Prairie Arts Center-Colors by Collette

The February Gallery Show at the Prairie Arts Center will feature Collette Yelm and her art exhibit: Colors by Collette.

Join us for an Opening Reception on February 7th from 6-8pm and enjoy refreshments.

The show will run from February 7 – February 23rd. The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3pm and is located at 24 Park Ave East in Princeton, IL.

“It all began with a painting class and a finished piece of work that just didn’t seem quite right… so I taught myself “Pour Painting.” I covered the original piece with a pour painting and I have been hooked ever since!

I have presented my pieces at various art exhibits and craft fairs throughout the area and have been commissioned to paint specialty pieces also. I have taught Pour Painting classes at Prairie Arts Center on canvas, vases and Easter eggs.
My appreciation of art was inspired by my amazing mother who had a love for “beautiful things.” As a mother of 8 children, she was always sewing, painting, hand stitching or creating something amazing in her spare time. I am fortunate that that desire to create and “love beautiful things” was passed on to me.

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, third in line in an Irish, Italian family of 8 children. A graduate of Boylan Catholic High School and Illinois State University with a degree in Social Work. My career included working in mental health for 15 years and 27 years as a social worker at Perry Memorial Hospital.

It was during this time that my involvement in home parties kept my creative interest flowing. Selling handmade crafts, specialty clothing, and being a representative for Silpada Jewelry kept me very busy.

I live in Princeton, Illinois with my husband, Charlie Yelm, who has been supportive over the years of my ever changing hobbies. We have two beautiful children, Katie in Princeton and Michael in Dallas. We have 5 amazing and creative grandchildren who love to pour paint!
I am always trying to improve and create new looks. I hope you enjoy the colors as much as I enjoyed creating them.”