March 19, 2024

First showcase

Robins’ artwork featured at Lakeside Casino through CAAC display

Step outside and become inspired.

That’s the key factor to the artwork Gary Robins of Murray produces.

“I love outdoors, and I remember when I was a kid cultivating corn that I would watch the sky — watch the clouds. I loved to watch the clouds move around,” Robins said. “I think probably that’s carried on now. I like to work with clouds.”

Recently, Lakeside Hotel and Casino has provided an area for Clarke Area Arts Council (CAAC) to showcase different local artists and their work.

Robins is the first artist to be showcased. His work will be featured until the end of the holiday season.

Robins’ art

Robins, a retired farmer, does scratch art, painting and sculpting. Even though he has no formal education, Robins said he always liked creating art.

“I’m impressed to be able to do this,” he said. “ … I’m really glad we got this. I’m really for this.”

Robins likes to paint outdoor scenes and work with a multitude of colors. Some of his inspiration comes from driving a school bus and seeing the changes in the fall foliage.

Mary Ellen Kimball with CAAC explained why Robins was the right choice to be the first artist showcased.

“First of all, I think, because of the type of art he does,” Kimball said. “Secondly, the volume of art that he already has produced. He’s not really interested in selling it. He just likes to share it.”

Painting time

According to Robins, he works on his art “whenever the urge” comes to him.

“An artist has to be in the mood to paint. Right?” he said. “It’s an odd thing. I’ll go for six weeks and won’t paint, and all at once, I’ve got to paint. It’s something. I imagine people who write books do the same thing.”

Kimball recommended viewing Robins artwork as something fun to do during the holiday season.

“It just seemed like Gary was so typically Iowa, and we’re familiar with his artwork,” she said. “We love it. It is all around.”