Westville welcomes winning works

Local News

Related Photos

Matt Huber

Discussion

October 19, 2007

BY ALLYSON SAAD The Commercial-News Fri Oct 19, 2007, 10:35 AM CDT

Two award-winning painters are featured at the Westville Public Library this month.

Roberta Carlton has been a Vermilion County resident for more than 50 years. Debbie Stimac, born and raised in Rossville, currently resides in Georgetown.

Both artists have known since they were grade-schoolers they wanted to be artists, and continue that pursuit despite other demands or health issues. In addition, they both are actively involved in CrossRoads Christian Church of Danville.

Carlton, who has taken some formal art classes through the University of Illinois Extension Unit and other workshops, has been an active member of the Danville Art League since 1978. She sells pieces once in a while, and although she works both in oil and watercolor she mostly enjoys watercolor.

“I sell enough to keep me in business. Currently, I have four pieces in the Alley Gallery in downtown Danville, two watercolors, a pencil sketch and an oil,” she said.

On display at the library are two of her winning pieces.

A photograph one of the church members took on a missionary trip to that country inspired the one depicting a village in the Dominican Republic.

It won best of show at the state level after winning at the Town and Country local amateur art show. The painting of her husband’s combine, titled “In the Morgue,” placed Best in Show locally.

Stimac not only paints but is certified to teach art as well. She has taught at Hobby Lobby in the past but now works out of her home, holding group classes once a month on Tuesdays and private lessons at various times. She also paints murals for both private and public buildings, including several at the CrossRoads Church.

“I’ve painted all my life. I consider it a gift from God. I really started seriously painting when my son went to Iraq, in order to occupy my mind,” she said.

Stimac continues to polish her technique at the School of Fine Arts in Oklahoma, where she learned to paint portraits. She returned there this month to learn more, especially working with acrylics.

Two of her paintings currently on display in Westville won awards at the Georgetown Fair this year.

“The Girls,” a painting of family members, won first place in the portraits category, and the painting of her new granddaughter Madison won fifth place in the miscellaneous category.

Text Only

Local News

Community Calendar
February 13, 2012
Quinn defends Ill. after Caterpillar CEO blasts jobs climate
Gov. Pat Quinn defended the state’s business climate Sunday after the head of Caterpillar Inc. blasted state political leaders in a published column for not doing enough to grow business and jobs in Illinois.

February 12, 2012
Seed-starting tips provided
February 12, 2012
Veteran to discuss history
February 12, 2012
Schools to compete in bee
February 12, 2012
County sees increase in sexually transmitted diseases
The Vermilion County Health Department took a hit in the summer of 2010 when a large number of programs offered through state grants were eliminated because of slow-moving funding.

February 12, 2012
Health officials seek public’s opinion
Determining the health issues local residents deem important will be the focus of an upcoming meeting in Danville.

February 12, 2012
Goldendoodles, family a perfect match
Chris and Kelli Pinkerton have always liked the friendly, personable golden retrievers, except for the shedding.

February 12, 2012 3 Photos
Songwriter: Time to slow down
After nearly a lifetime in the country-music business, Bob Payne has earned plenty of awards and rewards — but not the monetary kind.

February 12, 2012 1 Photo
Lincoln remains in the spotlight
Since 2002, the Papers of Abraham Lincoln has been actively obtaining images of every document by or to Abraham Lincoln.

February 12, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Westville welcomes winning works

Site Map

Contact Us