Todd Stokes’ award-winning sculpture , “Freedom.”

Published in Terre Haute Tribune-Star

River City Art Association and the Vigo County Public Library spotlight the photographic and etched glass artwork by Todd Stokes this month in the library at Seventh and Poplar streets.

Stokes was born in Evansville, and grew up in Terre Haute. He was an honor graduate of Indiana State University, School of Fine Arts in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography and a minor emphasis in Plexiglas sculpture.

His early interests in subject matter revolved around architecture with the underlying geometric forms and hard-edged shadows dominating his creative drive. In the evolution of his work the subject matter has shifted from cityscape to landscape, specifically trees, their relationship to the surrounding world and the human characteristics they seem to possess.

Stokes not only finds an expressive outlet with photography, he also enjoys creating interesting two- and three-dimensional etched glass art incorporating basic geometric shapes as key elements in his designs. Working with glass is an extension of his experience in Plexiglas with a constructionist twist as he continues to explore three-dimensional works combining hand-cut glass with unique etched design work.

Recently stepping down as the owner of The Golden Frame in Terre Haute, Stokes continues his career there as manager and resident artist. “My occupation has continued to challenge my creativity by pushing me to design and create one-of-a-kind art displays for more than 20 years.”

Current affiliations: vice president, River City Art Association; member, Terre Haute South Rotary; lobby gallery director, Community Theatre of Terre Haute; and member of the Watermark artist collective, Arts llliana Inc., Wabash Valley Art Guild, Gaslight Art Colony in Marshall, Ill., and Bicentennial Art Museum in Paris Ill.

Recent shows include RCAA/WVAG invitational, “Convergence: Two Groups, One Vision,” February 2015, Halcyon Art Gallery; RCAA Annual Juried Exhibition, October 2015, Second Place award in 3D Mixed Media for sculpture “Freedom.”

RCAA meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the VCPL. For membership information visit rivercityart.org or call Mike Bender, president, at 812-251-7724.