The Arts Council of Midland is kicking off the new year with the Lisa Sprietsma Oil Painting Exhibit, scheduled to run from Jan. 9 to Feb. 23, 2025. The free exhibit will feature the work of Lisa Sprietsma, an artist known for her unique perspective on life and art.
“This is our sixth year offering a quarterly exhibition of fine artists’ work to the Midland community and visitors beyond,” said Daniel H. Holeva, executive director of the Arts Council of Midland. “We became aware of Lisa’s fine paintings through our regular research close to a year ago, and we contacted her, started our conversation, and scheduled her for this first exhibit of the 2025 year.”
Lisa Galloway Sprietsma was raised in rural Wisconsin and later traveled extensively before settling in Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona and now lives along the San Pedro River with her husband and a variety of animals, including horses, dogs, and cats.
Sprietsma’s paintings explore themes of balance and vulnerability.
“This work reflects the balance I strive for in life,” Sprietsma said. “There are internal, emotional struggles and world choices facing all of us. The choices are staggering. Where lies the balance between loneliness and solitude? Loss and connection? Responsibility for our Earth and each other?”
Using symbolic objects such as hourglasses, grapes, wishbones, and lemons against emotional backdrops of storm clouds and rain, her paintings evoke a sense of uncertainty and introspection.
The exhibit will open with a reception and artist talk on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Sprietsma about her work and participate in a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served, and admission is free.
“We hope visitors will see in Lisa’s beautiful paintings her vision of other worlds, using recognizable images to express vulnerability and other themes,” Holeva said. “This program aligns perfectly with our mission to bring diverse artistic perspectives to our community.”
Many of the pieces will be available for purchase, giving art enthusiasts an opportunity to support Sprietsma’s work and the Arts Council’s mission to make art accessible.