Published: September 06, 2008 04:44 pm            

Work by artists Schinaia, Levan, Weir, Rodgers, Lynch on display in September

TERRE HAUTE — Artists Leigh Schinaia, Karen Levan, Doyne Weir, John Rodgers and Rebecca Lynch will have works on exhibit in September in the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets.

“Photographs only take a second to take, but a lifetime to perfect,” says Schinaia. She believes that everyone can, and has had the ability to take a great photo, but it is those who take the time to examine the world through the lens who can really appreciate the craft.

“Although photography is a big part of my life, it is only one aspect of what I love about the medium. The way you can capture a moment, a feeling, or spirit is the most inspiring aspect. I find myself looking at every moment in life and how to frame it. Especially since I studied filmmaking, I can’t even enjoy a simple movie anymore without thinking ‘That is a great camera angle’. … it is definitely a double-edged sword.”

Although Schinaia sees parts of the world as a great photography experience, she finds herself having to be inspired. “Sometimes I go months without feeling inspired to take a photograph, then other times taking pictures of everything.”

Her work can be seen on the Wabash Valley Art Guild’s Web site, along with many other local artists, at www.wabashvalleyartguild.org.

“Paint what you know best,” LeVan says, “seemed to be the sensible rule to follow,” when she started her artwork again four years ago. There was no dispute over what her subject might be, after an equine career, both personal and professional, that spanned 40 years. Currently, LeVan is exhibiting some of her artwork, through September, in the Maryland Church on Indiana 46. Call Jack Fox at (812) 234-7100, ext. 205 for more information. Or check out www.mccth.org.

Doyne Weir began painting in high school. An art teacher, Mrs. Irwin, encouraged Weir to continue her work. Most of Weir’s work is in oil. Weir’s cards are done in watercolor. She loves to paint animals.

Weir has exhibited at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and the Swope Gallery. She recently participated in the group showing at Coffee Grounds, sponsored by the Wabash Valley Art Guild.

Weir paints at the senior center every Monday under the instructions of Melody Miller.

Interested in art at an early age, John Rodgers started drawing cartoon characters at age 5. While in school, Rodgers was taught how to use oil and acrylic paint. “Acrylic is the paint of choice for me now. I use this medium on my paintings and coating my sculptures.”

Rodgers use polymer clay called “Super Sculpey” for figures and bobbleheads. The bobbleheads are popular with some of the Indy Car drivers.

Rodgers says, “I like to illustrate books. Two books came out two years ago. The first was called “ ‘I’ Is for Indy.” It is an A-Z book for kids, to teach them about the history of the Indy 500. The book was written by Indianapolis Motor Speedway radio chief announcer, Mike King. Rodgers illustrated the book from front to back cover. The second book was titled “The Many Faces of Old Glory.” This book was written by Vane Scott.

Rodgers enjoys painting miniatures. Instead of canvas, he uses bottlecaps and guitar picks to paint on. Country Weekly magazine did an article on his guitar picks, and the Indianapolis 500 Yearbook did an article on the bottlecaps.

Photography is Rebecca Lynch’s medium of choice. She earned an associate’s degree in May 2000 from Vincennes University and has a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.

Lynch’s series “Abandoned & Forgotten” is scheduled for exhibition in the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum, Paris, Ill., in 2010. “The ‘Abandoned & Forgotten’ series came about when I started taking an interest in the old, rundown buildings in the area. What I find interesting is the new shapes and textures the buildings take on after they have fallen and started to decay. I then started to notice and photograph other objects that had been abandoned as well. I wanted the images to be in black and white with a sepia tone. I want the viewer to see the shapes and textures without the distraction of color.” Lynch has received numerous awards for her work, including two first-, second- and third-place awards at the Clark County Fair; and Honorable Mention, 29th photography show, Romantic Traditions and 2008 Blackhawk Park Exhibit.

The artists are members of the Wabash Valley Art Guild. To learn more, visit www.wabashvalleyartguild.org.

In addition, view members’ work at the Raven Gallery at 817 Ohio St.

        

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