Meet Fiona Davis!
New York Times Best Selling Author is joining Artful Reads this month!
New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis will be joining our February Artful Reads discussion!! She is the author of eight best-selling historical fiction novels translated into 20 languages, They are all set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick and an Artful Reads pick we read a couple of years ago and loved!
​
In preparation for her virtual visit and based on her recommendation, we are reading two of Fiona's works. In January, we talked about The Magnolia Palace, and on February 11th at 4:30, we will be discussing her latest book, The Stolen Queen. We have teamed up with the Dunlap Public Library since 2020 to discuss "arty" reads of various genres. We meet virtually every month, the second Wednesday of the month. We would love to have you join us for our monthly discussions or just Fiona's visit!
You do not have to live in the Dunlap Library district to be a book club member: we actually have a couple of members who live on the East Coast! ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please email mweyeneth@dunlaplibrary.org for a meeting invite. Please register at least one hour prior to the book club.
Meet Creative Soul's Featured Artists
Paige Poppe
We are proud to support the work of 22 Veteran Artists (22 VA) through promotion and service hours for their riverside location
Paintings and poetry of John Williamson
​
22 VA member and Vietnam veteran John Williamson's painting and poetry are haunting, a reflection of the man himself. On his mind are things he can’t seem to shake 55 years after his return like a soldier he had to leave behind on the battlefield that he had been treating. Although he was prepared to provide trauma care, he had to make life-and-death decisions like who would live long enough to get to a field hospital or who would not. He says he still wonders if he did the right things.
​
His painting and poetry exhibit is fittingly called Left Behind recalling what Vietnam veterans Left Behind: innocence, youth, faith in humanity, hope, and peace of mind. They returned with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) suffering from nightmares, loss of concentration, invasive memories, feelings of guilt, irritability, and in some cases, major depression.
Williamson is a member of 22 Veteran Artists (22 VA) and like other members of the group uses art therapy to combat PTSD. Unlike other group members. he hadn’t publicly shared his photos, poems, and paintings until a few years ago.
​
​
​
​
We are proud to bet the the only Illinois gallery to feature the work of Paige Poppe. While Paige was still in college as an architectural major, she got her creative business start by creating and selling hand painted skateboards with her own designs. These days Poppe is widely known for her paintings of desert botanicals and landscapes.
Poppe said leaving her home state of Arizona for college is actually what caused her to see the Sonoran Desert, with new eyes and appreciation when returning home. Her pursuit of creativity has blossomed into a full-time career as an artist.
“I use my artwork to put modern vibrant spins on the desert and nature,” Poppe said.
What inspires your creative soul?
“I strongly believe that nature is the greatest artist and art brings more color, magic and joy to your life.”
​
Linda Webb
Every Creekside Studio piece is handmade entirely by award winning artist Linda Webb. Linda has over 25 years of experience in a variety of mediums and began her professional career as a graphic designer. One of her designs may be in your closet as her designs have been printed on everything from fabric to rain boots!
Linda's mosaic jewelry can be found in multiple museum stores. She begins her unique process by sculpting a base in clay. Tiny “tiles” from sheets of rolled clay in a variety of colors and patterns are applied to the base forming a mosaic. Once the piece is cured, it is grouted and sanded smooth. The finished products are durable, waterproof, lightweight and unique pieces of wearable art.
What inspires your creative soul?
"I am constantly inspired by the beauty of nature."