NCI ARTworks in Peru to host Unmasking Love art exhibit

NCI ARTworks to host an opening reception for the month-long Unmasking Love exhibition of art by Lorena Malm and Lisa Marie Carlson from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the NCI ARTworks Gallery in Peru.

Malm is a nationally renowned digital and abstract artist, whose work graces the walls of homes and businesses throughout the U.S., including local businesses such as Eureka Savings Banks in Mendota and Oglesby. Her art is featured in respected art publications such as “Shout Out SoCal,” “Canvas Rebel” and “San Diego Voyager” as well as the poetry collection by New Zealand writer Lorraine Gilmour. In addition, Malm’s work can also be found in “From Harm to Hope, a Multi-Artist Retrospective of Trauma and Recovery,” an NCIARTworks publication in partnership with the Perfectly Flawed Foundation, which is available online at nciartworks.com.

Malm’s focus in this exhibit is the unmasking of love in all of its forms and challenges. Some pieces on exhibit are the creative result of artistically portraying the emotional challenges that love presents to a woman of a certain age, while other works reflect the beauty and excitement of anticipated love as a young woman. While her digital work can be delightfully whimsical, depicting fairies swirling through magical landscapes, it can also be profoundly thought provoking. Malm spends her time creating and selling her art and helping to manage the operations of the NCI ARTworks Gallery exhibitions.

Carlson of Ottawa is a self-taught artist and professional hairstylist, who began exhibiting at the Third Friday Street Art Fairs in Ottawa, three years ago. Carlson’s alcohol ink base work overlaid with exquisitely sensual line work has created a viral sensation on TikTok, launching her from emerging artist to affirmed artist in short order. Her work is taking the internet community — and the local arts and culture community by storm. As a member of the Ottawa Art League, Carlson participated in the Art in the Park events and was part of the “Emerging Artists” exhibition at NCI ARTworks in July of 2024. Carlson spends her time crafting beautiful pieces of art as well as volunteering at NCI ARTworks. Her work is beautiful and sensual and a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Whether celebrating love or grieving the loss of it, the work of both of these talented artists poignantly showcases the complexity of this essential human emotion. The opening reception for the month-long “Unmasking Love” exhibit will take place on Feb. 14. It is free and the public is welcome. A private viewing of the exhibit can be arranged any time by emailing outreach@nciartworks.com.