NCI ARTworks is set to charm art enthusiasts with its latest exhibition, “A Brush with Art,” launching with an opening reception on December 13, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Westclox Building. This vibrant showcase highlights the artistic prowess of local talents Bill Swisher, Earlene Campbell, and Gayle Akerman. Each artist brings a unique perspective, from Swisher’s nautical-inspired paintings to Campbell’s whimsical, vibrant creatures and Akerman’s enchanting scenes capturing the beauty in everyday life. This free exhibition promises a mesmerizing exploration of art and creativity, inviting the community to engage with the works of these talented individuals.
Born and raised in Mendota, Illinois, Spring Valley resident Bill Swisher always loved art and its many mediums. As a young man, he took lessons from talented local instructors, including Victor Wedemyer who was a teacher in Mendota High School and portrait artist Edith Steincross who was a neighbor in Mendota. In addition, he often sketched and painted the sites that he visited as a sailor in the US Navy. Images from ports of call abound in his artistic repertoire: Haiti, Venice, France, Italy, Greece.
Gayle Akerman’s artwork is inspired by her experiences, both abroad and at home. She is intrigued by the small wonders of everyday life, finding beauty in everything from an old, weathered fence post, the last rose of summer, or a street scene in Italy. As a child, Gayle was encouraged to develop her skills by her art teacher who gave her an old canvas over which she painted a self-portrait that won first place in a local competition. As she matured, she began working in oil and has produced hundreds of paintings in both acrylics and oil.
Princeton-area artist Earlene Campbell began painting as a young woman and as she entered her seventh decade, she began concentrating primarily on subjects that made her—and everyone around her—smile. Many of her paintings are whimsical, featuring fantastical creatures depicted in bright, vibrant colors. As she honed her skills watching YouTube videos, she discovered pour painting. She then began to produce art with this medium, creating a successful small business she called “Art After 80” as a delightful play on words referring to her age and her location (near Route 80). Her approach to pour painting is different from traditional paint pours in that she uses the pour as the base for creating realistic images on the poured canvas. Her work graces the homes and businesses of many local residents.
