ELMHURST, IL — "American Images", an exhibition featuring the paintings of Wesley R. Baker, will be held in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery in the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. According to a release from the Guild, the exhibition will run from Aug. 13 to Sept. 22.

The public is invited to meet the artist at the free opening reception on Friday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. According to the release, the exhibition will feature a diverse collection of abstract iconic American images, ranging from motorcycles and landscapes to Civil War and Native American themes, exploring current and historical political issues. Baker's style tends toward abstract representational, according to the release. Artistic inspiration has come from two centuries of sources, ranging from 19th Century impressionists to 20th Century symbolist and abstract painters like Gustav Klimt, Franz Kline, and Chicago Imagist, Ed Paschke.

"The passion in these paintings is personal. Through my paintings, I strive to communicate experiences of life – joy, freedom, fear, grief," Baker said in a release. Referring to a painting that was part of a four-year traveling exhibition of motorcycle art at the National Motorcycle Museum and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Baker explained in a release, "Some of my paintings, like 'Cloud Chaser,' are about the wind in my hair, and two wheels in motion. It's unclear where the rider is going, and whether the ride is free-spirited and joyous, or whether imminent danger looms ahead."

Baker began his artistic career as a teenager, working as a sign painter and pinstriper, according to a release. After a four-year stint as an artist in the U.S. Air Force, working as an illustrator for the flight magazine and the flight school, he returned to college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Design. After a 35- year career in the construction industry, he came full circle and returned to painting full time, according to a release. Most artworks in the exhibit are available for purchase. According to the release, the sales benefit the artist, the EAG and the Elmhurst Art Museum. The exhibition can be viewed during regular Museum hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 adults / $8 seniors except the first Friday of each month which is the Museum's free admission day. EAM and Guild members, students and children under 18 are always admitted free.