Down Memory Lane Art Studio was established in 2004 and has been growing in popularity each year! Painting and sharing with others has been the goal of this teaching duo since its inception. Rusty received her training at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. where she received her degree in fine art. Recently retired as teacher she now teaches art part time at area schools and in their studio located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Rusty enjoys all mediums and excels in each but counts drawing, oil and prisma color pencil as her favorites. Her still-lifes allows the viewer to enjoy the soft colors and her superb drawing eye makes for strong compositions.

Ron retired in 2004 from a Midwest utility company now devotes full time to his painting and seeing to the everyday operation of their studio. He relies on his “gift” from God and depends upon his help in guiding you through his vivid landscapes. Most of his paintings are taken from scenes around the Midwest which has magnificent beauty especially during the fall. Scenes which draw the viewer in are his favorites, an old barn or a tree lined lane or just a simple path which allows one to reminisce about a special time or place in their memories. “Selling your work is very satisfying financially but watching a person connect emotionally with a painting is the extreme compliment in what you are trying to convey in your work!”

Both are members of the Illinois Museum Association and are represented by the Rend Lake Gallery in Whittington, Illinois. Having received many awards over the past 5 years has also been very rewarding for both but as Rusty says, “It’s more about the creating than about the recognition.”