NEW ULM — The Grand Center for Arts and Culture will host an opening reception Friday in the Four Pillars Gallery for its new exhibit “Imaginary Memories – A Collection of Fantastical Art by Steve Leske.”

The exhibit holds a collection of illustrations of fantastical creatures by Leske, a Redwood Falls artist.

Many of the creatures in the exhibit stem from themes and mediums that Leske has explored and worked with for quite some time. Citing influences drawn from expressionist landscapes, Leske said he’s been painting and drawing since he was a child.

“For me, the images just show up,” Leske said. “I just feel compelled to make the thing.”

Leske said the inspiration behind the creation of the creatures “comes from anywhere,” but more specifically from videogames. The illustrations and paintings in the collection also draw focus from characters in role playing games and videogames.

“A lot of it kind of has its own narrative or story to it,” he said. “There’s a rich artistic tradition in the video-gaming world.”

Leske is also the author of four illustrated children’s books, with characters from “Cosmic Safari” and “The Dragon and Sir Richard” included in the exhibit. Leske said the books may be found on Amazon.

The “Imaginary Memories” exhibit opening is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Four Pillars Gallery at The Grand. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Leske will be in attendance for the exhibit opening.

Gage Cureton can be emailed at gcureton@nujournal.com.