The new BNYMCA has a new art gallery! Jan Brandt curated the exhibition which will be on permanent display. It was a challenge to decide who to ask for this first phase because we have so many talented artist in our community. Using local artists seemed important to strengthen the message of community which is so important to the Y. The artists represented range in age from 13-60 plus. There are collaborations between a professional artist, Danell Dvorak, and Avah Waldschmidt, a neuro-diverse, non verbal, autistic teen. There is an intergenerational collaboration between a 13 year old artist, Ada Stojentin, and her great aunt, Jan Brandt. Two paintings include the theme of water, with scenes of swim instructors, by Danell Dvorak, and water aerobics, by Sheila Lamberson. One painting has a humorous tone, by artist Jeff Bess. A punch needle piece by Camila Marienela, broaches the topic of immigration services in McLean County. These will be on permanent display at the YMCA. I have attached a recording by Avah Waldschmidt done on her assistive device. I would love to attach more images of the paintings, or meet with a reporter and the artists about the work. The artists names again are: Danell Dvorak, Jan Brandt, Avah Waldschmidt, Ada Stojentin, Jeffrey Bess, and Camila Marianela. Hours of Operation are 5 am -10PM M-F 6AM-8PM Saturday and Sunday. Curator Jan Brandt of Jan Brandt Gallery 309 287 4700