In December, local artist Dave Taylor will take over the PAC Gallery with his Funky Folk Art show. The show will kick off with an opening reception on Friday Dec. 9. “I am thrilled and excited to be able to have a show at such a wonderful place as the Prairie Arts Center Gallery. It is a great facility and I am honored to have been asked to have a show and wrap a big year of gallery shows at the P.A.C.”, says Dave, a 2008 selection into the Illinois Artisans Program.

Dave is a self-taught artist who has been painting for about 11 years. His goal is to make unique, eclectic, one of a kind pieces that will put a smile on your face. Dave tries to have fun with each piece, not take it too seriously, but also show the passion he has for his work. He started painting as a way to relax and be creative, and he can still say the same. He incorporates several different styles; Southern Folk, African, Southwest, Mexican, Aboriginal, and Americana Art. Dave calls his work, Funky Folk Art. In the past he almost always used acrylic paint on wood, and if possible Dave likes to use old recycled wood. In the last two years he has started painting a few pieces on canvas. Dave will use lots of color and detail in his pieces, and often incorporates the use of dots in the design. “The dotting has become somewhat of my trademark lately”, says Dave. Most of his pieces are of the wall art variety, but he also does yard art, statues, furniture and has painted on everything from wood sticksto fiberglass animals.

For his December show, Dave will have many new pieces as well as many pieces he has sold or donated in the past 10 years. Mark your calendars and plan on attending the opening reception on Dec. 9th, there will be food & drink, music, fun, a few surprises and lots of Funky Folk Art.