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MARSHALLTOWN – An exhibition of Vicki Meyer’s artwork, titled “Serendipity,” will open with a public reception on Wednesday, January 22 from noon to 1:30 pm at Ray Frederick Gallery on the Marshalltown Community College campus.

“Serendipity” showcases Meyer’s unique artistic style, which is heavily influenced by her love of found objects and textures. Her work often incorporates mixed media, such as handmade papers, rusty objects, watercolor and corrugated cardboard.

“I often discover and am inspired by things and materials, from the ordinary to the obscure, and envision using them in an art piece, “Meyer explains. “That’s where the serendipity comes into play, as it’s very often by happenstance.”

Meyer’s artistic journey began in childhood, where she found solace in the creative process. “There really was no pressure, I didn’t care if there was a room full of people,” she recalls of her early experiences with art.  “When I got to junior high and beyond, I wanted nothing to do with that experience. If I sat in a room full of people with a blank canvas in front of me, it would have been blank at the end of the class.”  However, her passion for art persisted. She started showing and selling her pieces at The Perfect Setting with Pam Schwartz, which boosted her confidence and encouraged her to continue creating.

Meyer’s work often incorporates elements that evoke nostalgia and connection to the past. She loves it when people look at her pieces and recognize familiar objects or printed paper such as books, maps, and music. Sewing patterns, with their precise lines and dots, often serve as a backdrop for her work. She explains, “I enjoy creating pieces that resonate with viewers and spark shared memories, connecting them to the past.”

The exhibition will feature a selection of 15-20 of Meyer’s artwork with a dozen of them being available for purchase.

When asked about influences in her work, Meyer said “I love all art!  I enjoy the lively atmosphere and conversations at art festivals that lead to meeting new artists and learning the various interesting techniques used.

Though this is the first exhibit for Meyer at MCC she has shared her work in several other settings including Fisher Community Center in Marshalltown. “I’m looking forward to having a display at MCC to share with my friends and family and maybe find new people to appreciate what I’m doing, to meet people that maybe could share something back to me. It’s all about people,” she says.

Meyer would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her family, for their support. “Without my husband and my entire family, there are times that I probably wouldn’t have pursued my art.”

The Meyer exhibition closes at noon on Friday, February 14. The gallery is open weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm. For further information about the Ray Frederick Gallery, please contact Tim Castle at Tim.Castle@iavalley.edu.