For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – “Mayan Expedition – Exploring a Cultural Treasure,” featuring the artistic work of Lilas Smith, will be on display beginning Jan. 18, with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center.

Lilas’ expedition, three decades ago, provided the catalyst for her creative experiments replicating the “crumbling murals and pottery shards observed on trips to the Mayan ruins and museums of Southern Mexico.” The exhibit features a wide variety of mediums used by the Wisconsin Rapids artist, including textured acrylic paint on Masonite, watercolor, oil on canvas, photography, and plaster sculpture.

Though many of Lilas’ artistic pieces have been on display previously, this show is uniquely designed around educational experiences engaging participants to discover more about the Mayan people and encourages greater appreciation for Mayan accomplishments.

Ancient artisans worked to tell and preserve a visual history of their time. Lilas work resonates to capture and share their story of that “long ago but not lost” period in Mayan civilization. The exhibit will remain on display through March 9 and can be viewed during Cultural Center Hours or by appointment.

For more information, contact 715-421-4598, cwcc@culturalcenterarts.com.