Part of the 2010 Vision and the Word exhibition.

As a writer and artist, I have always explained my work to people simply by saying: “What I cannot find the words for, I paint. When painting is not enough, I write.” In October 1997, however, visual artists Laurie Bieze and Allan Servoss and poet Alan Jenkins asked, why can’t the two come together? Since their conception of The Vision and the Word, every three or four years several area artists and poets develop artistic relationships where they talk, share, and create works through a union of their expressive media. Using each others’ ideas for inspiration, the result is displayed in an exhibition. This year, 20 pairs of active artists were recruited to take part and they chose their project partners at a social gathering, with duos including Peg Lauber and Barbara Shafer, Jim Larson and Allan Servoss, and Eric Rasmussen and Dan Ingersoll. The opening reception is to be held at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library on Sept. 12 with refreshments beginning at 1:30pm and discussions from the participants to begin at 2pm. The gathering will feature a dedication by Susan Sveda-Uncapher to celebrate the life and works of the late Norma Desprez, a local poet. Additional presentations by various pairs will commence at 2pm on Sept. 19 and 26 in the Eau Claire Room, while the exhibit will remain accessible during regular library hours.

    The Vision and the Word • Sept. 12-Oct. 19 • LE Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St. • FREE • all ages • 839-1648 • www.ecpubliclibrary.info