Dorothy, the tornado sculpture at the Dubuque Street entrance of the pedestrian mall, representing the "Cultural Epicenter" of Iowa City. She has exhibited her work in juried competitions and invitational exhibitions throughout the United States. Justine is well known locally for her efforts in the drive to save and restore the historic Englert Civic Theater.
Her sculptures are hand woven or hammered using primarily copper/aluminum wire, sheet metal and mesh. Occasionally other materials or found objects are used as embellishments.
Sculptor/arts activist Justine Zimmer received her MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of Iowa in 1999. In 1997, she co-founded Studiolo, an Iowa City Fine Art and Craft Gallery which closed in 2002.
She is the creator of Dorothy, the tornado sculpture at the Dubuque Street entrance of the pedestrian mall, representing the "Cultural Epicenter" of Iowa City. She has exhibited her work in juried competitions and invitational exhibitions throughout the United States. Justine is well known locally for her efforts in the drive to save and restore the historic Englert Civic Theater.
Her sculptures are hand woven or hammered using primarily copper/aluminum wire, sheet metal and mesh. Occasionally other materials or found objects are used as embellishments.
Hilde DeBruyne
Born in Belgium to a family of artists, Hilde DeBruyne possesses the innate ability to transform clay into timeless works of art. The daughter of sculptor Paul DeBruyne, her childhood home was a museum of artifacts spanning the globe-from African masks to remnants of Gothic Cathedrals. This fostered a love for beautiful and meaningful things.
She studied art history and archeology at the university of Ghent. It became her passion.
Her rather abstract works reflect nature and the authenticity of the cycle of life. Fragments of the feminine form emerge inspired by the simple and organic features of rock formations, pebbles and weathered wood.
The essence of her work is felt in the touch and texture. Layers of slip, grog and clay with embedded marks, careless scratches, and prominent lines adorn the exterior. Often there is a sharp contrast between the smooth and rough surfaces, open and closed forms, perfection and imperfection celebrating the weathering of time. Her work is also executed in steel and bronze.
Her work is in public and private collections and international exhibitions. She resides in rural Iowa with her family.
Born in Belgium to a family of artists, Hilde DeBruyne possesses the innate ability to transform clay into timeless works of art. The daughter of sculptor Paul DeBruyne, her childhood home was a museum of artifacts spanning the globe-from African masks to remnants of Gothic Cathedrals. This fostered a love for beautiful and meaningful things.
She studied art history and archeology at the university of Ghent. It became her passion.
Her rather abstract works reflect nature and the authenticity of the cycle of life. Fragments of the feminine form emerge inspired by the simple and organic features of rock formations, pebbles and weathered wood.
The essence of her work is felt in the touch and texture. Layers of slip, grog and clay with embedded marks, careless scratches, and prominent lines adorn the exterior. Often there is a sharp contrast between the smooth and rough surfaces, open and closed forms, perfection and imperfection celebrating the weathering of time. Her work is also executed in steel and bronze.
Her work is in public and private collections and international exhibitions. She resides in rural Iowa with her family.
Liz Wakita was born in Iowa, enjoying rural life, but escaping to metropolitan life through books and imagination. As a young girl of eight, she dreamed of being an artist in New York City. It wasn’t until she moved to Colorado in her adulthood that being an artist became a serious endeavor.
The art of Liz Wakita spans decades. Wakita began her art career creating figurative bronze sculptures at The Loveland Academy of Arts in Loveland, Colorado. Sculptures like “An Eternal Bond”, a sculpture of a woman holding a baby to her bosom” and “God’s Heavenly Gift”, a piece that captured the tender moment of a man and woman holding their newborn child in their arms, exemplify her commitment to honor women and the family. A sculpture of a volleyball player in motion, “Giving It Her All”, was inspired by the enthusiasm of her daughter playing volleyball in high-school.
Colorado State University studio classes introduced the artist to many aspects of art from drawing to print making to painting; but it was one assignment in a drawing class that would be the motivation for the artist’s present day works. That assignment was to replicate 20 great works of art by famous artists. The stimulating experience to capture the likeness of famous artists fuels her passion today, as she copies the artworks of her favorite artists, Monet and other Impressionists.
During her senior year at Colorado State, Wakita experimented with heavy textures on large canvases. A new wave of creativity brought fun and fantasy to the canvas. The artist was enthralled with these imagined foreign landscapes that existed somewhere in the universe, yet to be discovered. These unknown planets were depicted with vibrant colors and 3-D effects on large canvases often six feet square or larger, appropriately called her “Other World Series”. Ten large paintings of the “other worlds” series were later donated to Truman University, Missouri.
Today, the artist has returned to Iowa and continues creating colorful paintings. The artist divides her time between impressionistic-representational landscapes and her abstract work on a second series of “other worlds”. In the artist’s own words: “Each style of painting gives me the satisfaction of creating art and the reward of imitating life as well as imaging life beyond what I can see”.
The art of Liz Wakita spans decades. Wakita began her art career creating figurative bronze sculptures at The Loveland Academy of Arts in Loveland, Colorado. Sculptures like “An Eternal Bond”, a sculpture of a woman holding a baby to her bosom” and “God’s Heavenly Gift”, a piece that captured the tender moment of a man and woman holding their newborn child in their arms, exemplify her commitment to honor women and the family. A sculpture of a volleyball player in motion, “Giving It Her All”, was inspired by the enthusiasm of her daughter playing volleyball in high-school.
Colorado State University studio classes introduced the artist to many aspects of art from drawing to print making to painting; but it was one assignment in a drawing class that would be the motivation for the artist’s present day works. That assignment was to replicate 20 great works of art by famous artists. The stimulating experience to capture the likeness of famous artists fuels her passion today, as she copies the artworks of her favorite artists, Monet and other Impressionists.
During her senior year at Colorado State, Wakita experimented with heavy textures on large canvases. A new wave of creativity brought fun and fantasy to the canvas. The artist was enthralled with these imagined foreign landscapes that existed somewhere in the universe, yet to be discovered. These unknown planets were depicted with vibrant colors and 3-D effects on large canvases often six feet square or larger, appropriately called her “Other World Series”. Ten large paintings of the “other worlds” series were later donated to Truman University, Missouri.
Today, the artist has returned to Iowa and continues creating colorful paintings. The artist divides her time between impressionistic-representational landscapes and her abstract work on a second series of “other worlds”. In the artist’s own words: “Each style of painting gives me the satisfaction of creating art and the reward of imitating life as well as imaging life beyond what I can see”.
