STERLING - Woodlawn Arts Academy is excited to welcome Tim Drane of Dixon as the featured artist for their 2018-19 Winter Art Exhibit. The Academy will host an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 30 from 5-6:30 p.m. During the reception, Drane will give a live painting demonstration in the Academy’s J. Mark Beaty Performance Center.

A self-employed roofer by day, Drane works in abstract action painting, using vivid water-based paints on stretched canvas to appeal to the visual senses. In addition, his ornate pencil drawings are filled with unique detail to draw the eye.

During the exhibit reception, artwork by the Academy’s Exploration Art School students will be on display. The students, who are in first through eighth grade, have been learning weekly about fundamental art concepts - finishing, framing and displaying their art - through projects with guest teachers. Their exhibit will be judged. Exploration Art School runs throughout the school year, and new students are welcome.

Drane will offer two workshops — one for adults and one for children — in addition to the open exhibit. Students ages 5-adult will work with him to create a 10 x 12 wrapped canvas abstract painting. The workshops will take place on Saturday morning, Jan. 12 for ages 5-13 and in the afternoon for ages 14-adult.

Registrations for Exploration Art School and Drane’s workshops are open now and available at woodlawnartsacademy.com, by calling (815) 626-4278 or in person at the Academy.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is supported by United Way of Whiteside and Lee counties and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For an application, visit woodlawnartsacademy.com or pick one up in the main office.