artist of the month
Kimberly McCutchan is from Aledo, Illinois, and is our Artist of the Month. She shares a glimpse of how she produces her art and offers a lovely selection on display at the center.
"I create botanical collages using pressed and dried plant materials, original photos and vintage papers. My hope is for people to see the intricate design and beauty that exists in nature, and enjoy bringing a bit of the outdoors into their homes. Natural materials will change over time and the color can eventually fade, but botanical collage is about more than color. It is also about the texture, design and shape of the plants used."
The collages are framed with UV protective glazing. She also uses Winsor and Newton professional watercolors and acrylics.
"I create botanical collages using pressed and dried plant materials, original photos and vintage papers. My hope is for people to see the intricate design and beauty that exists in nature, and enjoy bringing a bit of the outdoors into their homes. Natural materials will change over time and the color can eventually fade, but botanical collage is about more than color. It is also about the texture, design and shape of the plants used."
The collages are framed with UV protective glazing. She also uses Winsor and Newton professional watercolors and acrylics.
CHANGING GALLERY
Art that celebrates nature is on display throughout the Botanical Center. A variety of mediums are featured in the hanging displays that change frequently during the year. Share your art by completing the call for entry form.
Mississippi valley quilters guild
The Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild has quilts on display inside the Botanical Center during Winter Nights Winter Lights. Read the full artist’s statement for each quilt when you visit the exhibit, which is included with admission to Winter Nights Winter Lights.
PERMANENT ART
GENERATION TO GENERATION
Commissioned and funded by Mrs. Isadora Katz, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Harris, and Mr. & Mrs. Zeivel Harris, in honor of Ann and Ben Harris, is the creation of artist Karoly Veress, a Hungarian sculptor. The bronze sculpture is an abstract form with a plant-like feel, and sections that appear to be growing. Over twelve feet tall, the sculpture is mounted near our reflecting pond in the South Gardens.
Artist’s statement: This sculpture reflects the vertical accumulation of the contributions of generations, striving for the highest, thereby building our culture. The four components grow upward, and support and embrace one another. To me, this is a metaphor of the living culture itself. A culture is flourishing and it is growing as long as we contribute to it, adding and changing the existing environment. It is important to contribute with great respect for our past and great responsibility for the future generations. Behind our contribution is the drive of self manifestation. If we contribute, we can keep our culture alive, and are able to create continually. But only here and now, at this spot and in this moment are we the closest to eternity. And please let us realize that every day in our life is an opportunity to mark our sot and make our fingerprint eternal.
Artist’s statement: This sculpture reflects the vertical accumulation of the contributions of generations, striving for the highest, thereby building our culture. The four components grow upward, and support and embrace one another. To me, this is a metaphor of the living culture itself. A culture is flourishing and it is growing as long as we contribute to it, adding and changing the existing environment. It is important to contribute with great respect for our past and great responsibility for the future generations. Behind our contribution is the drive of self manifestation. If we contribute, we can keep our culture alive, and are able to create continually. But only here and now, at this spot and in this moment are we the closest to eternity. And please let us realize that every day in our life is an opportunity to mark our sot and make our fingerprint eternal.
THE TOWER OF SHAMBALAH
Created and donated by John R. Vandewalle, this metal sculpture is found in the planting island in the middle of our circle drive, drawing the eye upward, and casting playful shadows on the perfectly manicured lawn.
Artist’s statement: I was born and raised on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities in Rock Island. I attended Rock Island High School and was instructed by teachers who were kind enough to instruct method without pushing their own ideas, allowing the student’s creative process to show. My formal study comes from Black Hawk College and Augustana College, where I graduated with a degree in Art. My formal study will never stop; I hope to continue to evolve with the help of my family and former teachers who will be influences for life. Being from the Quad Cities I am influenced by the prairie, the river, and the four seasons that change them. In this area we are fortunate enough to see nature in so many ways, it is our provider. It provides me with inspiration and the materials that I work with. Thank you for taking the time to stop and look at my pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them for you.
Artist’s statement: I was born and raised on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities in Rock Island. I attended Rock Island High School and was instructed by teachers who were kind enough to instruct method without pushing their own ideas, allowing the student’s creative process to show. My formal study comes from Black Hawk College and Augustana College, where I graduated with a degree in Art. My formal study will never stop; I hope to continue to evolve with the help of my family and former teachers who will be influences for life. Being from the Quad Cities I am influenced by the prairie, the river, and the four seasons that change them. In this area we are fortunate enough to see nature in so many ways, it is our provider. It provides me with inspiration and the materials that I work with. Thank you for taking the time to stop and look at my pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them for you.
BIRTH OF A DOLPHIN
By Bruce Turnbull, donated in honor by Jean Walgren
This sculpture is located in the Sun Garden.
This sculpture is located in the Sun Garden.
