Lisa Beard: Abandoned Illinois

Abandoned Illinois, Volume I by Lisa Beard

On Sunday, July 21 at 4:30 p.m., Perspective Group and Photography Gallery member, Lisa Beard, will discuss and show images from her new book,Abandoned Illinois, Volume I: Secrets Behind the Spaces. The book consists of her photographs and the history behind several abandoned spaces located within a three-hour driving radius of Chicago. The sites include Joliet Prison, the Savanna Army Depot, the Damen Silos and others. Beard's book is a culmination of over three years of documenting these fascinating, historical places. Two additional books will follow in the near future: a second volume of work on Illinois and another focused on Wisconsin. Volume I will be available for sale and signing at the presentation.

Lisa Beard is a fine art photographer who also enjoys creating mixed media and writing. She was born and lives in Woodstock, Illinois where she is currently a high school English teacher. Throughout life, Lisa has been drawn to art that tells stories, especially photography. From an early age, Lisa has been an avid reader and was told she had an “active imagination.” This influenced her to complete her BFA in English and to pursue teaching. It was while teaching high school that Beard re-discovered her love for storytelling and creating art by making pictures. That love is expressed through her conceptual and editorial work and through exploring and researching the history behind places and objects left behind and abandoned.