Bellevue University Fills Gallery with Omaha Native’s Artwork, From Vision to Liquid Gold

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Bellevue University will feature local artist Jacqueline Washington’s exhibit Liquid Gold in the Dr. Joyce Norene Wilson Gallery for the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. The gallery is located inside the Hitchcock Humanities Center, located on the University’s main campus at 1040 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

Many of Washington’s works were inspired by her family, Black art and culture, religion, social justice, and nature. “My daughter, family, and friends have all been major factors and influences in my life. They would encourage me throughout the years to get back into art. After taking a 20 year absence from creating art, I finally refound my passion for it. This discovery happened in 2019, and I have not stopped creating since. Other factors influencing my works have been Black Arts and culture, nature, and social Injustices. I am constantly finding inspiration from different artists, forms, and expressions of art.”

Washington was featured in a collaborative exhibition in 2019, a solo exhibit in 2020, and part of a group exhibition, Bear Witness, in 2022. She owns an illustration company called Camillustrations and has produced artwork for two books, Cry’n Lion and I’m Autistic, Adventurous, and Ever So Bold. 

“I am a work in progress, continuously searching for more knowledge of both skill and techniques to better enhance my art,” said Washington. “I like to think of my style as unique.”

Washington works mainly with alcohol markers, acrylic paints, watercolors, ink, and color pencils. However, she plans to learn different mediums to improve her technique and gain new skills. 

She is currently working on new art to showcase while growing her illustration company, Camillustrations. Her future plans include pop-up shop events and festivals – and she has another solo exhibition coming early summer of 2023.

Washington offers this advice for artists of all skill levels, “Feel free to express yourself. Never compare your work to any other artists because beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Always follow your dream at any age. Stay focused and encouraged. Last but not least, be your own biggest fan and have fun!”

Most of Washington’s work is available for purchase. If interested, she can be reached through her Camillustrations Facebook page or by eMail at [email protected].

Her artwork can be viewed until the end of February and the public can attend a reception held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. to meet Washington.