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The Clinton Art Association will host an art exhibit March 7 through
April 6 featuring the collage, mixed media and artistic assemblages of Karla
Byl, a local art teacher at Jefferson and Eagle Heights schools in
Clinton. Ms. Byl is excited about her
first Art Exhibit; she is very much looking forward to sharing her whimsical
art with the public. She has named her
studio “Simply Dollface Art,” and her work focuses primarily on women – their
faces, their strengths, their diversities and the items that play an important
part in their daily lives.
Byl’s passion is scouring flea markets, antique malls and thrift shops
with her friends in order to gather “artful treasures” that she uses whole or
in part in her eclectic artwork. She
recycles and reassembles such items as old doll parts, trinkets and other found
objects into art that brings the pieces back to life in unexpected and engaging
forms. It is her hope that within her
art, everyone will find something that makes them giggle!
Byl grew up in Davenport, inspired to grow as an artist by her own art
teacher in high school. She would later
graduate from Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri, earning
her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education.
For Byl, it was her teaching career that helped her realize her dream of
becoming an artist. She says both
teaching and her art have been amazing experiences, and each enhanced and
influenced the other in her life.
Her favorite artists are Picasso, VanGogh and Frida Kahlo for their
colorful art styles and their saturated colors.
Another artist whom she enjoys is Iowa’s own Grant Wood, in whose work
she appreciates his warm, rich colors.
She lives with her husband, Roger; they have five children and eight
grandchildren. They both enjoy spending
time with family and friends, but during their travels they seek out art fairs,
and galleries – not to mention funky shops where she can collect more material
for her art pieces.
Karla Byl is inspired every day by the people in her life and the world
around her. Her greatest joy and her
inspiration, however, comes from all of her students and their wonderful
art. Her personal credo is “Live, Love,
and Laugh. “ That phrase undeniably
defines her artwork!
Sunday, March 11 will hold a special opportunity for the public, as we will host a "Meet the Artist" reception for Karla from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The Clinton Art Association’s artist
receptions are always a favorite with the public, as they present an opportunity to
not only meet our featured artists, but to discuss the their work. Reception guests may even want to ask questions regarding their own art
interests and efforts, and that's certainly fine.
Both the
reception and Byl's exhibit are free and open to the public. Please join us for a unique art experience, and have a lot of fun!
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