The "red" Reception...

There was a wonderful turnout at tonight’s reception for “red” the National Juried Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Three pieces were acquired for the school’s Fine Art Collection. They were: Richard Benoit’s "Earth Writing", Claudia Craemer’s "The Path was Chosen for You" and Lorraine Sack’s "Sea Captain". The show continues through November 11th. If you have the opportunity, drop by the gallery to see this wonderful collection of work from around the country. The show is free to the public and the presented pieces are available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art is located at 180 North Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop.


Richard Benoit "Earth Writing" acrylic on wood, 24x24"


Claudia Craemer "The Path was Chosen for You" oil, 40x40"


Image: Lorraine Sack, “Sea Captain” oil on linen, 18x24”

Thursday, October 8th... Art in Chicago

There are two amazing art events happening—this Thursday—in Chicago. First, the reception for the Maggie Meiners "Childhood Contemplations" exhibition takes place at The University of Illinois at Chicago, Student Art Lounge, from 4-7 PM. The gallery is located at 828 S. Wolcott in Chicago. The show continues through October 30th.


Then... from the Chicago Art Institute Web Calendar, In conjunction with the loan of Caravaggio's "The Supper at Emmaus" from the National Gallery, London, Keith Christiansen will lecture on the path-breaking genius of this Italian Baroque master. Christiansen is a leading specialist in Italian painting from the Renaissance through the 18th century, and has worked on all aspects of Caravaggio's art. In this lecture he will look closely at the artist's pictorial style, which at the time was considered radically modern and remains compelling today, nearly four centuries later. The Lecture will take place in Fullerton Hall of the Art Institute of Chicago, from 6-7pm. The address is 111 S. Michigan Avenue.

Image: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.The Supper at Emmaus, 1601. The National Gallery of London, Presented by the Honorable George Vernon, 1839, NG172.

Ardrea Harris at Homey Gallery

An exhibition of wonderful new nature paintings by Andrea Harris will open tomorrow at Homey Gallery, located at 3656 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. I dropped by the gallery last week to get a preview of Harris' new work but most of the pieces had not yet been delivered. There was—however—a few of her new works to review. I was impressed. Harris' technique has matured and the presentation of the mystical environments elevates the imagery to a new level of wonderful. The exhibition—featuring oil and cold wax paintings—will continue through October 26th. Tomorrow's reception will include a book signing of "In the Forest and Beyond" which features Harris' imagery. Harris will be funding the planting of a tree with the purchase of each book... and a grove of trees for each painting sold. The reception for Harris will be from 6-9pm—tomorrow—Saturday, October 3rd. If you have the opportunity to see this exhibition, it will be worth your while.

Image: Andrea Harris, "Surreal Forest", oil and cold wax on canvas, 60x60"