Local Artists Featured in PubOn July 13, from 1-2 pm, the Quincy Art Center, located at 1515 Jersey St., will host a
special gallery discussion that is free and open to the public. Enjoy a captivating panel
discussion featuring local and regional Riverwork Project contributors alongside its
creator, Sun Smith-Forêt. This unique experience will highlight the remarkable efforts of
local artists that have joined over 70 individuals living along rivers who have contributed
to the Riverwork Project, a stunning display of over 300 feet of irregularly shaped quilts
adorning the gallery walls.
Ann Miller Titus of Quincy, Illinois, coordinated and combined the creative contributions
of the following participants into the Quincy/Hannibal Riverwork Project Panel now on
display at the Quincy Art Center. Featured participants from Quincy, Illinois include KJ
Jacoby, Carol Clay Mann, Dave Maas, Danielle [Thompson] Pope, and Chris Taylor.
Katie O’Neal from Payson, Illinois has also contributed to the project. Featured
participants from Hannibal, Missouri include Margaret Fessenden and Faye Dant,
Executive Director of Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center.
The Riverwork Project explores the profound connection between humanity and water
resources through intricate imagery and evocative text. Sun Smith-Forêt, the visionary
artist behind this project, is also the current featured artist at the Quincy Art Center. Her
sculpted vessels and paintings are exhibited alongside the quilts, creating a
comprehensive artistic experience.
Special panel guests and Riverwork advisors include Penelope Schmidt from Alton,
Illinois, an Independent Curator, Collector, Eco-Art Activist, Audubon Board Member,
and former New York City art gallery owner; Professor Laura Strand from Worden,
Illinois, the Textile Art Chair and Gallery Director at Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville (SIUE), working textile artist, and Riverwork Project Artist; and Libby
Reuter from Alton, Illinois, an Eco Artist, Author, and Lecturer on Watershed Cairns, a
10-year initiative marking and photographing the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and
Allegheny Rivers.lic Art Gallery Discussion