Photo of Stichter with one of her works provided.

By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

WARSAW — The Warsaw City Hall has sidewalk art and Seward Johnson sculpture art surrounding it, but within its’ walls you will find the abstract art of Brenda Stichter.  Bright colors zoom off the canvas in a kaleidoscope of intriguing designs.

Stichter shares her view of art with us, “Choosing to use abstract painting as a language, I am attempting to communicate concepts in a way that will cause the viewer to want to know more about each work, ask what my message might be, and enjoy the color and emotion of each painting.  I hope that joy and celebration is evident in much of what I paint.”

Stichter proclaims a love of God, family and art.  After many years of following other pursuits Stichter has found herself in the enviable position of being able to paint nearly every day in her home studio.  She and her husband share the home but stay in constant touch with their grown children.  Stichter is excited to share her work with others.

Using scripture for inspiration, most of Stichter’s paintings are abstract representations of special passages or principles.  She uses texture and iridescent paint in many of her paintings, and has a personal symbol in almost every painting representing her relationship with her Heavenly Father.  Viewers may find it intriguing to search out that symbol as the visit her exhibit now in place at Warsaw City Hall through August 22.

Stichter has a Commercial Art/Bible degree from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN and worked as a commercial artist in ad agencies as well as forming her own advertising business.  Children came, and she relinquished the art and advertising world to spend her time homeschooling her children.  Now that they are grown, she has been able to return to her love of painting and art.  You can see more about Stichter and her work at her Facebook page or online. 

Stichter is a member of the Artist Forum and the Lakeland Art Association with many solo exhibitions to her credit.  You will want to stop in the City Hall Foyer and main hall to see her work and enjoy a rest from your Walking and Wandering tour!

COMING UP:

• A two day Precious Metal Clay Pendant or Earrings creation class will be held on  Tuesdays, July 12 and 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lakeland Art Gallery 302 E. Winona Ave. Warsaw.  Students must be 12 and up and the $65 per student fee includes supplies. 
•  Lastly, (I took this class last year and it was fabulous) John Streeter is an award winning pastel artist from Chicago who is going to give you the principles of pastel painting and you will take home a finished, framed and ready to hang work of which you can be very proud.  Must be 18 years or older and have some art experience.  Cost $65 per student, supplies included except for the towel you need to bring for cleaning.  Register by July 9, seats fill quickly. This class will be July 16 from 10 am to noon.                
• You are also invited to attend the special programs held each month by Lakeland Art Association on the 4th Monday evening. Call (574) 267-5568 from Tuesday through Saturday for more information and times.