Category Archives: Arts and Communication

08.22.19

Reception for Anderson’s “elemental” today, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

"Deliverance" by Laura AndersonThe public is invited to attend a reception for the exhibit “elemental,” which will be held tomorrow, Aug. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the James S. Murray Gallery. The exhibit features mixed media paintings by Laura Anderson, LLCC assistant professor of art, and is on display weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 12.

Anderson’s work is inspired by the natural world, including its complexities, commonalities, mysteries and working processes. “We are part of nature, yet we’re set apart from it in many ways,” she explains. “My work explores the intersection of this duality, often via drawn or painted natural imagery combined with collaged artifacts and urban landscapes that reflect the man-made world.

08.21.19

Reception for Anderson’s “elemental” tomorrow, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

"Deliverance" by Laura AndersonThe public is invited to attend a reception for the exhibit “elemental,” which will be held tomorrow, Aug. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the James S. Murray Gallery. The exhibit features mixed media paintings by Laura Anderson, LLCC assistant professor of art, and is on display weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 12.

Anderson’s work is inspired by the natural world, including its complexities, commonalities, mysteries and working processes. “We are part of nature, yet we’re set apart from it in many ways,” she explains. “My work explores the intersection of this duality, often via drawn or painted natural imagery combined with collaged artifacts and urban landscapes that reflect the man-made world.

08.19.19

“elemental” by Laura Anderson opens today in Murray Gallery

"Deliverance" by Laura AndersonThe art exhibit “elemental,” featuring mixed media paintings by Laura Anderson, LLCC assistant professor of art, opens today in LLCC’s James S. Murray Gallery. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 12 and attend a reception on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Anderson’s work is inspired by the natural world, including its complexities, commonalities, mysteries and working processes. “We are part of nature, yet we’re set apart from it in many ways,” she explains. “My work explores the intersection of this duality, often via drawn or painted natural imagery combined with collaged artifacts and urban landscapes that reflect the man-made world.

“Working with collage, décollage, encaustic, charcoal, graphite and acrylic allows me to explore the history of process in my work via layering of structured collage elements with irregular lines, gestural brushstrokes and fluid forms that evoke the universal visual language that is evident everywhere in nature.”

08.15.19

Professor Thom Whalen and student Jessica Le design wall murals for Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office

Dr. Charlotte Warren, Thom Whalen, Sheriff Jack Campbell and Jessica LeDr. Charlotte Warren, president, was invited yesterday by Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to view the large wall mural recently installed in the Sheriff’s office suite. It depicts an 1800s-era map of Sangamon County. A smaller version, with hand drawings of several historic sites in Sangamon County and a list of all past sheriffs, is mounted in his office. The project was designed and produced by Thom Whalen, professor of art, and his student, Jessica Le. Sheriff Campbell, who is an LLCC alum, had the idea for the wall map, and expressed his thanks to Dr. Warren for letting him work with LLCC to make it a reality.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office 200th Anniversary 1821-2021Professor Whalen, who also created the logo for the upcoming 200th anniversary of the Sheriff’s Office, commented, “Jessica is a first-generation college student who came to us with so much talent. She had this great experience at LLCC and is now going into interior design and art history at ISU. It was a perfect opportunity for her.” He noted that Ryan Roberts, interim dean of English and humanities, assisted by locating the map.

Jessica, who drew the historic sites for the smaller wall print and assisted with the entire project, signed her name to it at the Sheriff’s request and said, “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to get hands on experience in a real-world project.”

Dr. Warren was interviewed by the State Journal-Register for this story about the project. WICS also covered the story.

Jessica Le signing artworkJessica Le with artwork

08.15.19

Join the LLCC Choir!

I hope you’ve enjoyed your summer and got a chance to rest and recharge!

As you are gearing up for the fall semester, I wanted to invite all of you to join the college choir! We meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12-12:50 p.m. in Menard 2250, and the course number is MUS 110. Everyone is welcome. We will be singing a wide variety of repertoire and have a few performances scheduled this semester. HR has tuition waiver forms, so there is only a small fee to join.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope to see you in rehearsal!
Laurie Lewis-Fritz, instructor of music

08.06.19

“elemental” by Laura Anderson in Murray Gallery Aug. 19-Sept. 12

"Deliverance" by Laura AndersonLLCC’s James S. Murray Gallery will host the exhibit “elemental” featuring mixed media paintings by Laura Anderson, LLCC assistant professor of art, Aug. 19-Sept. 12. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend a reception on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Anderson’s work is inspired by the natural world, including its complexities, commonalities, mysteries and working processes. “We are part of nature, yet we’re set apart from it in many ways,” she explains. “My work explores the intersection of this duality, often via drawn or painted natural imagery combined with collaged artifacts and urban landscapes that reflect the man-made world.

“Working with collage, décollage, encaustic, charcoal, graphite and acrylic allows me to explore the history of process in my work via layering of structured collage elements with irregular lines, gestural brushstrokes and fluid forms that evoke the universal visual language that is evident everywhere in nature.”

Originally from a southern suburb of Chicago, Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas. For more than 20 years, she has maintained a graphic design business in California in addition to teaching art and exhibiting her paintings nationally. Her fascination with plants and animals is a constant source of inspiration for her artwork.

08.25.13

Top 10 Tips for a Successful First Week by Dr. Claire Gordon

Dr. Claire Gordon, professor of communication, presented her top 10 success tips at the New Student Lunch held Aug. 21, sponsored by the LLCC Student Life office.  Faculty and staff are encouraged to review Dr. Gordon’s great advice and share it with students.

  1. Find classrooms: As soon as possible. Maps are available at the Information Desk and Student Life and were in folders at the New Student Lunch; also posted on walls in classroom buildings. Ask for help if you need it!
  2. Arrive early! Parking lots are busiest at 9 & 10 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
  3. Front row  Sitting in the front row makes a good impression on the instructor. The reverse is also true (sitting in the back row may create a poor impression.)
  4. No texting! Avoid “electronic rudeness” created by your electronic devices during class. Cell phones:  do not text in class because most instructors find this annoying. Laptops:  Ask instructor if you can use it during class, then only use it for taking notes or other academic purposes (don’t play games or visit social media sites.)
  5. Don’t skip Go to class every day even if attendance is not required
  6. Study wisely Don’t get behind in your homework assignments. Read the course syllabus carefully; it’s full of valuable information. Use the student planner to keep track of assignments & due dates. Plan on 2 hours of preparation outside of class for every hour you spend in class. If you are struggling, don’t wait – contact the Learning Lab for tutoring help immediately
  7. Check email and Blackboard daily LLCC and your individual instructors may send you important messages
  8. Get involved! There are 40 clubs & organizations at LLCC. Go to Loggerpalooza on Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more.
  9. “Be comfortable with yourself wherever you are right now.” Developmental courses are recommended/required for some students to help you succeed. If you fear public speaking, there is help at LLCC (CMN-101-CIS sections). If you are a high-ability student and you want to meet other students with similar interests, explore the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, & Quiz Bowl Team.
  10. Ask questions – when in doubt, ASK!  All of these people will be happy to help you: Professors, Fellow students. Employees/staff members