A vivid blend of gothic fantasy and literary imagination is on display this month at the Orland Park Public Library, where local artist April Balasa is showcasing her original paintings in a solo exhibit titled Welcome to My Worlds.
Balasa, an Orland Park resident, is a self-taught painter whose work draws from the stories she’s spent years crafting. Her exhibit — located on the library’s second floor — features a colorful collection of acrylic and mixed media pieces that bring to life the characters and settings from novels she is currently writing.
“I’ve always had an overactive imagination,” Balasa said. “I love being able to bring things from my imagination to life. It first started with drawing and sketching, and soon I discovered a love of painting.”
Each piece in the exhibit showcases a character or scene inspired by the worlds Balasa has developed — some in progress since high school. Her creative influences range from Shakespearean tragedy and Arthurian legend to gothic vampire fiction.
“When I was little, I used to imagine myself inside stories and movies,” she said. “As I got older, I started creating my own characters and putting them into those adventures. Eventually, I realized I wanted to start telling my own stories with my own cast of colorful characters.”
Balasa studied early childhood education and development at Moraine Valley Community College, but it was her passion for storytelling — through writing, drawing and painting — that led her to develop an entire visual universe.
“My characters serve as my source of inspiration for all my works,” she said. “These paintings are a glimpse into the worlds that live in my mind.”
The exhibit includes a range of dramatic and emotional scenes, with figures rendered in vibrant color and expressive detail. The artwork explores themes of power, vulnerability and myth, often capturing characters in cinematic moments of transformation or conflict.
Balasa said she’s honored to have her work featured at her local library.
“There’s just something so thrilling about being able to share my characters and show a glimpse into the worlds that live in my mind,” she said. “So, forget the world around you for a time and step into my worlds. I hope you enjoy the adventure.”
Welcome to My Worlds runs through July 31 at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours.