A River Runs Through it

Mooneyham Art Presents: A River Runs Through It Two Award-Winning Artists Inspired by the Riverbend As part of their grand prize, both artists will keep 100% of ALL their sales. “Often when we think of the Riverbend, we picture winding roads, cruising the bluffs with music on, windows down, and the river breeze in our hair. But there are two sides to the Riverbend, one community connected by a river that runs through it.” — Charles Mooneyham The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers have shaped the Riverbend’s history, landscape, and identity, inspiring generations of artists. This September, Mooneyham Art presents Dawn Isbell and Sarah Lorentz, first place winners of two regional competitions celebrating the Riverbend. A River Runs Through It features their award-winning works alongside a broader selection of paintings and photographs that highlight each artist’s creative depth. ABOUT THE EXHIBITIONS The River’s Reach: A Riverbend Photo Exhibition Originally shown at Jacoby Arts Center, this exhibition invited photographers to document the landscape, culture, industry, and people shaped by the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Mississippi Riverscapes: The 2026 Rivers Project Plein Air Competition Displayed at the National Great Rivers Museum, this competition encouraged artists to paint on location at Rivers Project recreation areas, capturing the region’s unique environments through direct observation. FEATURED ARTISTS DAWN ISBELL Winner, The River’s Reach Contemporary photographer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Dawn Isbell finds meaning in everyday moments, often beginning with familiar objects viewed from unexpected angles. Taught film photography by her grandfather, she carries forward an appreciation for the craft while embracing digital possibilities. Her work spans fine art, still life, events, street photography, food, and sports. Whether exploring new places or documenting daily life, she is driven by the philosophy: “Living a Great Story!” SARAH LORENTZ Winner, Mississippi Riverscapes Plein Air, Sarah Lorentz creates bold, energetic compositions infused with 1990s nostalgia. Her work ranges from figurative commentary to plein air landscapes, unified by expressive brushwork and visible process. Trained through apprenticeships and studies abroad, she earned her BA in studio painting from SIUE and is active in the St. Louis art scene, exhibiting nationally and internationally. PARTNERS IN ART & CONSERVATION These exhibitions were made possible through collaboration between: • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau • Jacoby Arts Center • Mooneyham Art Jurors: The River’s Reach — Stephen Scordias (Mooneyham Art Co Curator) and Chrissie Chapman (Jacoby Board). Mississippi Riverscapes — Charles Mooneyham (Mooneyham Art Owner) and Jenna Muscarella Godair (Jacoby Board). These partnerships highlight the power of art to celebrate place, foster stewardship, and strengthen community connections. ABOUT MOONEYHAM ART Mooneyham Art LLC, located in Historic Downtown Alton, is a studio gallery and creative hub founded by artist and curator Charles Mooneyham. Led by Mooneyham, Stephen Scordias, and Mindy Nickel, the gallery uplifts regional artists through exhibitions, workshops, and public programming that enrich the cultural life of the Riverbend. Visitors will also encounter works by a diverse group of regional, national, and international resident artists represented throughout the gallery. WHAT TO EXPECT Guests will enjoy complimentary desserts and refreshments while viewing original artwork and listening to live music by Psychedelic Symphony. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Join us as we celebrate with two remarkable artists, the Riverbend that inspires us all, and the partnerships that continue to strengthen the arts throughout our region. Authored by: Stephen Scordias Media Contact: Charles Mooneyham Mooneyham Art LLC 305 State Street, Alton, IL [email protected] 618 598 6090 www.mooneyhamart.com

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