Knyame Maison (Nana Ekow)
“BOUNDARY OF SEA AND LAND”
Medium: Water mixable Oil on Canvas Painting
Knyame Maison (Nana Ekow) is a Ghanaian American artist in central Illinois. He is an accomplished artist with extensive experience coordinating art exhibitions and working with artists to help them cultivate their creative gifts.
Maison holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts Studies from Bradley University. He currently serves as the Director of Fine Art at the Foster Gallery at Peoria First UMC and teaches part-time at Bradley University.
This billboard was sponsored by Miller, Hall & Triggs, LLC.
Kristina Bohan
“DRIFTN'”
Medium: Mixed media with hand thrown ceramic pieces
Kristina Bohan is a mixed media artist who likes to use nontraditional canvases. Of this experimentation, “Driftin’,” the artist states, “I like the texture and dimensions the driftwood creates. The ceramic pieces are like flowers or mushrooms growing out of it.” Kristina utilizes found objects and is inspired by nature and wildlife. She is particularly interested in owls and their unique personality and perspective on life. Kristina notes, “I have always been fascinated with the woods — and owls are the creatures who get to see it from above.” This year, Kristina is looking forward to presenting her work to a wider audience through participation in markets and shows.
This billboard is sponsored by Big Picture Peoria.
Oksana Greer
“Fruits Sur la Plage”
Medium: Soft pastel on paper
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“The artist does not draw what he sees, but what he must make others see.”
– Degas
Oksana is a visual artist based in Peoria, working primarily with soft pastel and watercolor. She was born in North Caucuses, USSR. An avid painter since childhood, she studied art in Stavropol Art School. After receiving her master’s degree, Oksana moved to Illinois and augmented her formal art studies with extensive travels in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia painting and visiting the great museums.
Oksana believes that art is reflection of other fields of human reality, both visible and invisible. Art is also the language which allows to think and create new essences. She is inspired by nature and the colors it produces.
Her paintings hang in public, private, and corporate collections around the world.
This billboard is sponsored by O’Shea Builders.
Patricia Whalen Keck
“THE PEDESTRIAN”
Medium: Bronze, pink patina
Patricia Whalen Keck is a figurative sculptor who is inspired by the art works of early cultures and the natural world. The core of her practice is the solitary figure. Using the principles of balance and movement she is able to create a form that is expressive and timeless. Appearing to be suspended in the moment her sculptures project a feeling of contemplation and elegance. Through the additions of animal imagery that act as modifiers, she is able to create works that convey layers of meaning. Her depiction of the human form as a subject represents her interest in the integrity of individuals as well as the role they play in society. It serves as a vehicle for her ideas concerning the themes of war and the fragile nature of life. The subject of much of her art is informed by life experiences, personal concerns, gender roles, and random observations, thus reflecting a wide range of thoughts.
She was born and raised in central Illinois and is a long-time resident of Peoria and an active member of the art community. As an art educator she understands the value of seeing art in our daily lives and is dedicated to those who work to make art visible to the public. She holds a degree from Illinois State University in Art Education having taught young people for more than twenty years; in 1999 she received an MA in Liberal Studies from Bradley University and in 2016 received an MA in sculpture from Bradley University and completed her MFA in Sculpture from Bradley University in 2018. After maintaining a studio at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria for twenty years Patricia moved to a new location at The Mill, located in the newly renovated Warehouse District where she maintains two studios.
Her recent bronze sculptures were created and cast in the sculpture studio on the campus of Bradley University. Patricia does all of her own work including; modeling the original piece, mold making, investing the wax pattern, cutting and welding the metal sections and preparing the bronze surface for patination. The actual pouring of the liquid bronze is the only step she does not do. Her work has been widely collected by individuals as well as having a life-size figure located on the grounds of the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
This billboard is sponsored by the Fine Arts Society of Peoria.
Claire Cox
“PORTRAIT OF SUNLIGHT”
Meet Claire Cox, a talented visual arts student who recently graduated from Peoria High School. Ever since she was a little girl, Claire had a passion for painting. She would spend hours drawing and painting, often losing track of time. As she grew older, her love for art only intensified, and she recognized that she wanted to pursue a career in the arts.
Throughout her high school years, Claire was deeply involved in the performing school of the arts program. She enjoys and excels at most mediums but finds painting and drawing to be her best medium. She likes to focus on portraits and anatomical studies as she finds the human figure to be one of the most fascinating and inspirational subjects.
Claire’s unique style of painting often incorporated vivid colors and intricate details. She finds inspiration in light and color usage. Her paintings are not only beautiful to look at but also hold a symbolic meaning. Claire uses her art as a form of self-expression, often conveying her emotions through her paintings.
As Claire recently graduated from high school, she knew that she wanted to continue her education in the arts. She decided to pursue her studies in fine arts in Iowa City. Claire is excited at the opportunity to learn from world-renowned artists and to further develop her skills as an artist.
Looking back on her journey, Claire is grateful for the performing school of the arts program at Peoria High School, which provided her with the skills and opportunities she needed to succeed. She is excited about the next chapter in her life and is confident that her passion and talent for painting will take her far in her career.
This billboard was sponsored by the Bradley University School of Art and Design.
Jesus Reyes
“LA FILLE DANS L’EAU”
Jesus Reyes is a passionate visual arts and drama student who has always been drawn to the creative world. Growing up in Peoria, Illinois, he was exposed to the vibrant arts community that surrounded him, and it inspired him to pursue his own artistic passions. From a young age, Jesus knew that he wanted to be involved in the performing arts, and he has been working hard to make that dream a reality ever since.
As a student at Peoria High School, Jesus has immersed himself in the school’s performing arts program. He has taken numerous classes in both visual arts and drama and has participated in a variety of school productions. His talents have been recognized by his teachers and peers, and he has become a leader in the school’s arts community.
Recently, Jesus was cast as Sonny in the Peoria Players production of In the Heights. This was a huge accomplishment for Jesus, as the Peoria Players is one of the most prestigious theater companies in the area. He was thrilled to be a part of such a talented cast, and he worked tirelessly to perfect his performance. His hard work paid off, as he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Sonny.
Looking ahead, Jesus is excited to continue pursuing his passions in the arts. He plans to attend college to study visual arts and drama and hopes to eventually make a career out of his love for the arts in graphic design. He is grateful for the opportunities he has had so far and is excited to see where his talents will take him in the future.
This billboard was sponsored by the Fine Arts Society of Peoria.