The Wauconda Area Library, known for its award-winning architecture providing a superb venue for art display, is proud to present an exhibition by two Indianapolis artists with local roots.  Amy Falstrom spent her early childhood in Libertyville and Ralph Domanico grew up in Chicago’s northwest suburbs — his parents still reside in Lake Barrington. 

Domanico earned his BFA and MFA at the University of Illinois, where he was named Most Promising Undergraduate Painter.  The winning painting became part of the University’s permanent collection.  Falstrom earned her BFA at the University of North Carolina and her MFA from Indiana University.  She was also awarded a scholarship from the University of Georgia to study Painting, Art History, and Printmaking in Cortona, Italy, where she lived for several years.

Although both now reside in Indianapolis, Domanico and Falstrom have exhibited their art work nationwide over the past 20 years.   Their works have appeared at such renown art venues as the Peter Miller Gallery (Chicago), the Corcoran Gallery (Washington, D.C.), the Contemporary Arts Workshop (Chicago), the Swope Art Museum (Terre Haute, IN), Indiana University, and the University of Illinois, to name just a few.  Both artists have sold works nationally and internationally to private, public and corporate collections. 

Falstrom recently won an international competition titled “The Healing Power of Art,” sponsored by Manhattan Arts International (New York City).   She will also be featured in an upcoming book Eyes of the Soul: Exploring Inspiration in Visionary Art and Artists, by Philip Rubinov-Jacobson. 

The Wauconda Area Library exhibition consists of twenty pieces in a variety of media, including canvas, wood and paper.  The paintings and etchings range from quite small to large 6’ X 6’ works.  The works, which complement each other, are intermingled, rather than grouped by artist.  Despite this complementary relationship between the paintings, there are distinct stylistic differences. 

Domanico’s work has been aptly described by Julianna Thibodeaux (NUVO Arts Review) as “…abstract, with random details of the primitive, hieroglyphic variety.  Employing a background palette of a relative uniform color — applied in multiple layers, giving each painting welcome depth — Domanico adds faint forms...  These images are either painted beneath the layer of color or laid down on top of it, and then covered lightly with a hazy wash. Either way, they are ephemeral, and lend a feathery air to the work.”

Mary Lee Pappas (NUVO Arts Review) states that "...Falstrom's work evokes a meditative peace bemused with fantasy...Her oil paintings and drawings are sublimely delightful. Her etchings are superb."   Falstrom herself describes her artistic process: “Sometimes images appear, fully completed, as a visual flash seen by an inner eye. There is a sense of unwavering certainty of how the image must be and I set to creating it as if I am taking dictation from within. Many paintings are begun with no conscious idea or preexisting visual suggestion. I apply paint and move things around as if waiting for the painting to become a partner in a dance. At some point something happens and, again, I feel as if I am following detailed and precise inner directions. Every brushstroke is fully experienced and there is a sense of the inevitability of its expression exactly as it is formed. "

In addition to their painting careers, both artists are involved in other creative endeavors.  Falstrom does murals, decorative painting and furniture restoration.   Domanico designs and builds custom furniture and woodworking for a variety of commercial and private clients.  In fact, the pair met while working on a decorative painting restoration project in Indianapolis.

The exhibition runs from November 10, 2003 through June, 2004, and may be viewed during regular library hours in the Genevieve Lincoln Community Room.  This space is well suited for art exhibitions because of its award-winning architectural design which features high wooden ceilings and the effective combination of natural and display lighting.

More information regarding the artists and the exhibition may be found at the library’s web site (www.wauclib.org).  For further details, including sales pricing, please inquire at the library’s Information Desk or by phone at 847-526-6225.

Either artist may be contacted directly by email at afalstrom@fastermac.net.