The Natural World in Pastels
By Jessamyn Smith & Kathleen Toalson
Show Dates: February 15 – March 15
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Reception: Thursday, March 6, 5:30 – 7p
Exhibit Hours:
M-F*: 8:30a – 8p (closed 1-1:30pm)
Sat: 9:30a – 2p
Artist Bios
Jessamyn Smith
Jessamyn Smith is a mainly self taught artist specializing in pastel paintings. She was encouraged to draw and create art from a young age by her parents. At age 7 Jessamyn was taking soft pastel lessons at a local art museum. She painted sets for the drama team in high school and won a scholarship and award for art achievements. Deciding to pursue engineering in college, the artist almost completely stepped away from art for many years. Then she woke up one day in early 2024 and began practicing art again regularly. It’s never too late to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead!
Kathleen Toalson
Kathleen Riley Toalson, an Iowa native, received her degree in Communication Art from Grand View University in Des Moines. She then began a career as an illustrator and graphic designer for The Omaha World-Herald in Omaha, NE and The State Journal-Register in Springfield, IL. Her work has received awards from the Society of News Design, Copley News Service and the Illinois Press Association.
Following 16 years in the newspaper business, she became a publications editor for the Illinois General Assembly’s Legislative Research Unit and a graphic designer for Solomon Colors, Inc., a supplier to the decorative concrete industry. Now retired and relocated to Champaign, she has returned to creating her own artwork and is rediscovering her artistic voice with new materials in new surroundings.
Artist Statements
Jessamyn Smith
I began painting again regularly about one year ago, and soft pastels are still my favorite medium, but I sometimes experiment with incorporating a few other media into my pastels, such as ink or watercolor. This past year has been an adventure of trying all sorts of different styles and surfaces such as sandpaper and homemade surfaces from watercolor paper. I plan on continuing this exploration in the coming months as well as making some larger pieces. Landscapes are my favorite subject matter because nature never fails to be beautiful throughout the centuries. French impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir said, “Art is about emotion; if art needs to be explained it is no longer art.”
Kathleen Toalson
After a professional career producing graphic designs and illustrations for others, I initially found it challenging to find my own artistic voice again. I recognized being outside in nature rejuvenates my soul and brings me more joy than just about anything else, so I began incorporating it into my artwork. Birds, in particular, inspire me with their beauty and resilience in spite of how incredibly fragile they are. Our environment has never faced more obstacles and challenges than it does today; therefore I feel it is more important than ever to value and protect it. By focusing my work on the natural world, I hope to call attention to how precious and vital it is to all of us.
When I discovered the wonders of oil pastels, it felt like a new window opened up for me artistically. Their bright hues are amazing, and I love the variety of ways they can be manipulated. Workshops with oil pastel artist Jane Wilcoxson of Mineral Point, WI prompted me to continue with this medium. My work is also inspired by the thoughtful compositions of illustrator Gary Kelley, the directional linework of Vincent van Gogh, the sensitivity of Edgar Degas and the importance of place to Georgia O’Keeffe.
I look forward to continuing my exploration of nature with these materials!
CPD Art Exhibit Newsletter
Become an Art Exhibitor
The Springer Cultural Center offers local and regional artists a professional venue to display their work. Springer hosts six professional art exhibits each year. These art shows are determined by review of applications. Proposals are accepted for solo or collaborative group exhibitions on an ongoing basis.
Artists are responsible for having artwork ready to hang, and for any shipping expenses/insurance while artwork is being transported to or from the Springer Cultural Center and throughout the exhibition. Artists have the opportunity to give a brief talk about their work at a reception provided by the Park District. Please see below for the Professional Art Exhibit Application.
Springer also hosts two amateur art exhibits each year: Town & Country Amateur Art Show and State, Town, & Country Amateur Art Show. Amateur artists can submit entries for the Town & Country Amateur Art Show held in our Winter/Spring season. Winning and other high quality of work entries of the Town & Country Amateur Art Show qualify for the State, Town, & Country Amateur Art Show.
Virtual Art Exhibit
To continue to support artists throughout the pandemic, Springer Cultural Center went virtual with our art exhibitions. Visit our YouTube Virtual Art Exhibit Playlist for our virtual walkthroughs and Artist Spotlights!
Sponsors & Related Links
Related Links:
Professional Art Exhibit Application
If you are an artist that would like to be considered, watch the video for information and please fill out the form below.
Exhibitors receive marketing support from Champaign Park District in the form of:
- Exhibit poster design/print/distribution
- TV graphic promoting exhibit in all Park District facilities
- Exhibit listing on Park District website events calendar
- Social media mentions
Artist Exhibition Application
"*" indicates required fields
