I've been selecting and creating exhibitions for—one or both of—the galleries of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, for the past nine years. I love what I do but there is a downside… I find myself wanting to own many of the pieces that I select for exhibition. Pieces included in the “From Nature” exhibition—currently on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago—are no exception.
The show was created as a benefit for the Ragdale Foundation and The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago was committed to acquiring one of the pieces for inclusion to the school's Permanent Collection. We eventually purchased three. Selecting the work to be added to the school's collection was a challenge. And while making those selections, I found myself drawn to an intimate piece that I wanted to personally own. It was the rich and beautiful oil painting by Nancy Nichols titled “skull study with weeds” [shown above]. I made the purchase.
A little background... Nichols has worked as an Assistant Professor of Painting at Indiana State University since 2004. Her work is represented by Susan Maasch Fine Art in Portland, Maine, and Halcyon Contemporary Art, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Take a few minutes to check out her work. She has produced some beautiful things.
