On display in the hallway of Central Bank of Boone County in downtown Columbia
July 8 - August 19, 2025
Reception: Thursday, July 17, 5-6 pm at the Columbia Art League
The visual through line of this work by three different artists is all about geometry, shape, and structure. But each of these artists approach this subject with a whimsical sensibility through color and detailed line work. Through experimentation and persistence, Ruthie, Debbie, and Lana show us how connections are forged with open minds and great joy.
The Columbia Art League is proud to support this kind of experimentation and collaboration to enhance our local artists and community arts programming.
Debbie Cahow
Artist Statement
Debbie Cahow creates through an intuitive sense of playfulness. She loves expressing herself through many creative mediums. In recent years, she has fallen in love with watercolors, especially abstract pieces. She allows her emotions to be channeled through her art. She creates for the well-being of body, mind, and heart. Debbie loves sharing her art with others. These pieces were inspired by circles, triangles, and squares.
Artist Bio
Debbie came to Columbia, MO, in 1977 with the plan to study art at MU. Her plans shifted, and she pursued a career in nursing. In 2016, she retired from nursing and rekindled her love of art. Debbie’s focus has been on watercolors. In the past 4 years, she has participated in community exhibits.
Lana Costanzo
Artist Statement
The internal core of my work centers on joy & optimism. As artists, I believe we collectively have the power to positively transform the world. My inspiration is fueled by passion: passionate experiences, passionate colors, and passionate people. Wraparound canvases are my absolute favorite. I enjoy creating a “unique surprise” on the edges of the wraparound that you don’t see when you look directly at the painting. It’s like a secret visual waiting to be discovered. I carry a celebratory spirit with me as my paintbrush seems to dance across the canvas, exploding in rich, vibrant colors. My motto is: “Happy Walls = Happy Thoughts!” Looking at a fun painting on your wall automatically gives you happy thoughts to carry with you throughout your day… Enjoy our show!
Artist Bio
I grew up in the teeny, tiny, magical town of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. We had musical celebrations every weekend where Uncle Bunker played the accordion & amp; Uncle Vince wailed on his fiddle. We sang (off key & amp); danced wildly. So guess what? I’ve painted to loud rock music for many, many decades. The unbridled joy of painting with music blaring speaks to my expressive soul. A segment from my interview in International Artist Magazine sums up my thoughts: “I like to ignite a warm fire in your brain. Like chocolate, art makes our world a better place.” I’ve held international art exhibits in England and the Netherlands, as well as numerous shows in the United States, including California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Idaho, and Missouri.
Ruthie Moccia
Artist Statement
Images for this exhibit were created around the concept of connection and how people do (or don’t) connect, the ways we pursue a connection with others, the difficult personal work of connection, and how it might feel to finally choose to connect. Connection can bring feelings of security and well-being that we need. Each 12"x12" painting is mounted on the outer side of the glass to emphasize the contrast between access vs limited availability for connecting. Each frame is assembled with a sheet of glass placed over a soft white drape to suggest connections can be much deeper than the visible surface might appear. As you view the images, what thoughts come to you about the way you connect with others? Is it inviting? Happenstance? Regimented? Interactive? En masse? Determine what you might want more of and keep that image with you.
Artist Bio
Ruthie Moccia works in oil, acrylic, pastels, and photography. Her photographs are sometimes embellished with oil paint. With her degree in art education, she taught art in the public school and at the Lawrence, KS Art Center. She performed the tedious task of color separation for Hallmark Cards before scanners took care of that. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Kansas and Missouri. She has received awards for her entries in the Five State Photography Exhibition (Hayes, KS), Riverbend Art Festival (Aitchison, KS), Visions Photography Show, Columbia Art League, Boone County Art Show, Art St. Louis, and St. Louis Women’s Caucus for Art. Her portfolio was accepted into the archives at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in the year 2000.
