The Sioux City Art Center is slowly becoming one of my favorite places close to Vermillion. I always become fully engaged with the depth of work on display.

A few weeks ago, I came across an exhibition of, The Briar Cliff Review, that peaked my interest. I had never heard of this organization before and wanted to know more. They are a magazine that includes poetry, essays, and art from emerging and well-known creatives. They selected visually stimulating work for this exhibition from local and regional artists.

Entering the gallery, I was immediately welcomed with colorful and graphic paintings, intricate sculpture, and delicate mixed media pieces, E X C E L L E N T L Y curated. We arrived after the speeches took place but were still able to chat with a few remaining artists. One in particular, Brian Damon, spoke to us about his painting that represented a brain with Alzheimer’s. I was drawn to his ideas on this topic because my grandmother was diagnosed with this disease. The colors, instantly, drew me in and I was fascinated by his application of materials for this piece. As he shared his creation process for this painting, I was amazed by how he represented this terminal disease in such a vibrant manner.

I am always intrigued by artist’s creative process and what connects them to the kind of work they create. This exhibition gave me insight into how other creatives think and why they create work that represents them.

If you find yourself in the Sioux City area, take some time to stop by this exhibition and immerse yourself in this intense body of work.