Heartland Art Club
101 A W. Agronne Dr.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Wed - Sat
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Heartland Art Club Spotlight Series
Reverie in Tonalism
-Tracey Maras and Harry Starr-
July 8th, 2026 - October 3rd
Opening Reception July 11th (3:00 – 5:00 pm)
**A portion of the proceeds will support APL in Springfield IL
and Macoupin County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Carlinville
Gallery Open Wednesday through Saturday
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
I See You
Date Photographed: September 9, 2024
Location: Macoupin County, Illinois. Near Carlinville
Wildlife is something I rarely photograph, so when I saw this young deer feeding along a creek bottom, I parked and quietly set up for a quick shot. To my surprise, the young deer stayed just long enough for a couple clicks of the shutter, while he kept a watchful eye.
Out to Pasture
Date Photographed: April 16, 2025
Location: Central Macoupin County, south of Carlinville, IL
For me, there is nothing more beautiful than this bucolic pasture setting. Lush, green pasture contrasts against barren trees while cows dot the land. On this evening, recent rains filled a small runoff suppling water to grazing cows. I don’t think there is a stronger representation of rural life.
Hay There
Date Photographed: November 1, 2025
Location: Southern Macoupin County, south of Shipman, Illinois
Hay bales are one of my favorite subjects because of their nostalgic connection to my rural upbringing. I discovered these bales in southern Macoupin County; the foreground bale anchors the composition, while forming a visual connection to the background.
Rolling Acres
Date Photographed: April 16, 2025
Location: Central Macoupin County, south of Carlinville, IL
There is nothing I love more than my rural upbringing, so much of my photography reflects subjects unique to country life. This time of year, fields not planted in corn or beans are cut, bound, and wrapped as hay. When I found this scene of rolling hills and hay bales, I chose an impressionistic technique I developed to create the final work.
Country Bathhouse
Date Photographed: October 28, 2024
Location: Central Macoupin County, south of Carlinville, IL
Built by the owner, this country bathhouse serves as an outdoor shower to wash up after a hard day’s work. This unique structure symbolizes country life, teaching us to slow down and be present in our natural world.
House of Nock
Date Photographed: April 23, 2025
Location: Central Macoupin County, south of Carlinville, IL
Forgotten
Date Photographed: April 16, 2025
Location: Central Macoupin County, south of Carlinville, IL
I found this old, abandoned farmstead just miles from home. Due to extreme structural deterioration, I decided to play on the texture and resilience of this forgotten building and create a nighttime, impressionistic interpretation.
Breaking Through – Limited edition
Date Photographed: January 28, 2026
Location: Central Macoupin County
Driving the snow-packed, rural roads of Macoupin County, I discovered a group of trees sitting atop the snow-covered landscape. Initially drawn by the simplicity and tones of the trees against the snowy monochromatic landscape I was disappointed with the lack of light. This became an opportunity to practice with a light technique I developed to enhance the sky.
Autumn Blaze
Date Photographed: October 27, 2025
Location: Japanese gardens, University of Illinois campus.
This tree is part of the Japanese gardens located on the University of Illinois campus. There are a variety of gardens connected by a path guiding one on a journey through our natural world. On this fall day, I found a beautiful tree ablaze in autumn color living up to the garden’s reputation as a place of reflection and peace.
Along the Garden Path
Date Photographed: October 27, 2025
Location: Japanese gardens, University of Illinois campus.
On the University of Illinois campus, a retreat of Japanese gardens immerses visitors in a quiet setting, suited for self-reflection and meditation. This fall tree stands along the garden path, transporting one from chaotic world to natural environment.
Silver Moon
Date Photographed: April 29, 2025
Location: Central Macoupin County, north of Carlinville, IL
A nighttime, impressionistic interpretation of a group of early season trees. The complexity and texture of the tree branches, not yet covered by spring leaves, establishes mood and a sense of mystery when combined with a variety of textural elements.
Crimson and Gold –
Date Photographed: November 1, 2025
Location: Southern Macoupin County, south of Shipman, Illinois
Hay bales are always a favorite subject because of their significance to rural life; so, when I found these bales, surrounded by fall color, I had to stop.
The Galleries at Heartland Art Club MEMBERS’ GALLERY - Group of 8 Show
Wed, Jul 8th, 2026 - Saturday, Oct 3rd
Reception – July 11, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
**A portion of the proceeds will support Macoupin County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Carlinville
Gallery Open Wednesday through Saturday
Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Summer Rolls
Date Photographed: July 13, 2024
Location: Southwestern Macoupin County, IL, west of Shipman on Route 16
You realize you are in the heartland when hay bales populate open fields. Farmers typically mow grasslands and pastures, then bale the dried grass as fodder for a variety of livestock, especially when limited resources result due to weather or space. Hay bales are a favorite subject, which I include in much of my work.
Echoing the Past
Date Photographed: March 4, 2026
Location: Central Macoupin County, IL, south of Carlinville
Barns and sheds have always played a pivotal role in rural life. They dot the landscape providing shelter for livestock, as well as valuable storage for equipment and tools. Intrigued by this little shed, I loved the various textures inherent to the shed, winter trees, and corn stubble. Cooler tones contrast against the field of winter wheat and a splash of red draws the eye to the old shed.