Art exhibit at Rockford Public Library explores tension underneath cheerful imagery
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new art exhibit at the Rockford Public Library explores the paradox between cheerful imagery and underlying struggles.
“Everything’s Fine: cheerfully poking at the disconnect between bright pop imagery and underlying struggle” is a solo exhibit by artist Brett Whitacre, a prominent local artist responsible for several of the large-scale murals around town, including one on the Jefferson Street bridge just north of the downtown library.
Whitacre will guide visitors through a lunchtime tour of the exhibit at noon on Wednesday at the library, 215 N. Wyman St.
“I’m fascinated by the contradictions in how we present happiness,” Whitacre said in a news release. “Through color, pattern, and nostalgia, I want to create something that draws people in — but also makes them question what’s beneath the surface.”
Admission to the tour is free. No registration is required. KaBao food truck will be on site with lunch for sale.
The exhibit, which features more than 15 works, remains on display on the first-floor gallery of the library through Oct. 31.
During the tour on Wednesday, Whitacre will share insights into his process, techniques and artistic influences.
“Brett’s work captures the tension between what we project and what we actually feel,” Bridget Finn, director of marketing at Rockford Public Library, said in a news release. “It’s bright, bold, and accessible — but also reflective. That combination makes it a perfect fit for our gallery and for Rockford audiences.”
Each piece in “Everthing’s Fine” is available for purchase via QR code. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rockford Public Library Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds to support the library’s mission.
“We’re thrilled to host ‘Everything’s Fine’ at the library,” Brook Loomis, the library’s development director, said in a news release. “This exhibition engages our community not just with what art is, but what art does: reflecting our hopes, masking our fears, and encouraging honest conversation.”
See the exhibit | ‘Everything’s Fine’
When: During normal library hours through Oct. 31
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday
Where: Rockford Public Library main branch, first floor gallery, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Tour: Noon Wednesday, Oct. 15
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
