The Prairie Arts Council invites the community to experience Puppets on Parade, a vibrant and whimsical exhibit by artist Jeanne O’Melia, on display throughout May. The show opens with a public reception on May 2 from 6–8 PM at the Prairie Arts Gallery in Princeton.

This joyful exhibit features O’Melia’s expressive large-scale puppets and papier-mâché heads—works that blend playfulness, craftsmanship, and imagination. Her figures, built from found objects, recycled materials, and mixed media, bring stories and personalities to life.

A Princeton native, O’Melia studied art at Iowa State University, Augustana College, and The Clearing in Wisconsin. Her work is shaped by global travels where she creates line drawings and watercolor sketches on location—sometimes even from a bike or kayak. Over the years, her practice has grown to include cyanotype prints, brazed metal sculptures, and community art education.

From welding scrap metal to creating papier-mâché heads for New Year’s Eve burnings, O’Melia’s work is full of movement, meaning, and joy. “Art for me is like breathing,” she says. “There’s always a new challenge ready for me to tackle.”

Opening Reception: Friday, May 2 | 6–8 PM

Gallery Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 1–3 PM | May 3–25

Prairie Arts Council Gallery 24 Park Ave. E, Princeton, IL

Admission is free