Slice of Life Post for March 10, 2025 (10:18-10:49) by Barb Edler

Mondays are a great day to get things in order at the Keokuk Art Center. Today we sorted through a bunch of things stuffed in a hutch that resides in the office and cleaned the kitchen, a section of our lower-level meeting room. I feel like we accomplished a great deal, and I’m happy I had two board members helping me complete this “not so fun” job.

Of course, cleaning is not often a focus of my job, but a necessity in order to leave on a good note so others may find things. A more important part of my job is arranging and posting monthly exhibits. This month’s “The Eyes of March” features twelve individuals. Works range from fused glass to pastels. My slice today features a few of my favorites.

Dee Brown has been a friend of mine for years. She is a super funny, hard-working and generous individual. I noticed she posted incredible photographs on FB and asked her to be a part of the exhibit. She was completely tickled and I’m so glad she was able to show the public her photographic skills. This one is titled Bug.

Lydia O’Neal is a retired art teacher from Keokuk who currently lives in Quincy, Illinois. Her husband is also an artist who paints with oil, and oh my, they are stunning works. I am really tempted to buy this piece title Springtime and know exactly where I will hang it.

Tom McKay was one of the few men who shared his work for this month’s exhibit. His watercolor subject is the Galland School which is located a mile or so north of my home. It is a model of the first Iowa pioneer schoolhouse.

Buzzer Beater, a fantastic title for the March show and a stunning photograph, was taken by a former colleague, Diane Berner, who I worked closely with on grants and STEM activities. Her talent is incredible, and I most likely will buy this piece.

Nancy Underwood’s Fish Shack is also incredibly beautiful. I really, really want this one, too, because of the rich colors and the river scene is perfect for my home located by the Mississippi River.

Fortunately some things are NFS! Yes, otherwise I would be so tempted to purchase this gorgeous floor mat. March Hare was painted by our Keokuk Art Center board secretary, Carla Celania.

Now, if I only knew how to make money grow on a tree!