Tricia Coulter

Max Wilke

Rodolfo Salgado, Jr

Birdhouses by Tricia Coulson, Modernist Elements by Max Wilke, and Systematic Aspiration by Rodolfo Salgado, Jr.
Quad City Arts Gallery, Rock Island
May 24-July 5, 2013
RECEPTION: Friday, May 24, 7-9 pm

From May 24 through July 5, Quad City Arts’ Rock Island Gallery will feature works by LeClaire artist, Tricia Coulson; Brodhead, WI artist Max Wilke; and Iowa City artist Rolofo Salgado, Jr.

Tricia Coulson is known as a fiber artist. For her that means beginning with pieces of fabric and traditional sewing materials, then stamping, cutting, piecing, sewing pieces together, sewing embellishments to the surface and then forming the work into its final shape. In this exhibit, Coulson explores the shapes and notions of houses for birds. Each individual wall hung piece depicts a variation of this theme.

Max Wilke is also very interested in textural materials and the ideas he can convey through their use. Using bubble wrap to suggest a grid, and paper with ceramic stucco patch to create gestural elements, he then paints everything metallic gray to unify the paintings and bring out the texture. This body of work is titled “Modernist Elements” and Wilke explains that the work is “about the categorization of themes from Modern Art, reexamined in the contemporary setting.

Rodolfo Salgado, Jr. has turned his interest in “the beauty and serenity of bodily functions” into works of art created through printmaking as well as ceramic sculptures. “Systematic Aspiration” explores the organic forms inspired by the functions of the body and industrial mechanisms that resemble our organs. He explains that “the imagined worlds in my ceramic, print and sculptural works create a system in which commercial and organic forms function together.”
This is highly textured exhibit will be a feast for the senses.

The public is welcome to attend the opening reception on May 24 from 7-9 pm.

Quad City Arts Gallery
1715 Second Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201
Open to the public & free admission Tues. - Fri. 10 am to 5 pm; Sat. 11 am to 5 pm; (Mondays by appointment only)

Yew Trees by Greg Thatcher

Late Nights by Samantha Haring

990 Yellow Boxes by Steve Sinner

Energy by Patricia Armato

Drawings by Greg Thatcher, paintings by Samantha Haring, Wood turnings by Steve Sinner, and Stone sculpture by Patricia Armato
May 7 - June 27, 2013
Quad City International Airport Gallery, 2200 69th Ave., Moline, IL

Exhibiting in May and June at the Quad City International airport gallery is Greg Thatcher from Fairfield, Iowa, Samantha Haring of DeKalb, IL, Steve Sinner from Bettendorf, IA and Patricia Armato, of Chicago.

Thatcher spends anywhere from 300-650 hours creating large, detailed drawings of Yew trees. Most of the images were created on location in St. Mary’s churchyard in Painswick, England, where he works each summer. “These drawings are non-compromising, specific, literal examples of what I actually see and experience,” states Thatcher. “These drawings require an immense amount of dedication, focus, and concentration. I have a deep relationship with the trees and my goal is to manifest my experience, love and appreciation of these wonderful friends into vital living works of art.”

Samantha Haring is also interested in capturing her surroundings with accuracy. She describes her paintings as “quiet, intimate meditations on humble objects and the detritus of studio life. The process of methodically considering light and color is my way of understanding the world and my ever-evolving place in it.” She goes on to say that her goal is “to promote a reengagement with the mundane by bringing life to scenes that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

Visitors will want to take some time to appreciate the careful mark-making each artist uses to convey the importance of everyday things.

Steve Sinner’s wood turned works have been exhibited throughout the world and are sought after by collectors. His finely turned vessels often feature special surface effects such as drawings by other artists, gold and silver leaf, and applications of ink. Sinner states, “The presence of order, repetition, efficiency, simplicity, and quality in my work are a reflection of my fascination with manufacturing processes. I also have sought to collaborate with gifted artists who are able to complement my desire to reflect our culture.”

Patricia Armato creates stone sculptures through traditional methods. She starts with a drawing or uses a maquette for reference. Then, using a hammer and chisels, she defines the shape of the piece. Forms are then refined with rasps and sandpaper, and finally treated with marble polish. Her work is largely influenced by the curves and sensual lines found in the female figure.

Do not miss this exhibit from some of our most talented regional artists just because you do not have a plane to catch or a passenger to pick up. The lights in the gallery are always on. The gallery is located in the guest waiting area across from the airport restaurant. Meet a friend for lunch and enjoy the art in this beautiful gallery! Parking is just $1.00.

Quad City International Airport Gallery
2200 69th Ave. Moline, IL 61265
Open to the public