Expressions of Freedom

Hayley Jarman/Journal Review Photo Visitors viewed artwork Saturday during the opening of “America @250: Expressions of Freedom” at Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County. The regional juried exhibit featured 20 works by 18 artists of varying ages and experience levels, each exploring the meaning of freedom through personal and creative expression. Organizers received about 70 submissions and selected 18 for display, including four artists from Montgomery County. Among them, local artist Jazerick Garman displayed a mixed-media resin piece depicting a cross combined with the U.S. and pride flag and eagle wings, accented with red paint to symbolize blood, conveying the message that “freedom is not the same for everyone.” Artist Tom Vice, of Marshall, Illinois, exhibited a photograph titled “Grandpa,” part of a broader body of work developed while traveling and exploring photography. The exhibit will remain on display through July 18. Also opening Saturday, “Moments That Made Us,” a history display developed from an exhibition by History Colorado, highlighted themes from the Declaration of Independence alongside key moments in U.S. history that illustrate those ideals, encouraging reflection, conversation and community connection. Both exhibits are part of planned local events commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States, marking 250 years since the nation’s founding and offering opportunities to examine the country’s past while considering its future.