MONROE - The Monroe Art Center Frehner Gallery presents "True Americana," a watercolor exhibit by artist Don L. Brown of Warrenville, Ill., from Friday Feb. 4 through Friday, Feb. 25.
Brown was born and raised in central Illinois and his work reflects the small town, semi-rural environment that has always been a part of his life. Drawing and painting since age 5, Brown said his current work is the result of many years of observation and experience. During his teen years, he lived next door to a soda shop/pharmacy (Krouse's in Bloomington, Ill.) and the aura and flavors of that 40s and 50s commercial icon have stayed with him all of his life. Family-owned or "Mom 'n' Pop" stores, gas stations and saloons have been his painting subjects for years, with recent additions of antique signage, and advertising memorabilia.
"I try to shop at small, family-owned stores ... and my watercolor images are of a bygone age of what I consider true Americana," Brown said.
Brown has won awards for his work and has exhibited all across the United States. He is member of the National Watercolor Society and the Louisiana Watercolor Society, and has collections in 19 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, France, the Ivory Coast, and Thailand. Most of his time is spent on commission work and art exhibitions around the country.
An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. MAC's Frehner Gallery, with a brief gallery talk by Brown at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit has been made possible by MAC corporate underwriter Colony Brands Inc. and season media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC and Big Radio, with additional support from Michael and Shelley Muranyi, Pete Guenther, Barb Woodriff, and Lee and Chris Knuteson.
Brown was born and raised in central Illinois and his work reflects the small town, semi-rural environment that has always been a part of his life. Drawing and painting since age 5, Brown said his current work is the result of many years of observation and experience. During his teen years, he lived next door to a soda shop/pharmacy (Krouse's in Bloomington, Ill.) and the aura and flavors of that 40s and 50s commercial icon have stayed with him all of his life. Family-owned or "Mom 'n' Pop" stores, gas stations and saloons have been his painting subjects for years, with recent additions of antique signage, and advertising memorabilia.
"I try to shop at small, family-owned stores ... and my watercolor images are of a bygone age of what I consider true Americana," Brown said.
Brown has won awards for his work and has exhibited all across the United States. He is member of the National Watercolor Society and the Louisiana Watercolor Society, and has collections in 19 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, France, the Ivory Coast, and Thailand. Most of his time is spent on commission work and art exhibitions around the country.
An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. MAC's Frehner Gallery, with a brief gallery talk by Brown at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit has been made possible by MAC corporate underwriter Colony Brands Inc. and season media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC and Big Radio, with additional support from Michael and Shelley Muranyi, Pete Guenther, Barb Woodriff, and Lee and Chris Knuteson.