Peorian and artist Tom Gross will display a collection of his work at the Peoria Public Library Main Library Gallery from Thursday, August 1 until Friday, August 30 during regular open library hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The show is free and appropriate for all ages.

A Gallery Walk and Talk will be offered on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Gross captures local scenes in acrylics and on a large scale. He says that when searching for ideas to release the creative drive that is in the artist that is in himself, it was only natural that he would begin painting city scapes. He says that since he grew up in an urban environment he was always sketching buildings and street scenes.

“Starting with the first painting I knew I had fallen on subject matter that I not only could get a creative release, but also bring out some emotion from the viewer. What is art but the search for an emotional connection with the artist and the viewer?” said Gross.

He talks of the early days when his paintings were of local scenes and welcomed by the galleries in the area. As Tom Gross began to travel more he started to capture images from around the country. He paints everything from manhole covers, gas and parking meters to grand views of Major League Ballparks majestic stadiums.

“Famous neon signs to theater marquees, the subject material is vast and life is fleeting, so I paint,” he said.