LOVE LETTER TO JACOBY
In 2019, after a 12 year stint in Kansas and Corpus Christi, Texas I moved back to my birthplace– Alton, Illinois. Naturally, as an artist I immediately involved myself with the Jacoby Arts Center.
I was familiar with the organization as I took ceramics classes there as a teenager. But, this time was different. I came back with experience, art and design education, plus a few years under my belt. I was aware. I noticed the quirks, unique designs, and the retro-esque stain of the building functions once before.
I will never forget the time capsule moment I had when I first stepped onto the abandoned upper levels of the Jacoby building. Which served as an iconic furniture store from 1883-1998. I shined my flashlight onto the partition-sectioned walls and had an instant rush of inspiration. The wallpaper was detailed, nostalgic, and artistic. As I walked through each showroom, I noticed ornate golden glass housed in window arches, intricate calligraphic-patterned metal ceiling designs, and emerald green wooden doors. My imagination went wild. Every corner turned, I envisioned how the room was staged.
The Jacoby building housed creative passion, inspiration, and aesthetics for over 140 years. My goal is to bring this history out of the dark for all to reminisce, be inspired, and evoke that warm nostalgic feeling.
Each painting was inspired by the remnants of the early to mid 1900’s wallpaper sticking to the untouched Jacoby Furniture store upper level floors.
The idea behind this show is to take the audience back to the Jacoby Furniture store era. The atmosphere is transformed from art gallery to a different era.
