Nature photographer displayed at Art IMPACT Gallery

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery at the public library welcomes their new feature artist, Kathleen Casteel for February and March.

Casteel shares her very first photography exhibit containing photos that Art IMPACT describes as, “breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.”

“I grew up with a rural background, typical of small town Iowa,” Casteel wrote for her artist introduction.

Casteel holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature — Secondary Education from Iowa Wesleyan University and a Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education from Drake University.

Her mother’s passion for painting and crafts along with the photography of nature artists like Ansel Adams, Frank Hurley, Frans Lanting and Erin Babnik inspire Casteel’s work.

“As a lifelong traveler, Casteel has explored the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and has found something she loves everywhere she has gone,” an Arts IMPACT news release states.

Through a love for traveling coupled with her passion for “freezing moments of time that may never come again,” Casteel creates her art.

According to Arts IMPACT, Casteel works with many art media including photography, multimedia art, drawing, painting, crafting, and even writing.

Casteel makes her own holiday cards and shares her special pieces of art with family and friends. She often uses watercolors for this art.

In addition to her talent as a visual artist, Casteel writes and shares some of her writings with the Mt. Pleasant Scribblers.

At an October meeting of the Scribblers, Casteel shared writings about her family and traveling adventures.

“Those adventures included her first time seeing an ocean and learning about lobstering…,” the October Scribblers’ update said.

According to the update, Casteel’s writing about her grandfather showcased and obvious love of a granddaughter for her grandfather.

Casteel’s photography exhibit is available for viewing during normal library hours.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com