24/01/2020
CLOSING RECEPTION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 / 1:30 PM
Oil paintings by Decatur, Illinois artist Lyle J. Salmi is the current exhibition at the David Erlanson Gallery of Richland Community College. “Abstract Impressions” will be on display beginning Monday, January 27 and ending on Thursday, February 27, 2020
Salmi’s paintings invoke a style that can be characterized as “Abstract Impressionism”, as they explore the reality somewhere between the physicality of a painterly surface and the suggestion of light and space somewhere beyond…
Salmi grew up enjoying the bountiful lakes, streams, and wilderness areas of northeastern Minnesota. It was the lasting impressions of this environment, along with living in the desert southwest, that were to later be infused with his understanding of contemporary abstract painting in order to lay the foundations for his abstract impressions of light and form. The artist enjoys part of the summer at his cabin on Bear Island Lake, a place that his family has owned since 1962. Salmi has also been inspired by visits to coastal Maine, and takes inspiration from the beauty of the natural settings.
Salmi’s paintings reveal his influences by artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell, Wolf Kahn, and Susan Rothenberg.
Salmi’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and his work is in both private and public collections including J.L. Hubbard, LL. Bean, and Anheuser Busch, Kennebunk State Bank, Rochester Institute of Technology, Illinois State University, and The Quincy Art Center.
He is currently Professor of Painting/ Drawing/Printmaking at Millikin University. Salmi received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Arizona State University in 1988. His Bachelor of Fine Arts degree was received from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1983. Active professionally both in and out of the classroom, Salmi has spoken at regional arts symposiums, served as juror for numerous regional art exhibitions, and has written for The Dictionary of Modern Philosophers, and Fiberarts magazine. Mr. Salmi has also been recognized for outstanding teaching in the 1996 Edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Salmi has exhibited his paintings nationally and continues to work both as an artist and teacher.
A 1:30 PM closing reception is planned for the artist on Thursday, February 27, 2020 the public is invited.
Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and can also be open upon special request by contacting Gil Rocha, Professor of Art at 217.875.7211 ext. 6391 / [email protected]
This exhibit is sponsored in part by the David Erlanson Art Gallery Endowment Fund established through the Richland Foundation and the Richland Community College Department of Fine Art.