Smiley Library to Host Brad Faegre Art Exhibition

Pastel and acrylic artist Brad Faegre, who has been associated with Redlands for more than 25 years, will be featured in a one-man exhibition of his Redlands scenes. The exhibition, sponsored by A. K. Smiley Public Library, will take place from April 13-20 in the Library’s Assembly Room, with an opening reception on April 13 from 4-6 p.m. "Brad is a very talented artist who has been a great supporter of the Smiley over the years. We are fortunate to have several of his prints in the Library's holdings and are pleased to be able to collaborate with Brad in displaying some of his original paintings and drawings for the enjoyment of our patrons,” said Library Director Don McCue. Exhibition hours for the week-long show will be Monday-Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 1-5 pm. All of the works in the exhibit are available for purchase from Mr. Faegre, with part of the proceeds being donated to the Library. Mr. Faegre’s watercolors, pastels, acrylics and oils have been featured in numerous magazines and books, including Pastel Artists International, American Artist, and the Pastel Journal. He served as president of the San Bernardino County Museum's Fine Arts Institute, and was the featured artist in 2010 at the annual "Art for Heaven's Sake" and at the University of Redlands in 1999. He also has been chosen as Artist in Residence, Yosemite National Park and has had exhibits there and at Grand Canyon National Park. "I was a stranger from North Orange County when I came to Redlands for the first time in 1987," Faegre said. "I was here to enter an art competition and was treated like a friend and neighbor by show organizers. That experience inspired me to return, again and again, eventually to live and work here." "There is a saying that a place must be lovely to be loved," he continued. “Redlands fits that description. What is lovely in people is usually transferred to 'the street.' It shows up in warm hails and greetings and the efforts of a community to design and build a lasting and rewarding life. I've spent a lot of time savoring these qualities in Redlands and expressing them in my art: the town's broad avenues, winding hilltop roads, light and shadow-rhythms of mature trees and public buildings, parks and homes, punctuated by citrus orchards and basin and range vistas." Faegre currently has 89 original paintings and drawings of Redlands of which about 40 will be on display. Visitors to the exhibit will also be able to watch a revolving digital “slide show” of all his Redlands work, as well as a sampling of other favorite subjects. For further information about the exhibit please contact Smiley Library at 909 798-7565.