 She’s known for both her tiny illustrations and her huge murals in the Rockford area. And Beginning Feb. 1, from 5-8 p.m., Jenny Mathews will showcase her artistic talents at the Beloit Art Center, 520 E. Grand Ave. The public is invited to the show and artist reception with an artist talk about 6 p.m.
Mathews’ watercolor and acrylic pieces of such subjects as cactus, bumblebees, jellyfish, whales and clouds can be seen during the entire month of February in the Main Gallery. The exhibit is titled “Things We Cannot Touch.” In the smaller, Bell Gallery, colorful landscapes and seascapes will be shown created by the late, renowned artist Marek Kossiba. A Polish immigrant, he spent 20 years as a merchant marine and used his camera to capture photos he would later turn into paintings. He resided in Beloit from 1985-2018. Mathews is the owner of Rockford Illustrating and Art Director for Zombie Logic Press. During the past year she focused on hundreds of small illustrations for children’s books. She also created large murals. Her large work has been on display at the Rockford Art Museum, can currently be seen at the Discovery Center of Rockford and along Sinnissippi Park where she painted a basketball court on cement near the YMCA. Of her work, she says: “I make art as a way to connect with people I like and give them something of myself. Sometimes I illustrate jokes for pals, sometimes I’ll dedicate a whole series of paintings to a person or place as a way to prove my fondness.” Mathews is looking forward to her solo exhibit in Beloit. “I am excited to be in Beloit and the art scene that is happening there. I moved back to the Midwest about seven years ago right at the right time.” Mathews says she views the region as a renaissance area. “Beloit is a wonderful example of that.” The Beloit Art Center is open Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 608-313-9083. |