This month, the Iron Horse Art Gallery features the hauntingly beautiful pen-and-ink work of Julie Peterson-Shea. Her pieces are rendered in intricate detail and rich with Victorian symbolism, so they're the perfect fit for the season.
Julie has taught art in rural Kansas for more than 30 years, while also illustrating children's books and exhibiting her work regionally and nationally. She holds an MFA in Drawing, and whether she's working in pen and ink or clay, her goal is the same: to create art that encourages thought, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty found in life's darker corners.
People often ask Julie why she makes such dark, moody illustrations. Her answer is simple: it just feels right. She finds beauty in darkness, meaning in melancholy, and hope in the shadows. Her drawings draw on Victorian flower meanings, religious and secular imagery, and her own visual language, balancing beauty with decay and humor with heaviness. Each piece starts as a conversation with herself and ends as an invitation for viewers to find their own meaning.
Meet Julie: Join us for the artist reception on Thursday, October 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Iron Horse Art Gallery, 401 East Ave (gallery in the basement). Take in her intricate work, chat with fellow art lovers, and enjoy light refreshments.
Can't make it? The exhibit is open throughout October. Stop by during gallery hours or call 308-248-0001 to schedule an appointment.
