The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Continuum” by Springfield-based artist and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Professor Laura Anderson. “Continuum” will open on Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 17. A reception for this exhibition will be held at the gallery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. This event is free and open to the public.
“Continuum” will feature a series of recent works that examine the structural frameworks of the microverse, exploring the interplay between natural and man-made structures. Anderson’s focus on cellular forms, fungi and mycelium serves as both subject and metaphor, revealing the interconnectedness of all living systems.
Natural imagery within the works depicts qualities of growth, decay and regeneration. The pieces combine elements of nature with found objects to reflect the gradual transformation of man-made artifacts back into their organic origins. This synthesis reflects the perpetual cycles of creation and destruction, emergence and dissolution, exploring the underlying structures that sustain life at its smallest scales.
Anderson is an artist, designer and educator whose creative practice is rooted in a lifelong fascination with the complexities of nature. Originally from a small town on Chicago's southeast side, Anderson's passion for art developed alongside a connection to the natural world. This early inspiration has continued to shape her artistic identity, drawing on themes of plant and animal life that consistently inform her creative work.
Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in fine art from the University of Kansas. Her work has been exhibited both locally and nationally. Anderson’s fascination with design led her to a successful career in graphic design in California, where she contributed to corporate and agency environments while maintaining a thriving freelance business.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information and future exhibitions, visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website.