Ronnie Dukes is a local painter, illustrator, designer, and the latest artist to be featured in our ongoing exhibition series Local Art @ EPL. His show – titled Vitruvian Hero: Act I – was on display at EPL’s Main Branch throughout April and inspired by Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man drawing. The first of a planned three-part series, the collection explores the possibilities of “super” human evolution using elements of sci-fi and fantasy in the striking style of comic-book illustrations. If you missed it, however, don’t fret. You can view more of Mr. Dukes’ work by visiting his website, and he recently spoke with us via email about his artistic beginnings at Maggie Daley’s Gallery 37 and in Harlem, his creative process, and his vision for his forthcoming graphic novel.
An Interview with Ronnie Dukes
May 3, 2012
Our latest Local Art @ EPL exhibit showcases the work of the legendary illustrator Hal Foster – a long-time Evanston resident and the father of the modern comic book. From now through the end of January, the fascinating display A Tribute to Hal Foster will be featured on the 2nd floor of EPL’s Main Branch. Organized by local comic-book aficianado Sid Weiskirch, the exhibit includes over 50 restored and enlarged reprints of Foster’s classic Prince Valiant and Tarzan comics and retraces his three-decade-long career beginning in the 1930’s. To preview the exhibit and learn more about Foster, check out this 
Lorrisa Julianus is a local painter, actress, model, and the latest artist to be featured in our ongoing exhibition series Local Art @ EPL. Her show – titled Embrace the Night – is currently on display on the 2nd floor of EPL’s Main Branch and uses classical chiaroscuro styling to give dimension and mystery to paintings inspired by “the duality of light and dark.” You can catch the eclectic acrylics of Embrace the Night through the end of November, and after that, you can learn more about Ms. Julianus’ many artistic endeavors by visiting 
We are excited to introduce local painter, actress, and model Lorrisa Julianus as the next featured artist in our ongoing exhibition series Local Art @ EPL. From now through the end of November, her eclectic collection Embrace the Night will be on display on the 2nd floor of EPL’s Main Branch. Finding inspiration in “the duality of light and dark,” Ms. Julianus uses classical chiaroscuro styling in her acrylics “to give dimension and mystery to dramatic subjects.” You can view more of Ms. Julianus’ work by visiting