Local folk singer-songwriter Ben Bedford, known for his storytelling and evocative lyrics, is making his debut in the visual arts world. He'll become this fine art gallery's newest 2D-artist when his ink and pencil drawings and watercolor paintings – which he has enjoyed doing for decades – go on display for the first time. Gallery owner Toni Lowenthal, who has been a fan of Bedford's music for years, said the singer's art is "inspired by the national world, open skies and space, trees and woodland animals." Bedford, who will talk about his art at 2 p.m., says his art and music are intertwined. "I compose music very organically, in a sort of stream-of-consciousness way, and I draw and paint in an analogous fashion, I think. In both disciplines, I'm sketching a scene or an image or a mood or any combination of those. In both disciplines, I'm telling a story," Bedford said in a press release. After his talk, Bedford, who has six studio albums, will play a set of his music at 3 p.m.. In 2010, WFMT-Chicago named Bedford one of the "50 most significant folk singer-songwriters of the past 50 years." The Springfield singer's exhibit will run through Sept. 28. The event is free.
"A Dream of Trees and Starfields" opening reception
Saturday, Sept. 7, noon-5 p.m.
Perspectives Art Gallery
112 S. Sixth St., Petersburg217-361-7929