Adrienne Risby
Oil
Nance Legins-Costley
William Costley
Biography
My portraits seek the quiet truth behind a face. I paint people to honor their stories, to reveal resilience, tenderness, and the small gestures that hold meaning. Making art has been my path to understanding myself: each canvas reflects lessons learned through rebuilding, boundary setting, and choosing courage. I begin by listening—observing posture, light, and the unspoken expression that opens a window into someone’s life. Color and texture become language; composition becomes conversation. My work aims to invite viewers into empathy, to help them recognize strength in vulnerability and beauty in ordinary moments. I strive to create portraits that hold space for healing, that celebrate identity, and that remind both sitter and viewer that every life is worthy of being seen and to inspire ongoing self discovery.
Artist Statements
Nance-Legins Costley
Nance and her son Williiam were the firsts slaves freed by Lincoln. She lived in Pekin and moved to Peoria, where she died and was buried.
William Costley
William is the first son of Nance Legins-Costley. Because of his freedom, he joined the first black infantry in Illinois.
