Clinton Community College, one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, is pleased to welcome the artwork of Conor McKinzey to the CCC Library Art Gallery.  The exhibit will be in the gallery through January, 2025.  The community is invited to visit the gallery at 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa.  An Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.  The Library Art Gallery was created in 2016 and has showcased a variety of artwork since that time. 
 
When asked about his inspiration for the colorful and detailed drawings and paintings, Conor McKinzey stated, “Art is my passion, it’s a lifeline and a reflection of my journey. Growing up I’ve always been drawn to exploring deeper meanings to life and entheogenic plants.”  He went on to share, “After 5 years in prison, I discovered the transformative power of art, learning to draw and paint while channeling my hyper-focus into creating simple yet impactful pieces. I’m most proud of my drawings of faces with strong expressions, as they capture emotions we all experience.” 
 
CCC President Dr. Brian Kelly commented, “Conor's passion and talent really shine in this exhibit. The expressiveness in his work evokes a wide range of emotion and detail." Like many students, McKinzey has many demands on his time.  He commented,  “Though I work only 12 hours a week to get by, it’s enough for me, it allows me the freedom to dedicate my time to creating art, which is always on my mind.”
 
Contact Clinton Community College for more information at 563-244-7001.