On Friday, March 14th NCI ARTworks hosted an opening reception for the work of Tony Seabolt and Jeanne O'Melia from 6 to 8pm in the historic Westclox building in Peru. The opening reception is always free and all are welcome.
Jeanne O’Melia Artist Statement:
"Creating art in a variety of media continues to be a major joy in my life. Whether with painting, found object collages, Papier-mâché', sculpture or cyanotype prints, life experiences fuel my imagination and are reflected in my art.
I enjoy life drawing. I use pen and ink on my travels, at concerts and in church. I have filled dozens of sketch books. Much of my work is drawn from sketches in these books. I use Papier-mâché to make figures for parades. Found objects become sculptures and collages of people and animals.
Twelve years ago we moved back to my childhood home on the farm north of Princeton, Illinois. I've discovered old photos as well as toys I played with as a child. It's a whole new source of inspiration!"
In addition to the opening reception on March 14 from 6 to 8pm, the NCI ARTworks will be open to the public for private viewing by appointment. To view and purchase the items on exhibit or on this website, please email [email protected] to schedule a time.
Tony Seabolt Artist Statement
Born in 1968, Moline, IL, currently living in Rock Island, IL.
"Most known for my abstract works that consist of acrylic paintings and drawings that are a mixture of surrealism,
cubism and Gestalt psychology, in that they have elements that draw the viewer in and allow them to see things that their own imagination creates. I also do realism work, portraits, landscapes, and automobile themed works.
My experience comes from 35+ years of experimenting and working under other artists and my studies at Black Hawk College from 1986-87. I have acquired a vast knowledge of art through self-study, although I would not consider myself to be
self-taught, because I was given the knowledge of methods and mediums through various mentors. In the end I have created my own visual language and style which is easily recognizable even as it changes and evolves.In recent years I have shown my works at Gallery West, Stardog Gallery, Galleria at Bucktown, Sol-Iron Gallery, The Artery, Gallery 114 and have participated in many MidCoast Art’s events. My works are included in many private collections, both nationally and internationally.
Through my personal growth as an artist the works I have created as of late are giving me the most fulfillment. Reaching into my past and present influences with music, design and archetypes. From early moderns, mid-century, and Bauhaus I found my building blocks. Can you see jazz music, buildings and creatures? it is completely open to your interpretation all
in a playful exploration of color and shapes that in my hopes stimulate our senses in a playful exiting way.
I am also taking these designs into a sculptural realm in the future with a few examples at this current time. The future of this style and my ideas seams limitless an provides me with great enjoyment because it is stress reducing and somewhat meditational. I hope you enjoy it!"
Jeanne O’Melia Artist Statement:
"Creating art in a variety of media continues to be a major joy in my life. Whether with painting, found object collages, Papier-mâché', sculpture or cyanotype prints, life experiences fuel my imagination and are reflected in my art.
I enjoy life drawing. I use pen and ink on my travels, at concerts and in church. I have filled dozens of sketch books. Much of my work is drawn from sketches in these books. I use Papier-mâché to make figures for parades. Found objects become sculptures and collages of people and animals.
Twelve years ago we moved back to my childhood home on the farm north of Princeton, Illinois. I've discovered old photos as well as toys I played with as a child. It's a whole new source of inspiration!"
In addition to the opening reception on March 14 from 6 to 8pm, the NCI ARTworks will be open to the public for private viewing by appointment. To view and purchase the items on exhibit or on this website, please email [email protected] to schedule a time.
Tony Seabolt Artist Statement
Born in 1968, Moline, IL, currently living in Rock Island, IL.
"Most known for my abstract works that consist of acrylic paintings and drawings that are a mixture of surrealism,
cubism and Gestalt psychology, in that they have elements that draw the viewer in and allow them to see things that their own imagination creates. I also do realism work, portraits, landscapes, and automobile themed works.
My experience comes from 35+ years of experimenting and working under other artists and my studies at Black Hawk College from 1986-87. I have acquired a vast knowledge of art through self-study, although I would not consider myself to be
self-taught, because I was given the knowledge of methods and mediums through various mentors. In the end I have created my own visual language and style which is easily recognizable even as it changes and evolves.In recent years I have shown my works at Gallery West, Stardog Gallery, Galleria at Bucktown, Sol-Iron Gallery, The Artery, Gallery 114 and have participated in many MidCoast Art’s events. My works are included in many private collections, both nationally and internationally.
Through my personal growth as an artist the works I have created as of late are giving me the most fulfillment. Reaching into my past and present influences with music, design and archetypes. From early moderns, mid-century, and Bauhaus I found my building blocks. Can you see jazz music, buildings and creatures? it is completely open to your interpretation all
in a playful exploration of color and shapes that in my hopes stimulate our senses in a playful exiting way.
I am also taking these designs into a sculptural realm in the future with a few examples at this current time. The future of this style and my ideas seams limitless an provides me with great enjoyment because it is stress reducing and somewhat meditational. I hope you enjoy it!"