The work of local artist Shelley Crouch is on display through Aug. 28 in the art gallery at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library.
A resident of Casey, for the past 42 years, Crouch discovered her passion for art later in life. She began painting in the summer of 2020 at the age of 57 following the loss of her mother. What started as a creative outlet soon blossomed into a fulfilling artistic journey.
Over the past six years, Crouch has explored a variety of artistic mediums, primarily working with watercolor while also creating pieces in oil, acrylic and collage. In addition to painting, she began writing and illustrating children’s books three years ago and published her first book in the fall of 2023.
Crouch draws much of her inspiration from the beauty of nature, while also finding creative influence in the work of fellow artists.
“I think art gives us another way to express ourselves if we are making art,” Crouch. “It gives us another way to view other people and our world when we look at art.”
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.