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Artwork by Michael Fuerst (Submitted by Michael Fuerst)

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• Refreshing photography in bloom

Michael Fuerst’s panoramic photos, granite drawings and watercolor paintings are on display at the Urbana City Building until April 30. His work combines different, often juxtaposing elements into one cohesive image in a process similar to collaging.

Fuerst said his work ended up in the building after News-Gazette arts reporter Melissa Merli mentioned his self-portrait, titled “The Mayor’s Best Friend,” in her column. This was significant, because several years ago, Fuerst was known to write letters to the editor complaining about Urbana. Fuerst was told by a friend that Mayor Prussing came to see his work at the Parkland Gallery after Merli’s column was published. After that, Fuerst invited Prussing to view more of his work, eventually landing him space in the Urbana City Building.

Fuerst started painting when he retired eight years ago. After reading a book titled “The Artist’s Way,” he decided to take art classes at Parkland College. He only continued to take classes after he discovered that he had talent. Now, all of his drawings, paintings and photographs are products of his class assignments.

“Most people draw, you know that?” Fuerst said. “Surprisingly, drawing is not something very difficult to do.”

Fuerst prefers being inspired by his class assignments rather than drawing the same thing over and over again. He thinks that most artists, even very talented ones, get stuck drawing the same thing in the same style.

“It’s not fun to paint the same thing over and over again,” said Fuerst.

Fuerst’s work will be displayed at the Urbana City Building everyday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 30.