Jackson’s Call to Action

EAST PEORIA — Standing in front of Mariah Jackson’s “Ferry Wait (Oak Bluffs),” one can almost hear the sound of waters tossing against a shore and smell the sea. With just the right amount of detail, it’s safe to say that her art is a portal to another mindset.

“Ferry Wait” has a calm, relaxed vibe largely due to the composition of the subject matter and Jackson’s use of color. She uses different combinations to portray depth and shadow in remarkable ways while maintaining realism. In the sand, she streaks darker colors through the rich yellows and oranges to show elevation and movement with shadow, and as the sand meets the water, it’s warm feel gently subsides, mixing the warmth of the sand with the coolness of blues and greens.

Jackson’s exhibit of watercolor paintings is being displayed at Illinois Central College’s East Campus in the Performing Arts Center. With subjects inspired by architecture from around the United States and painting styles learned while traveling overseas, the collection seems to capture the cosmopolitan element of her life.

Also being displayed are “Arcadia Theater (St. Charles, IL)” and “Fox Theater (Atlanta, Ga).” Both are 11 by nine inch watercolor paintings of theaters with prominent signs and vibrant colors but they are very different in the way of color.

“Arcadia Theater” is set with a clouded blue sky in the background and a hot red sign jutting up through the center of the work. It draws the eye upward toward the sky. The contrast of color makes the sign stand out.

“Fox Theater,” however, has a variety of deep purples and reds. Set in the evening, the oranges and yellows in the lights are in high contrast to the darker shades of the building.

Jackson’s art bridges every expanse from night to day and oceans to theaters. With something for everyone’s liking, this is the one exhibit not to miss.