A solo exhibition by Chicago artist Laurie Wessman LeBreton entitled, “To Honor and Comfort” will be featured from Sept. 27 to Oct. 26, in the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery, inside the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. A reception and artist talk will be on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m.
The exhibition is among LeBreton’s series of handmade abaca paper and mix media tapestries that focuses on types of meditation or prayer. A related exhibition, “Evidence of Things Unseen,” which shows pulp paintings that are a fusion of the many different altars in the world, will be held in the atrium adjacent to the gallery.
Creating her own spirits through sculpture with handmade paper, LeBreton’s influences come from popular religious culture like Haitian altars, Indian roadside shrines, 15th century Japanese Buddhism and simple artifacts sold outside South American cathedrals. “Working with multiples is a strong component of my work,” LeBreton stated. “It is both a metaphor and a strategy. Multiples, especially those with variations, point to the simple yet complicated nature of most things.”
LeBreton holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Smith College in Massachusetts; a Master of Arts in Education from California State University; and a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.
Her solo exhibitions have been featured at libraries, festivals and galleries throughout Chicago and in Massachusetts. She also has been part of larger group exhibitions in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Maryland.
The Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery provides an opportunity to view locally and nationally recognized arts. Exhibits in the gallery are free to the public and available for viewing Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as during most performances in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.
