Four Springfield education and arts organizations have partnered to present exhibits in March that explore the various ways artists 
merge language into their visual art. LLCC, the University of Illinois Springfield, the Illinois State Museum and the Springfield Art Association have formed the Pro-Text Partnership, with plans to present exhibits and events at each of the organization’s creative venues.
Exhibit information is below:
Photos shown are from exhibit reception at the Trutter Center March 13.
Lincoln Land Community College
Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield
“Text by Design”
Exhibit duration: March 13–April 3, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The LLCC exhibit features the work of more than 40 students in LLCC’s 3D Design, Screen Printing and Intro to Graphic Design classes. The freestanding-designed exhibit will feature large pieces made of cardboard, foam core, wood, Plexiglas, ceramics and other materials and mediums.
University of Illinois Springfield
Visual Arts Gallery, Health Sciences Building 201, UIS campus
“Pretty Thoughts: Works by Mauricio Ramirez”
Exhibit duration: March 8–Sept. 13
Mauricio Ramirez has been described as an architect of letters and icons. Born and raised in Chicago, the urban landscape became his canvas at a young age. Ramirez is a graduate of UIS and is currently an artist in residence at Lacuna Artist Lofts in Chicago. Ramirez’s work can also be seen on walls and freights throughout the Midwest.
Illinois State Museum
Second Floor Gallery, 502 South Spring Street, Springfield
“Pro-Text: When Words Enter Visual Art”
Exhibit duration: March 8–Sept. 13
The ISM exhibit will feature the work of nearly 30 artists and is curated by ISM Assistant Director of Art Robert Sill. Sill explains, “When words, poetry, or type fragments combine with any form of visual art … it exhibits additional layers of meaning. It can trigger new thoughts, create narratives, produce sounds or even evoke feelings.”
Springfield Art Association
M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 North 4th Street, Springfield
“Pro-Text Addendum”
Exhibit duration: March 6–April 3
The SAA exhibit will feature additional works by several of the artists featured in the Illinois State Museum exhibit. Artists include Stan Bly, Shayne Brantley, SAA Executive Director Betsy Dollar, Shane Harris, Allison Lacher, Ruthann Mazrim, Michael Miller, Terry Rathje, Brian Sullivan, Kevin Veara and Thom Whalen.
Additional free public events, entitled “Text Talks” are planned at the Illinois State Museum on March 19, April 16 and May 21. All events begin at 7 p.m.