News and Events
Mertz Show at Uof IL Alumni Center
January 10, 2008Jan 10-July ‘08
“Global Warming—One Person-At-A-Time”
An exhibit of 9 paintings from travels around the globe:
Nancie King Mertz U of IL—Urbana, BFA in Painting 1974, MA in Painting, Eastern IL Univ. 1977
Alice Campbell Alumni Center
University of Illinois Alumni Association
601 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801
M-F 8:30-5, weekends 10-2, some evenings: 217-333-1648
This show is dedicated to the memory of my “Illini Dad”, John Barlow King, who proudly sent 2 of his children to Illinois, was president of the Illini Dad’s Assoc., active in the Quarterback Club and wore orange throughout Illinois’ football & basketball seasons. We often passed the Alice Campbell Alumni Center before completion as we drove to Carle for his chemo treatments. Without fail, he would say, “that’s a perfect place to show your paintings one day.” Out of the blue this summer the Alumni Association called with just that request. Somehow, I think Dad knows.
“Global Warming—One Person-At-A-Time”
Artist’s Statement: As our world becomes nearly solely dependant on technical communication, the art of personal connection is rapidly on the decline. While traveling to many different countries since 1991, I’ve found a key to communication through art.
The side of my brain that should be open to common phrases in another language, simply refuses to budge. Smiling while butchering the language on foreign soil (especially with art materials in tow!) usually results in acceptance and the desired result. This unforgettable experience of connecting to the local residents brings an added joy to the act of painting on-site, and their interest in my work becomes part of the process. Despite our inability to verbalize, we communicate an appreciation for each other: they, for recording their beautiful surroundings; and me, being grateful for the vistas and their kindness.
While 50% of the land & cityscape is created on-site (‘en plein air’), most of the figurative work is from photos shot “on the fly” and completed in my studio.