Three Strong Women art display

Thursday Mt. Pleasant Main Street Art Center host a reception of their April gallery artists.

Every month the Art Center hosts different artists in the back of the center’s gallery area.

April’s gallery boasts with art from “Three Strong Women,” Lorrilee Miller, Susie Morrison, and Dawn Wiley.

The exhibit is bursting with a variety of art from all three artist, which is available for purchase.

According to Miller pieces sold at the reception with the first five minutes and she advises anyone contemplating buying one of these one-of-a-kind works not to hesitate.

“If you don’t buy it the first time, it might already be sold when you come back,” said Miller.

“[Lorrilee’s] are the best ones,” said Wiley, an elementary teacher of 14 years.

Miller said that her art is “feeling lead,” as she pointed out Stomps on Crack’s inspiration of a young Miller frustratingly stomping on cracks after a disagreement with her mother.

The Blue Girl art features prominent use of blues and yellows as a nod to Ukraine.

“I will be doing more Blue Girl projects,” Miller said.

Other works of Miller’s express depression, hope, estrangement and even schizophrenia.

Miller struggled in her decision to hang this deeply personal piece due to the stigmas associated with schizophrenia.

“People should talk about it instead of sweeping it under the rug,” Miller said.

Attendees of the exhibit have reached out to Miller saying how much they appreciate her willingness to share on this subject.

Many of Miller’s fans appreciate being seen and understood.

Miller’s art was accompanied by seasoned artist Susie Morrison’s variety of work including “Through the Pale Pink Morning Light.”

Morrison says that this acrylic mono-print is one of her favorite pieces hanging in the gallery because it gives visuals to the words of the poem “Bone” by Mary Oliver.

“Bone” speaks about pale pinks with swooping imagery that contemplates what the soul might actually be.

Talent can also been seen in Dawn Wiley’s work.

Dawn is a retired art teacher who expresses her art in many forms, but has named her block print “Sunset on Flying Pond,” as her current favorite.

“I knew this would sell fast because the colors are so vibrant,” said Miller.

The Three Strong Women exhibit will be available for viewing through the end of April.

Next up on the Art Center’s calendar is Jane Shank.

Also in May, Miller will display a vacuum in the center’s window to stir up interest in the upcoming fundraiser War Sucks for Children.

Patrons are welcome to make donations now and are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for additional workshops and information about the project.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com