"Underfoot" exhibit: March 2-April 10, 2026
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “Underfoot” featuring artwork by Illinois-based painter Kevin Veara March 2-April 10. The exhibit is open for viewing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during mid-semester break March 7-15. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road.
Veara’s artwork celebrates the intricate life of the Sangamon River ecosystem. Known for his vivid depictions of birds and the native environments they inhabit, he creates paintings that merge close observation with a deep personal connection to place.
Working in acrylic, Veara documents moments of quiet vitality — the return of a favorite bird, the brief call of a seasonal visitor or the way native plants nourish and protect the creatures that rely on them. His paintings highlight the interconnectedness of the river landscape while offering viewers a portrait of the Midwest’s subtle but profound biodiversity.
Living on several acres along the south fork of the Sangamon River, Veara has become closely attuned to the rhythms of migration, plant cycles and the interdependent relationships between species. His ongoing efforts to restore native habitat — removing invasives, supporting natural plant communities and observing the river through seasonal change — informs the authenticity and intimacy of his imagery.
Veara earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has worked in numerous public and private collections. Alongside his studio practice, he is the owner and operator of Black Moon Tattoo in Springfield.
Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum within the James Murray Gallery
The Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum has been in existence since 2004. In 2021, the Trutter Museum was transformed with the goal to maintain the strong name, identity and presence of the Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum, while uniting the Trutter collection with the space that is currently the James Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on LLCC’s main campus. This museum is a tribute to individuals who shared a great love for travel and education. We continue to celebrate a love for learning and the arts in a new location. By reimagining the Trutter Museum, students will have greater access to the collection and it will eventually be incorporated in art history courses. Moving the Trutter Museum to a better, high-traffic area on campus meets the goal to share the collection with students and others who may never get to travel but can travel the world through the Trutter Museum.
Melding the Trutter Museum with the James Murray Gallery reinvigorates and creates excitement about the arts on our campus and in the communities we serve. The museum and gallery features works from the Trutter Collection and pieces by guest artists, students and faculty. Phil Trutter was a student of James Murray. What an incredible connection to share with our students, faculty, staff and community.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are scheduled and coordinated through the LLCC Humanities, Arts, Communication and English, 217-786-2286.
Getting to the museum/gallery
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery is located on the second floor of Menard Hall on LLCC's Springfield campus. View the location of Menard Hall on the campus map.