Versatility & talent: Harrisburg library features the unique artistry of DeSande R

DeSande R Artistry is the title of the new art exhibit at Harrisburg District Library.

It features 24 pieces by DeSande in a variety of materials: linoleum block print; oil; pastels; colored pencil; watercolor and ink; photography; etching, and silk-screen. The exhibit is a showcase of her versatility and talent.

This work was recently on display at Carbondale Arts. Three of her pieces were part of the last exhibit of regional artists at the Hise Museum at Southeastern Illinois College. DeSande R's work is in demand at many area venues.

Born near Chicago, DeSande now lives in Carbondale and has been an art instructor at John A. Logan College for 18 years. She received an MFA in painting from Southern Illinois University in 2002. While there she worked closely with the renowned Najjar Abdul-Musawwir. She has studied art her whole life, knowing from the age of 5 that art would be her life.

Several of the paintings on display are self-portraits made over the last 35 years. She is also well known for portraits of influential and inspirational people like Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye and Billie Holiday.

She is currently working on a series of linoleum block prints of natural hair styles of African American men and women, African symbols and iconic musicians.

The public is invited to visit the exhibit any time the library is open, unless the downstairs conference room is in use. All are invited to the closing reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Most of the works in the exhibit are for sale.