Paintings by Chicago artist are displayed in Oesterle Library Gallery

The talents of Chicago artist Stella Zee will be showcased at North Central College in an exhibit of her work Aug. 24 through Oct. 8.

The free exhibit will be displayed in North Central’s Oesterle Library Gallery, 320 E. School St. Zee will greet visitors at a reception from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13; complimentary refreshments will be served.

A painter, Zee invites viewers to enter a light-infused, enveloping environment by miniaturizing themselves. For Zee, “The presence of the animals is significant, symbolic of how their instinctive power has healing qualities that nurture our spirits.” Bringing her work into the public eye, she looks to help viewers experience this environment in a similar manner.

Encouraged by her grandfather, a world-renowned calligrapher in China where she was born, Zee practiced calligraphy skills developing her own style. Later she followed her family to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she experienced a whole new culture, adapting its colors and style into her calligraphy work.

Zee attended Boston College for her bachelor’s degree and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for her master’s degree. At the Art Institute, Zee’s work took off, which is how she “found in the medium of oil painting a means to integrate the cultural influences that had informed her life.”

North Central College's 2015-2016 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially sponsored by Nicor Gas, Advanced Data Technologies, BMO Harris Bank, Savant Capital Management, USG Corporation, West Suburban Irish, Monarch Landing, Naperville Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund, Illinois Arts Council Agency, DuPage Foundation and Naperville Development Partnership.