In the Gallery
Our Wonderful World in Wool
Susan Cunningham
Exhibition Dates: February 3-28, 2026
Artist Reception: Friday, February 6 // 5-8pm
Live music | Lojo Russo
In Our Wonderful World in Wool, I seek to translate moments of wonder from the natural world into fiber—delicate flowers, butterflies, and birds, the quiet peace of a woodland path, the energy of water spilling over cliffs or crashing against stone, and the renewed hope and tranquility found in sunrise and sunset, marking another beautiful day. Through this exhibition, I invite viewers to slow down and experience a bit of the awe, peace, and joy that inspire my work.
Artist Statement:
I am an artist drawn to nature, travel, and the simple joy of making things by hand. In 2018, while traveling, I stumbled upon needle-felting by chance—distracted from my search for sock yarn by a tiny felted penguin. That small, unexpected encounter changed the course of my creative practice. I bought wool and needles, taught myself the technique, and was immediately captivated.
Needle-felting engages all my senses: the softness of the wool between my fingers, the quiet crunch as barbed needles intertwine fibers, and the steady, meditative rhythm that brings a sense of calm amid the noise of everyday life. The process itself is as meaningful to me as the finished work.
Artist Bio:
Susan was born in Iowa in 1951, and has lived there almost all her life. She is married and has
three sons. Susan has always been creative and has a passion for needle-felting, drawing, and
knitting. Her love of nature inspires her felted depictions of waterfalls, birds, and flowers.
Susan owned a needlework shop and worked for the Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of
America as a member of camp staff and as their Registrar. She sold her drawings at Artfairs in
the 70’s and 80’s and returned to shows in 2018 with her needle-felted pictures and mini
sculptures.
Susan attended Mount Mercy College, now Mount Mercy University, as a non-traditional
student. She graduated with Bachelor Degrees in Graphic Design and Fine Art.
Besides Artfairs, Susan has displayed her needle felted art at:
- The Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa
- Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Glenview Art League, 6x6, Glenview, Illinois
- Octagon Art Center Members Show, Ames, Iowa
- All Fiber Show, Burlington Center for the Arts, Burlington, Iowa
- Itty Bitty Show, Burlington Center for the Arts, Burlington, Iowa
- All Members Show, Burlington Center for the Arts, Burlington, Iowa
Susan has received awards for her felting at:
- Snake Alley Artfair, Burlington, Iowa
- Riverssance Art Festival, East Davenport, Iowa
- Glenview Art League Summer Art Festival, Glenview, Illinois
- Art in the Park, Elkader, Iowa
- Naperville Fine Art and Artisan Fair, Naperville, Illinois
- Itty Bitty Show, Burlington Center for the Arts, Burlington, Iowa
- Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa
of the Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo, Iowa
Up Next:
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Mississippi Whispers, A Mystical Journey
Cecile Houel
Exhibition Dates: March 3-28, 2026
Artist Reception: Friday, March 6 // 5-8pm
Live music | Jefferson Connection
Mini Gallery
A smaller, more intimate extension of our Main Gallery showcasing local, emerging artists.
February 2026
Anthony Franklin
The Values of Tenebrism
Artist Statement – Anthony Franklin
"The Values of Tenebrism" encapsulates the essence of my exhibition, exploring the emotional impact of light and shadow as they shape both people and places. Working primarily in graphite and charcoal, I am drawn to moments where contrast creates atmosphere, drama, and quiet tension. Influenced by chiaroscuro and tenebrism, I use light to guide the viewer’s eye and shadow to suggest what is felt rather than fully revealed.
I work intuitively, often drawing directly without preliminary sketches, allowing instinct and observation to drive the process. This approach balances realism with an impressionistic sensibility, giving each piece a sense of immediacy and authenticity. In my landscapes, I focus on mood and memory rather than strict documentation, capturing familiar environments as lived-in spaces marked by time and light.
My artistic background began in commercial art and evolved into a realist-impressionist practice informed by both classical and modern influences. Artists such as Monet and Cassatt shape my attention to composition and atmosphere, while Caravaggio and Gentileschi inform my use of dramatic contrast and depth.
Whether creating a portrait or a landscape, my goal is to produce work that feels timeless, emotionally resonant, and inviting—pieces that reward close viewing and establish a lasting connection with the collector.
Biography
Anthony Franklin is a visual artist known for his emotive use of light and shadow in graphite and charcoal. Born in 1965 and raised in Fort Madison, Iowa, he began drawing at the age of two and has maintained a lifelong commitment to the arts.
After studying commercial art and graphic design at Fort Madison Senior High School, Carl Sandburg College, and Southeastern Community College, Anthony worked as a graphic designer, art director, and freelance illustrator. He later returned to fine art, developing a realist-impressionist approach and mastering charcoal to explore dramatic contrast, texture, and emotional depth.
His work is influenced by classical and Baroque artists, including Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Caravaggio, and Artemisia Gentileschi.
A pivotal mentorship in 2024 with artist Adam Davey inspired him to adopt charcoal powder, creating a more dynamic and fluid style.
Anthony has exhibited in solo and group shows nationally and internationally, including the Los Laguna Gallery, NYU Tandon Gallery of Art, and the University of Toronto. His work has appeared in publications and community projects, such as Fort Madison’s 175th Anniversary.
He currently serves as President of Iowa Artists and is dedicated to advocating for and mentoring artists throughout the state.
Up Next:
In the Mini Gallery
Notre Dame Student Show
2025 Gallery Schedule
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