Jacksonville Gallery Presents Shadur Watercolors and Mawson Woodturnings

The David Strawn Art Gallery opened a two artist exhibit December 6 that paired Beth Shadur's watercolors from The National Park Project, Fragility with Steve Mawson's Woodturnings from the Heartland. An opening reception ran from 6 to 8 p.m., with a gallery talk by the artists scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The exhibit remains on view through December 21, with gallery hours Sundays 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 4 to 6 p.m.

Shadur's watercolor series continues her exploration of national parks as fragile and sacred places, using the medium's translucence to emphasize vulnerability and memory. Mawson's solid wood turnings draw on Midwest species, finished with ink and burning tools to create surfaces that recall woven basket textures while remaining fully turned from single blocks of wood. The visual contrast between delicate washes and tactile, sculptural forms framed the gallery this month.

Beyond individual artworks, the exhibition functions as seasonal programming for the Art Association of Jacksonville and included hands on learning opportunities. Local event listings noted an associated beginning watercolor workshop, designed to introduce techniques and provide practical arts instruction for residents. Those workshops and gallery events offer ways for people of different ages and backgrounds to access arts education without traveling to larger urban centers.

Arts programming in small communities contributes to public health and social cohesion by creating shared spaces for reflection and skill building during a time of year when social isolation can increase. For Morgan County residents, the David Strawn show provided a neighborhood venue for cultural engagement, informal social interaction, and creative learning. The limited gallery hours make weekday evening access possible for some working residents, while the Sunday hours provide a daytime option for others.

As the exhibit continues through December 21, it serves as a reminder that local arts institutions play a role in community wellbeing, offering educational programming, cultural visibility for regional artists, and opportunities for neighbors to gather and reflect during the season.