Artist Profile: Lily Ackman

Some artists are drawn to one particular subject or medium. Lily Ackman seems happiest exploring wherever inspiration takes her.

From the delicate wings of a dragonfly and intricate patterns of a beetle to a trio of expressive cats, an old blue pickup truck and even a familiar Columbus landmark, Lily's artwork shows an eye for the interesting details found in the world around her.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover her work during Fall for the Arts, Saturday, September 19, in Downtown Columbus.

A Little Bit of Everything

One of the things that immediately stands out about Lily's collection is its variety.

Her work includes watercolor, drawing, painting and digital illustration, allowing her to approach different subjects in entirely different ways.

A detailed black-and-white dragonfly showcases the intricate structure of its wings. Her insect illustrations turn creatures we might normally walk right past into subjects worth stopping to study. Other pieces have a softer, more personal feeling, including a watercolor portrait of three cats and hand-painted seasonal cards.

Then there's an old blue Ford pickup surrounded by a quiet landscape—a subject that feels right at home in Nebraska.

Together, the pieces reveal an artist who isn't afraid to experiment.

Art Inspired by the Familiar—and Unexpected

There is something especially approachable about Lily's choice of subjects.

Animals. Insects. Pumpkins. An old truck. A hometown landmark.

They are things people recognize, but through art we're encouraged to look at them differently.

One particularly fun example is Lily's colorful interpretation of the Columbus water tower. It's instantly recognizable to those who call Columbus home, but her use of deep blues, purples, reds and oranges transforms an everyday part of the city's landscape into something worthy of a second look.

That's one of the wonderful things art can do.

It can take something familiar and make us notice it again.

Discover Lily's Work at Fall for the Arts

Lily Ackman will be one of the artists featured during Fall for the Arts on Saturday, September 19.

📍 It's All Fun N Games | 1158 26th Avenue
📅 Saturday, September 19
🎨 Artwork available to view beginning at 11:00 a.m. and throughout the day while the business is open

While you're there, stick around for even more creativity. Light Speed Highway will perform at It's All Fun N Games at 3:00 p.m.

Fall for the Arts invites visitors to explore Downtown Columbus in an entirely different way—moving from business to business while discovering artists, musicians and performers along the way.

The businesses become the galleries. Downtown becomes the stage.

Stop in, meet Lily and take some time to look closely. You never know which everyday detail might inspire an artist—or become a work of art.