Patrons to feast on artwork

PRINCETON — The public is invited to a feast of art at the Princeton Public Library.

On March 1, more than 50 contributors will participate in the “From Both Sides” art exhibit at the Princeton Public Library. The exhibit will showcase student, amateur and professional artwork, as well as various art collections from area lenders in Princeton, Bureau County and northern Illinois.

The exhibit runs from March 1 through March 21, with each week having a variety of programs, including films, interviews, demonstrations and lectures. A special preview is planned for 7 p.m. Saturday at the 698 E. Peru St. library location.

On Wednesday, library curator Margaret Martinkus said the public is in for a real feast when they come to the exhibit.

In addition to the 50 contributors providing all sorts of art work for the exhibit, there are 20 art students from Princeton High School who have also donated artwork for the exhibit, Martinkus said.

“There is an amazing amount of talent represented at the exhibit, with water colors, oil paintings, pottery, beautiful landscapes and so much more,” Martinkus said “I think people will be amazed to see the wealth and talent we have here. Everything is unique. Artists are very different.  They don’t necessarily communicate in words, but visually they provide a feast.”

Not only is the artwork done by local artists, but many of the pieces also represent local sights, like the Soldiers and Sailors Park and the Kasbeer grain elevator, Martinkus said.

Local artist Bart Kassabaum has contributed several of his works depicting local scenes and is also donating a new work which is a map-type setting leading from the area covered bridges to the Princeton library.

For one of the coming programs, local artist Mary Win Norris will be interviewed at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the library. The long-time Princeton artist has taught art at various schools, retiring in the 1970s from Princeton High School. At age 95, Walters is still creating artwork from her home studio.

The work of sculptor Verne Shaffer will also be highlighted during the exhibit, Martinkus said. Shaffer, originally from Princeton, is an architect and artist, as well as former museum curator. Shaffer, who now lives in Princeton, is the creator of the “To A Water Fowl” sculptor which was displayed in Princeton’s South Main Street business district. The sculptor, which has been given by the city to the library, will be part of the “From Both Sides” exhibit and then permanently displayed at the library, Martinkus said.