Senior art display at Harrisburg library celebrates Illinois' 200th anniversary

HARRISBURG - In honor of the state's 200th birthday this year, Southeastern Illinois College's senior art class assembled an exhibit titled All Things Illinois.

After having been shown at the college, the display is now up at Harrisburg District Library, where it may be seen any time the library is open unless the downstairs conference room is in use.

The class of fifteen is taught by Libby Morecraft. Several members of the group have been enrolled in the class for years; they say the camaraderie keeps them coming as much as the art. Those with work up at the library include: Diane Berry, Janet Bixler, Mary Sue Ewing, Reta Mitchell, Homer Pinkley, Sandi Price, Jesse Rouse and Linda Sellers, as well as the instructor.

Those viewing the art will probably first notice a life-size standing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, created by Jesse Rouse by following Lincoln's dimensions. There are a few other Lincoln portraits.

Visitors should look for depictions of the state tree, state bird, state insect, as well as notable local buildings and rural scenes. The work is in a variety of genres - acrylic, watercolor, pencil, clay, and fabric. Most pictures will be familiar to our library patrons. Some are historic, such as the drawing of the first statehouse in Kaskaskia.

Landmarks included are Heron Pond, Camel Rock and Stoneface. One unique picture is a state map consisting of jumping corn genes. Some of the work reflects our Native American heritage.

The exhibit will be up until Jan. 13, when a reception honoring the artists will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Some of the work is for sale, as marked.