At the library...

On display at the Osceola Public Library now through the end of September is alcohol ink created by various artists. The exhibit can be found in the display case on the upper level of the library.

Alcohol ink is is a method of painting using the type of alcohol you’d find in a medicine cabinet, 91% or higher concentration. The alcohol ink comes in dropper bottles, and the color is first dropped onto the page followed by the alcohol; alternatively, the alcohol can be applied to the canvas first with drops added on top. A straw or a brush can be used to manipulate the drop, and then another drop is added to the page and repeated until the product is complete. Unlike other mediums, you cannot layer the colors on top of one another - they will leave a white spot in the middle.

Dale O’Connell of Lucas works in alcohol ink, and was the Clarke Area Arts Council’s featured artist at Lakeside Hotel & Casino during the months of June and July. Several of his works are displayed at the library, along with some of the materials used and two books of alcohol ink instruction. O’Connell held a workshop for adults in late June, and works of alcohol ink from the workshop participants are also displayed:

Deb Adams

Janice Brown

Eric Courtney

Pat Courtney

Deb Jurshak

Mary Ellen Kimball

Anne Murr

Diana Moffitt Robins

Amy Scroggie

Libby West

Jon Willcox

The alcohol ink exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sundays.

The Clarke Area Arts Council sponsors the exhibits in the library display case every two months. Individuals interested in displaying collections, art, historic items, photos and other items may contact Mary Ellen Kimball, kimball@iowatelecom.net or 641-342-4272 for available dates and other specific information.