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Art show featuring Craig Fleece at Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT Mini Gallery now open
Explore the impressionistic art of 2023 Battle of the Brushes All Stars Winner Craig Fleece in Mt. Pleasant from March through April
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT is thrilled to announce an art exhibition by renowned artist and educator, Craig Fleece at the mini gallery at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library. Fleece’s work, showcasing his latest works and offering visitors an immersive artistic experience, will be displayed through March and April.
Drawing deeply from his experiences in nature and outdoor adventures, Fleece translates the healing essence of wild places into vibrant interpretations on canvas. His creative journey begins in the landscape itself, where he captures the immediacy of each location through plein air oil painting and sketching.
Later, Fleece transforms these initial studies into more elaborate works in his studio, merging the raw energy of direct observation with his distinctive artistic style. This process results in pieces that not only share the profound beauty of these moments but also serve as an invitation to viewers to embrace their own adventures rather than postponing them to some distant future.
The exhibition, titled "Vanscapes," invites viewers into an exploration of landscapes and travel narratives captured during Fleece's wanderings. The Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery will become a portal for shared adventure, providing a unique viewing experience for all who attend.
The gallery is open during regular library hours, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays until 5 p.m., and Saturdays until 2 p.m., offering ample opportunity for visitors to explore Fleece's captivating works.
Fleece's artistic practice embraces a vibrant and bold style that fuses abstract expressionism with contemporary pop art and Fauvist elements. His works are characterized by strong outlines and fluid, organic forms, and emphasize emotional resonance over strict realism through the use of saturated, often non-representational colors.
Drawing inspiration from Southwestern landscapes with their rich reds, oranges, and earthy tones, Fleece's interpretation of these desert scenes takes on a distinctive psychedelic and dreamlike quality, infused with a consistent sense of whimsy and playfulness that defines his artistic voice.
An accomplished artist and educator, Fleece has dedicated over a decade to arts education while maintaining an active creative practice. He is a graduate of the Iowa Wesleyan University Art Education program and is proud to bring this show to the Mt. Pleasant community.
Recently, Fleece won the 2023 "Battle of the Brushes All Stars" Live Painting Competition, and his impact on arts education spans from teaching K-12 students to serving as Board Secretary at the Art Center of Burlington. Currently serving as an Education Specialist and Adjunct Professor at Mount Mercy University and West Burlington Independent School District, Fleece combines his artistic practice with educational leadership to foster innovative learning environments and inspire the next generation of artists.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the enchanting works of Craig Fleece at the Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the public library.
For more information, visit https://www.craigfleece.com/.
