MONMOUTH, ILL. (06/03/2026) A rare summer art exhibition at Monmouth College features the work of Galesburg artist and photographer Rich Ankeney.

Titled "Improvisations in Light," the exhibition will be on display through July 31 in the Len G. Everett Gallery, which is located on the upper level of Hewes Library. A reception for Ankeney will be held at 4:30 p.m. on June 5 as part of Golden Scots Celebration activities on campus.

Ankeney brings more than 50 years of experience in photography into his latest exhibition, which spans various technologies, methods, and subjects.

"I draw inspiration from music, especially jazz, using strong color combinations to create rhythmic and harmonic energy in my pieces," he said. "My work is heavily influenced by the Fauves, early abstract expressionists, and Kandinsky. My method of abstracting creates variations by manipulating line, form, and color in a kind of pictorial counterpoint."

Ankeney holds degrees in painting and photography, art education, and instructional technology. He taught art and photography at Carl Sandburg College for more than 25 years and, in 2002, received an Outstanding Alumni Award from the art department at Quincy University.