Celebrate Joe Conover: A Retrospective Exhibit at the Quincy Art Center

Joe Conover Retrospective Exhibit at the Quincy Art Center

Art Gallery 310 is excited to share that one of our sitting artists, Joe Conover, is being honored with a major retrospective exhibition at the Quincy Art Center. The Joe Conover Retrospective Exhibit opens with a public reception on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 6–8 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:30 p.m. The show will run through October 25, 2025, and admission is free.

This special exhibition highlights the remarkable career of Conover, a beloved local artist whose work spans decades and showcases a wide range of media, including paintings, prints, collages, and encaustic wax pieces. Many of the works featured in this retrospective have never before been shown publicly, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the breadth of his creativity.

About Artist Joe Conover

Joe Conover’s roots run deep in the region. Born into a pioneer Hancock County family, Conover grew up at Carter Hill Farm in Walker Township with his parents, Glenn and Elsie Conover, and his two brothers. His early years in the rural Midwest would later influence his thoughtful and often whimsical artistic perspective.

Conover pursued a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1958. Following service in the U.S. Army, including duty on Okinawa, he worked for the Japan Times in Tokyo. His career in journalism continued upon his return to the United States, including time with The Herald-Whig in Quincy and a stint at Voice of America in Washington, D.C. Conover eventually returned to Quincy in 1968 and spent 33 years at The Herald-Whig, serving the last 18 years as editor before retiring in 2001.

Just before retirement, Conover rekindled a childhood passion for visual art. Establishing a studio in the former Emerson School, he began exploring monotypes, assemblages, and ultimately encaustic painting. His curiosity and dedication led him to study with artists across the country and abroad. From workshops in Santa Fe, New York City, and Chicago, to online study with international artists, Conover consistently expanded his artistic vocabulary.

Artistic Achievements

Conover’s work has been exhibited widely, both locally and internationally. His art has been shown at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, Connecticut, the Lessedra Gallery in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Auburn Arts Association Gallery in Alabama, and Gallery C in Dubuque, Iowa, among many others. Regional audiences have also enjoyed his exhibitions at art centers in Quincy, Keokuk, Hannibal, Hannibal-LaGrange University, and John Wood Community College.

As a long-time member of Art Gallery 310 in Hannibal, Conover has been a vital part of our cooperative community, sharing his vision, techniques, and inspiration with fellow artists and gallery visitors alike. His ability to balance whimsy with meditation in his pieces resonates deeply with audiences and reflects his unique perspective shaped by both local roots and global experiences.

Experience the Retrospective

The Joe Conover Retrospective Exhibit at the Quincy Art Center is more than a survey of an artist’s career—it’s a celebration of resilience, exploration, and lifelong creativity. Visitors will encounter pieces that trace Conover’s artistic evolution and capture the essence of his thoughtful, playful, and experimental approach to making art.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary milestone for Joe Conover. The opening reception on Friday, August 29, 2025, promises to be a memorable evening, complete with an opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his journey and influences.

The exhibition runs August 29 – October 25, 2025 at the Quincy Art Center. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Don’t miss this chance to honor a remarkable local talent and experience the creative legacy of Art Gallery 310’s own Joe Conover.