The Art of Human Rights ~ ZIA Gallery

Foreground: Sheila Ganch, "Stature", stoneware with mason stains,  12 x 18 x 12"

I spent this past Sunday hanging "The Art of Human Rights" satellite exhibition at ZIA Gallery in Winnetka. The show opened today and will be on display through September 1st. All work is available for purchase. This beautiful exhibition includes; paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography and sculpture. 

“The Art of Human Rights" will be on display at ZIA Gallery, located at 548 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, IL 60093, through September 1. A catered reception will take place on Thursday, August 30 from 5-8:30. The exhibition is free and the work sold will benefit Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights. 

The gallery is open from Monday through Saturday from 10-5. Additional information can be found at ziagallery.net or by calling 847.446.3970.
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Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI

Gallery H: Sheila Ganch sculpture, Charles Gniech: Anomaly, 40 x 60", acrylic on canvas

A number of years ago, I presented a series of large figurative paintings in a solo exhibition at the Fine Arts Building Gallery. The space included a secondary “members gallery” that presented one piece of work from each of the affiliated artists. After my solo show closed, I moved one the recently shown pieces—“The Actor Sleeps” to the “members gallery”. The substantial painting was eight-feet tall, four-feet wide, and dominated the space.

At the reception for the following exhibition—the work of Grace Cole, if I remember correctly—I was working the front desk. And that’s when I met Nancy Hoffman.

A beautiful woman approached me and asked about the very large painting in the members gallery. She asked me who the artist was and I smiled, extended my hand, and introduced myself. She responded in kind, and after some conversation, Nancy scheduled a meeting to see additional work. She later purchased “The Actor Sleeps” and with a common love for art, we became friends.

Nancy Hoffman is the Director of Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan. After seeing my recent exhibition at Gallery 180, she requested some of my work for her Michigan gallery. I was happy to be included. 

Gallery H: Sheila Oettinger, sculpture, Charles Gniech "Rise" 40 x 40" acrylic on canvas

I drove up to Three Oaks last week to deliver the work. Three Oaks is a little town located a few minutes over the Indiana – Michigan Border. The surrounding area is inhabited by the summer homes of Chicago’s affluent. The perfect getaway, Harbor Country offers its residents a quick and peaceful retreat from the chaos of their busy lives in the city. The area includes the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, plenty of restaurants, antiques, and—or course—fine art.

Being a Curator, I helped to install the current exhibition at Gallery H, which includes the work of Deanna Krueger, Richard Laurent, Sheila Ganch, Audry Cramblit and Andrea Harris. The various paintings and sculptures work seamlessly to create a space of peaceful contemplation. The superior quality of the fine art presented, has resulted in a stellar reputation for Hoffman and her gallery. If you have an opportunity to head up to Harbor Country, take the time to explore Gallery H located at 15 S. Elm, Three Oaks, Michigan. It’s worth the trip. 

Gallery H: Sheila Ganch sculpture in the foreground Charles Gniech paintings

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James Deeb ~ Coming Soon to Gallery 180

Liar, oil on canvas, 20" x 20"

Save the date: Friday, September 7th 5:30-7:30
Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will present the dark and macabre works of James Deeb. The exhibition of oil paintings and monotypes will run from September 3 through November 1 with a catered reception on Friday, September 7 from 5:30-7:30.

Intrigued by the decay of the world around us, Deeb presents images inspired by the surface of a rusting paint-chipped girder or crumbling mortar and falling bricks. Although the work is inspired by the decay of the world around us, the imagery is typically figure-based, which seems to raise the question of the mortality of humanity, society and self. Deeb explains:

“My work is invested with [a] sense of fading, even when I’m working with a human face or figure. The painted skin is as chipped and scabbed as any weathered door.” “…And as absurd as it may sound, I don’t find this negative or ‘dark’. It’s a release… One that is more comic than tragic.”

The paintings of James Deeb will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through November 1. Previews begin on September 4th. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, September 7 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All works are available for purchase. Gallery 180 is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. Additional information can be found at gallery180.com.

Daughters of Hecate, oil on board, 15" x 12"