Prairie Suite: A Study of Place is a collection of 12 original prints examining all aspects of the prairie. Each image was produced by an artist who demonstrated a deep commitment to the prairie and recognized the importance of embracing place in our lives. Works were commissioned by the Center for Prairie Studies at Grinnell College.
The driving forces behind the imagery include its history, some of the native species found on the prairie including the significance of John Deer’s invention of the mole board plow in Grand Detour, Illinois, the subsequent proliferation of agriculture leading to a significant loss of prairie lands, the unintended introduction of numerous invasive species, the effort to preserve remaining prairie and restoration efforts, and the contemplative promise of nature in general and the prairie in particular.
This exhibition is sponsored by the Parret Endowment, which is dedicated to the support of the arts, religion, and community in the Bloomington/Normal region.