Springfield Art Association
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Mary Ellen Strack -  Painting 

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Through my work I try to share my passion of nature and capture its spiritual presence. People flock to The Grand Canyon, the rugged coast of Big Sur, costal views of Kapalua, the red rock formations of Mount Zion, build houses in mountains surrounded by Aspens as a means to experience the powerful presence of nature. I want people to feel energy as it is reflected throughout natural environments. I want to recreate a positive sense, and the power we experienced seeing something truly magnificent. To experience escapism from the mundane pace of life. 

I learned to appreciate abstract art, through Picasso's work, "Guernica," when I found out  he exaggerated human expressions on peoples faces to capture the atrocities of war. I found it to be very powerful, and hence, developed a better understanding and appreciation for abstractions. ​

In my work, I exaggerate the elements used in art. I try to capture the same feel one would have experiencing incredible views of nature. My work has evolved over 30 years, most recently I have been trying to simplify my work through abstraction. I work with encounters I have had with nature, to convey the same uplifting beauty and experiences it presents.  Hopefully the viewer can reflect and relate with their own encounters.
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Edwards Place

Located on Main Campus
​ 700 North 4th Street
​Springfield, IL 62702
​

Tour Times:
Tuesday - Saturday 1 PM and 2PM
​Not open for self-guided tours

217-523-2631
collections@springfieldart.org

 SAA Collective

105 N. 5th Street 
Springfield, IL 62701


Wednesday - Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM
​217-544-2787
gallerydirector@springfieldart.org
Follow Springfield Art Association on Artsy

SAA Main Campus

Main Office, Studios,
M.G. Nelson Family
Gallery, and Edwards Place
​ 700 North 4th Street
​Springfield, IL 62702
​

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM
217-523-2631
office@springfieldart.org
  • About
    • Contact
    • Hiring
  • Education
    • Classes >
      • Book Arts
      • Ceramics
      • Digital Media
      • Drawing
      • Fiber Arts
      • Glass
      • Metals & Jewelry
      • Mixed Media
      • Painting
      • Pastels
      • Photography
      • Printmaking
      • Sculpture
      • Youth/Teen
    • One-Nighters
    • Open Studio
    • Summer Art Camp
    • Scholarships
    • Instructor Bios
  • Outreach
    • Art Outreach
    • Field Trips
    • Make Truck
    • Bronwyn Eves Memorial Project
    • Art As Therapy
  • Events
    • 6x6
    • Art Synergy
    • Beaux Arts Ball
    • Film Series
    • Fine Art Fair
    • Paint the Street
    • Roasted
    • The Great SAA Pumpkin Patch
    • Yart Sale
  • Galleries
    • Collective >
      • For Juried Artists
    • M.G. Nelson Family Gallery
    • Call For Entries
    • Residency
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Edwards Place
  • Library
    • Library Events
  • Rentals
    • Arty Party
    • Field Trips
    • Adult Events
    • Team building
    • Rental Spaces
  • Join + Give
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Volunteer
  • Shop
    • Art Supplies >
      • Clay
      • Clay Tools
    • Make Kits
    • Murder Mystery Game
    • CHECKOUT