Memories of Boulay, Hastie’s birthplace in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, inspire these vibrant artworks. Hastie works with acrylic paint, paper, and photos to create colorful multi-layered collages.

“Ever since I was a little girl growing up in France, I knew I wanted to be an artist,” says Ms. Hastie. “Nature and colors have always been an important part of my life, so I try to portray happiness, love, and respect for animals and nature in my paintings. Each of my collages tells a story: the more you look, the more you discover.”

Though she now lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, Clarisse returns to France frequently to show her work and has won several awards there. Recently she has exhibited in several members-only and juried exhibitions in Lincoln, as well as at the Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri, and the Hoosier Salon in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her paintings hang in private collections in both France and the U.S.

Ms. Hastie teaches children’s art classes at her studio in Lincoln and has worked on public art projects such Star Art with the YWCA and Tour de Lincoln.

Collage Art with a French Twist runs February 26 through April 5. A reception for the artist on Saturday afternoon, March 3, is open to all from 1-4:00 p.m.