Exhibitions

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Current Exhibits

The Nature of Things: Paintings by Richard Schmidt

The Nature of Things: Paintings by Richard Schmidt presents a focused selection of oil paintings by artist Richard Schmidt, whose work reflects a lifelong engagement with color, light, texture, and the quiet power of the natural world.

A longtime painter in both oil and watercolor, Schmidt draws inspiration from places he has visited, often beginning with on-site sketches or reference photographs gathered during his travels. His paintings are completed in the studio, where observation is transformed through memory, atmosphere, and interpretation. Trees, rocks, streams, wooded paths, flowers, and weathered natural forms become more than subjects; they become studies in presence, surface, and spirit.

Schmidt’s background as a chemist, color consultant, and paint-industry professional informs his deep sensitivity to pigment, luminosity, and material. In his oil paintings, he uses wet-on-wet technique and a modified pointillist approach to build images that shimmer with movement while retaining the solidity and texture of the physical world. His work invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and enter the landscape—not only as scenery, but as an experience of light, time, and feeling.

In The Nature of Things, Schmidt explores what endures within what is constantly changing: the density of stone, the reach of trees, the movement of water, the warmth of an autumn day, and the fleeting effects of sunlight across the land. The exhibition offers a contemplative view of nature as both familiar and profound, grounded in observation and enriched by memory.

Frankfort Village Hall
432 W Nebraska St
Frankfort, IL 60423

MAY 6 - JUNE 26, 2026

ARTIST'S RECEPTION
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00 - 7:00 PM
FREE TO ATTEND

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

See more of Richard's work at http://dicksart.com/

Curated by Lisa Podlesak

SEE THE ARTWORK ONLINE

Elemental

Elemental explores the forces that shape our world — earth, air, fire, and water — through the eyes of local artists.

The exhibit features a wide range of work inspired by nature’s movement, texture, and energy. Visitors will see flowing water, shifting skies, and landscapes shaped by time, along with detailed studies of organic forms and natural patterns.

Some pieces capture the quiet stillness of a shoreline or forest, while others focus on motion, atmosphere, and transformation. Together, they highlight both the power and subtlety of the elements that surround us every day.

FAA at Studio C
14 Hickory St #14B
Frankfort, IL 60423

APRIL 16 - MAY 31, 2026

OPENING RECEPTION
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:00 - 7:30 PM
FREE TO ATTEND

Gallery Hours:
Monday 12:30 - 3:00 PM

Featured artists are John Voris, John Tylk, Carla Toth, Lisa Tangney, Barb Stevens, Tony Simone, Richard Schmidt, Ben Salus, Lisa Podlesak, Sandra Nielsen, Kristin Murphy, Janice Meister, Christopher McFarland, Diane Masloroff, Brynna Macias, Steve Lotysz, Michael Lindeman, Susan Johnson, Cathy Jedrzejas, Carole Grant, Heidi Glogowski, Andrea Fox, Sharon Esposito, Hank Erdmann, Christina Cooley, Colleen Carey, and LM Beatty.

Curated by Kristin Murphy

SEE THE ARTWORK ONLINE

Each Sip & See at Studio C opening brings together art, music, and community. These Thursday evening receptions celebrate the start of each new exhibit and feature live acoustic music, complimentary refreshments, and special offers from local partners.

We’re always looking to collaborate with area restaurants, cafés, and musicians to make each event unique and lively.

Your involvement helps us support local artists, cross-promote small businesses, and strengthen Frankfort’s creative community.