Landscape the Knowable Mystery

When I first started this project I didn't have full appreciation for the artistic complexities of landscape painting. It's grown tremendously."

Wheaton College Art Professor Joel Sheesley spent hundreds of hours during his 2014 sabbatical painting the varied landscape of the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area in Wheaton. This exhibition of his work features more than 60 original landscapes and follows Joel's artistic study of the marsh when the winter was one of the coldest on record. Joel captured the vibrant life as well as the changing moods and seasons of Lincoln Marsh during this time in his sketches and paintings.

Landscape the Knowable Mystery is a collaborative cultural art partnership and presentation by artist Joel Sheesley, Wheaton College, and the Wheaton Park District. The majority of the paintings are featured in the museum's sacred arts gallery and the remainder are on display at various district attractions and local businesses throughout the city of Wheaton.

The role of the created world in proclaiming the gospel message is found throughout Scripture. This exhibit is a welcome collaboration, central to the mission of inspiring a visitor's next step of faith through visual communication and stories of the past.

A companion catalog titled Lincoln Marsh Journal chronicles the artist's 12-month journey and features sketches and essays by Mr. Sheesley. It is available at participating exhibit venues and at the BGC Bookstore.

The city-wide exhibit is on display from April 29 through June 22, 2015. Exhibit site maps, and interest sheets for buyers are available at each exhibit site.

Reception and Original Music Performance

The exhibit opens with a preview event on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Museum. The evening will feature, at one time together, more than 60 of Joel Sheesley's landscape paintings of Lincoln Marsh before they are exhibited at various community attractions and local businesses around the city of Wheaton. The artist will offer comments on his experience painting in the open air of the marsh. This preview event will also include a core sample extracted from the Lincoln Marsh by geology students, an original composition for flute and recorded sounds from the Lincoln Marsh, as well as remarks from Brook McDonald, President and CEO of The Conservation Foundation.

Books and other materials will be available for purchase. Delectable refreshments will be provided. Events are open to the public. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at lincolnmarsh.org>>.