The DeKalb Area Women’s Center is presenting the artwork of NIU alumna Karen Homstad throughout this month.

The center, located at 1021 State St., will present Homstad’s work through Sept. 27.

Homstad is a veteran artist who received a degree in art education with an emphasis in oil painting from Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wisc. She received a master’s degree in education with an interest in reading from NIU. She’s a retired art educator who has taught and created art for 37 years.

Homstad continued studying art throughout her life. She furthered her degree from a variety of schools. Through life experiences she explored art techniques and ideas that helped inspire her creative process. Homstad loves to work with color in juxtaposition on canvas.

She focused on textile design throughout the 1970s. She specialized in batik, tie-dye and photographic silk-screen. In the 1980s, she specialized in black-and-white photography along with textile design.

In the 1990s, she returned to oil painting. Studying under well-known artist Suzanne Poursine Massion, the elements she learned helped her to expand her own artistic self.

In a statement presented by the artist, she said, “I view painting as compositions of values, colors, shapes, lines and textures … I do not limit my choices of subject matter, as my exploration continues.”

The pieces that are presented at the exhibit are representative of Homstad’s different art mediums. From oil pastels to tie-dyes, textiles and black-and-white photographs. Homstad has sampled in many different artistic genres.

There will be a free opening reception with the artist to view her artwork on Friday, Sept. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be open every Friday through the months of September. The artwork also can be viewed by appointment by calling 758-1351. Everyone is invited to attend. Star Poll