Art knows no age, but ageless artists know art

Ageless Art is the appropriate name of the new exhibit at the Harrisburg District Library.

Filling the library downstairs is a wonderful display of artwork lovingly produced by the students in the adult art class that Southeastern Illinois College offers.

Taught by Libby Morecraft, the class meets in the basement of McKinley Avenue Baptist Church. Students range in age from 62 to 96. The current semester ends Dec 16; a new semester will begin in January, and new students are welcome.

Several pieces are for sale, with prices listed on the tags beside each painting. Any of the artwork would make a wonderful gift for the holiday season. Though the items continue to be on display until January.

Visitors to the library exhibit see examples of some of the weekly assignments the class has completed. They have been varied. For instance, one week the artists featured five common items, using any medium. Another week, pictures were made using crayons and a hair dryer. One of the most unusual assignments was to create book art.

The students whose work is featured are: Helen Abell, Janet Bixler, Mary Sue Ewing, Carolyn Miller, Reta Mitchell, Homer Pinkley, Mary Porter, Sandi Price, Jesse Rouse, Marie Reynolds, Linda Sellers, Rose Spence, Robin Stricklin, Gary Trammel, Ruth Wallace, and Lana Wiley. Morecraft also has work on display.

Some of these ageless artists have been producing art for many years; others are quite new at it. All show enthusiasm when talking about their artwork. No doubt each one has his or her own reasons for enjoying the creative process.

"You can't be anxious about anything when you are holding a paintbrush," commented Mary Sue Ewing.

Several photos of the art are posted online at www.dailyregister.com or you can visit the full exhibit at the Harrisburg Public Library. All are invited to meet and talk to the artists at a reception from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. on Jan. 17.