The Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9) is proud to announce that painter Jeanne Dill, and her show, “INKED UP! Expressions for Hailey” will be the featured artist for the May IDADA First Friday Art Tour, on Friday, May 5th. The show will premiere 6-9pm, and admission is free.

“My show is dedicated to my granddaughter, Hailey, who is on the autism spectrum,” said Dill. “Like Autism, alcohol and ink paintings show that emotions and expressions can be all jumbled up inside. But once released, we see a beautiful soul.”

About Jeanne Dill

Jeanne Dill is a self-taught artist who has worked in many media, but now prefers to work in alcohol and ink on non-porous surfaces, as allows her to express herself most accurately. “Alcohol and ink are like watercolors with more personality,” said Dill. “They allow a true look at expression because they are harder to control when working with them.”

Creating art had always held her interest, but it became a passion and an outlet and a proving ground. “There was always this feeling inside that I would try to get out, but was never able to. That feeling of not knowing if you’re good enough to do or be something,” said Dill. “I’m the youngest and my siblings were always good at something, and I didn’t feel like I was. I was kind of shy, but my artwork has helped me be a bit more open, and not such an introvert.”

Dill also helped her granddaughter find her voice through other means of reinforcing expression, such as tapping Hailey’s hand while teaching her the alphabet. She realized that children on the autism spectrum learn a little differently than she might have, but are no less intelligent. She just needed to find different ways to help Hailey to open up more.

“For as long as I can remember, color has always been front and center for me. Color expresses feelings, moods and emotions. Color is what tells the art pieces story,” said Dill. “I want people to see my work as those beautiful souls, like my granddaughter, expressing their feelings. INKED UP! will offer a colorful release of emotions.”