Nando Milano Trattoria of Champaign is pleased to announce local artist Leslie Kimble and Lori Fuller featuring their recent artwork. Leslie will exhibit vibrant colors in acrylic when capturing the world around her. Lori’s exhibit will include recent Downtown Champaign in digital drawings. Both artists will be on sight.
Leslie Kimble is a self-taught artist from the Midwest who loves working with vibrant colors in acrylic when capturing the world around her. Leslie’s exquisite artwork has been showcased at prominent events such as the 40 North Untitled fundraiser in 2024 and 2025, The Allerton Park and Retreat Center as well as the Boneyard exhibitions in both 2023 and 2024. Notably, Leslie’s captivating pieces have also graced the walls of Busey Bank from 2022 to 2024. Her work has been admired at various other venues, including Cafe Kopi, Artist Against AIDS in 2010 and 2024, CU Flower House, and 25 O’Clock Brewing. Leslie is not only a well known window painter but also a skilled muralist in Central Illinois. Her impressive murals beautifully showcase various businesses in Champaign and Macon County, as well as numerous other private residences. In addition to her window art and permanent murals, Leslie also creates mobile murals that serve as an excellent addition to live events and festivals. All of the proceeds from sales of her artwork will go towards the public mural for CASA and crisis Nursery.
Lori Fuller is a distinguished visual artist and educator whose digital artwork explores the intricate textures, rhythms, and vibrant color palettes of the everyday landscape. Her work invites viewers to engage with the beauty of the world around us, often highlighting the subtle details that might go unnoticed in our daily lives. Lori earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Quincy University, before dedicating five years to teaching both elementary and middle school students, as well as leading community-based arts programs. She later obtained her master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is currently pursuing a doctorate in art education at the School of Art + Design, with a focus on creative aging programming for older adults. A passionate advocate for arts education, Lori has designed innovative programs for underserved communities, including learners with disabilities, older adults, and individuals living with memory loss. Her work has been showcased in numerous galleries and art fairs across the Midwest, where she exhibits a diverse range of acrylic paintings, digital art, and color pencil illustrations. A multi-year recipient of Urbana Arts Grants, Lori also contributes to local arts initiatives by serving on juries and volunteering her time to further the accessibility of art education for people with disabilities and aging populations.
Saturday April 5th from 10:00am to 3:00pm
