Finlandia's Reflection Gallery to host book illustration exhibit Feb. 2-27

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host an exhibit of book illustrations by artists Margo Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Rebecca Langlais, and Mallory Torola, from Feb. 2 to 27, 2012.

Illustration by Margo Anderson of Hancock. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the Reflection Gallery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

Margo Anderson will exhibit her children’s book, Being Different. The book is about Anya, an ebony oriental shorthair cat who has dichromatic eyes (two different colored irises.)

"Anya is abandoned in a vacant house, locked in without food or water," Margo explains, "She’s been left there because some believe that Anya is a 'bad cat' due to her unusual eyes. One day, however, a stray dog named Dixy stumbles across Anya and frees her. Dixy takes Anya to live with a wise blind cat who teaches Anya that she’s perfect the way she is."

Margo says that she was teased herself as a child and hopes that her story will help children understand that it’s okay to be different, and that differences make the world a more beautiful place.

Margo graduated from Hancock Central High School and is a junior at Finlandia University, striving to complete her bachelor of fine arts (BFA).

Rebecca Langlais, a senior Art and Design student from Norway, Mich., will exhibit several illustrations from her book, Beginning Paths, which is inspired by Rebecca’s vivid dreams and strikingly emotional experiences.

"I see art as a major means of therapy for myself," Rebecca says. "And I strongly believe that it can be for others, as well. Within this book is a snippet of these ideas and personal inspirations."

Rebecca’s previous work was displayed in both the 2010 and 2011 Juried Student Exhibitions at the Finlandia University Gallery. Beginning Paths is a precursor to Rebecca’s senior diploma works project, which will be displayed at the Finlandia University Gallery in April.

Senior Mallory Torola, Calumet, will exhibit her illustrations from Richard Goode’s Rosie O’Grady and Flash Magee, Dog Detectives -- a children’s book about two crime-fighting canines.

Sarah Anderson, a 2011 Finlandia BFA graduate, will show her original comic, Legend of Helga, a humorous and colorful tale of a young girl who becomes a hero.


Illustration by Sarah Anderson. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.