The work of local artist J.R. Caldwell is on display through Feb. 28 in the art gallery at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library.
The Effingham native says his love for art began at around age 7 or 8 when he would sketch comics.
“I progressed to painting with oils when I was around 9. While attending St. Anthony High School, I took all the art classes available, including adult art classes,” he said.
After two more years of art classes at Lake Land College, Caldwell worked at World Color Press as the photolithographer for 33 years.
“During this time, I was busy with work, family and life. I had to put my art on hold,” he said.
After World Color Press closed, Caldwell joined the Effingham Art Guild.
“I am always looking at nature and taking photographs with paintings in mind. My family and friends even send photographs to me thinking that they would be something I would like to paint. Art allows people to see nature as I see it,” he said. “I also like to sketch and doodle in my free time. These sometimes lead to a painting. I have been branching out and exploring abstract [art] as well as experimenting with pour paintings, which has been a lot of fun.”
Caldwell believes that art and imagination is in everyone.
“Pick up a pencil, pen, brush and let your art free,” he said.
The art exhibit is free and a library card is not required to view it. Contact Art Gallery Coordinator Oran Colwell at 217-342-2464 or oran@effinghamlibrary.org for more information.