MONMOUTH, ILL. (10/06/2025) The latest art exhibit in Monmouth College's Len G. Everett Gallery is by a 2007 alumnus of the school - John Carroll of Polo, Illinois.

Collectively titled "Visions of Nature - An Eco Art Exhibit," all of Carroll's new sculptures - many of them cairns - are created from repurposed materials. Free and open to the public, the exhibit will be on display through Oct. 24. Carroll will be on campus for a closing reception and artist talk that date from 3-4:30 p.m.

A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones - or, often in Carroll's case, wood - raised for a purpose, usually as a marker or as a burial mound.

"They are a way to mark a path or place in life - whether a physical marker to your favorite spot in the yard or as a reminder of someone cherished," he said. "The construction of the cairns are hexagonal courses, which I consider to be the universal shape in life. I've added various dimensions to the cairns by creating some with movement and others with negative space."

Carroll is self-employed in construction but still tries to stay active in the art community, doing a few shows a year.

"Nature has been the leading inspiration of my art," he said.