WERNER BUSER, "GARDEN OF EDEN," 2001

acrylic on canvas, triptych, 12' x 5'

Located: lobby, Praireland Animal Welfare Center, 1855 Windish Dr., Galesburg, Ill.

Other works: Mural, Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg; Mural of the old Lombard College, The Barn at the Carl Sandburg Historic Site, 313 E. Third St., Galesburg

Animals from all of the animal kingdoms parade in harmony in a lush green landscape dotted by gazebos reminiscent of Hieronymous Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights"... Minus the humans.

Regarding his inspiration, the artist states: "Knox County Humane Society (Prairieland Animal Welfare Center) is an animal shelter. My idea for the painting: Whatever happens to the animals or whatever we do to them, my wish and hope is that they will wind up in that garden which I depicted in the painting."

Werner Buser is a famed international theatrical scenery painter. His illustration and painting expertise are fully evident in this panoramic triptych.