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Art Exhibit Opening Reception

August 8 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Featured Artist Opening Reception
Don’t miss our special reception at Midtown Plaza on 4th Street, highlighting works by Linda Illgner & Caitlin Perry.

🕔 Reception: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
🎤 Artist Discussion: 6:00 PM
🖼️ Exhibits on view at Midtown Plaza, 409 Art Space, and the Underground throughout August & September.

Free admission – all are welcome

About the Artists –

Linda Illgner –

Linda L.V. Illgner, Papermaker & Collage Artist

Linda L.V. Illgner is a Kansas-born papermaker and collage artist who transforms handmade and found paper into intricate, nature-inspired artworks. Using fibrous pulp made from tree bark, plants, grains, and even sentimental items like her father’s overalls, she crafts richly textured and colorful collage pieces. Each artwork is built from hundreds of individually torn and placed pieces of gel-printed, rice, or found paper—designed to captivate the eye and evoke a sense of peace and wonder.

Inspired by a Girl Scout trip to a paper making studio over 30 years ago, Linda became fascinated not only by the art but the process. Paper-making became her foundation, a medium to explore color, pattern, and dimension. She strives for energy and movement in her work, encouraging viewers to pause and fully experience every detail—both visually and emotionally.

After decades living in Texas and Florida, Linda returned to Kansas in 2024 to continue creating and supporting the arts. Her award-winning work has been featured in juried and group exhibitions and is held in private collections nationwide. Linda’s vibrant collages reflect a deep appreciation for nature and a lifelong passion for creativity.

Caitlin Penny – Print Maker

Caitlin Penny is a relief printmaker primarily working in the reduction printmaking technique, in order to explore environmental and animal conservation issues. Reduction printmaking is a unique process that allows an artist to create rich, colorful prints. This is done through the repeated carving and printing of a single piece of linoleum. Between the printing of each color the linoleum plate is carved away, preserving portions of the previous color when a new layer is applied overtop. Unlike other forms of printmaking this technique ultimately destroys the plate. This closely mirrors the fragile existence of the landscapes and animals depicted in Penny’s work. For once the final print is pulled, the plate is used up and discarded, effectively becoming extinct.

 Penny’s subject matter covers serious and pressing issues.  Her style however is illustrative and colorful while simultaneously being optimistic and pensive. The artist’s hopes this approach allows the viewer to productively contemplate and question the subject matter but without being intimidated by it.

Details

Date:
August 8
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Event Categories:
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Website:
https://www.downtownmhkart.com/

Venue

Downtown Manhattan

Organizer

Downtown Manhattan
View Organizer Website