The Art of Influence... Corinna Button

Corinna Button, Little Black Dress, Stoneware

"The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions" is currently on exhibition at The Art Center-Highland Park. The show presents more than fifty paintings, drawing, prints and sculptures created by fifteen fine artists from around the country. Each artist directed by their own specific passion, has created work not necessarily intending to address human rights issues... And yet they do.

I've selected pieces that are intriguing—with many levels of interpretation. Being conscious of the human rights issues outlined by Executive Producer, Cheryl Jefferson, I chose beautifully intriguing works of art that contain multiple levels of meaning—the meaning ultimately defined by the interpretation of the viewer.

Button's work—painting, sculpture, and prints—tend to explore humanity. Utilizing the figure as subject, the outcome defines a visual vocabulary where distressed beauty converges with quiet elegance. She points out...

"It's my fascination with people, the masquerades, performances and dramas seen in daily life that provides me with a continual source of inspiration."

"Little Black Dress" [shown above] seems to address the repression of women in male dominated societies. The bondage-inspired apparatus with voluptuous curves and pleated ruffles, accentuates the femininity of the form, referencing the beauty and grandeur of red carpet fashion. The piece may be a symbol of suppression, or perhaps the piece is just a nod to the beauty of women and fashion. Either way... it begins a dialogue.

The exhibition continues through December 29. The Art Center-Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, Illinois. This event is free and open to the public. All works are available for purchase.

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions includes works of art by: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Claire Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Chandrika Marla, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

Originally from Sheffield, England, Corinna Button earned her BA (Honors) in Fine Art from Leeds Metropolitan University. Although continuing to paint, Button adopted printmaking as her primary medium of expression and earned a postgraduate degree in advanced printmaking from the Croydon School of Art. Her exhibition history is extensive, with shows in the US, Hungary, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Korea, and of course her country of origin, the UK. Her work is held in a number of important collections including the BBC, The University of Aberystwyth, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and Castle Lesley in Ireland. She has garnered recognition with awards, including the Hector Purchase prize and the University of of Aberystwyth prize . Button's work is featured in several publications, such as 'Extraordinary Sketchbooks' and 'Printmaker's Secrets' (Published by A&C Black). Button is an elected member of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. Corinna Button works in several mediums and will often combine these, blending painting, printmaking and collage to create the qualities she is seeking in each individual work. The results are uniquely textured artworks that embrace both the deliberate and accidental elements of the artist's process.

Amy Kartheiser; the details of fine art

Charles Gniech photograph 

There is a wonderful story in the Chicago Home+Garden section of this month's Chicago magazine. The story is titled "Clean Slate: A Lincoln Park house revamped by a designer who loves starting fresh" and it features the home of designer Amy Kartheiser. The article is written by Kari Richardson, photography by Bob Coscarelli with styling by Johanna Lowe.

The article explores the details that Kartheiser integrates when composing her exquisite environments. In the case of her own Lincoln Park Queen Anne home, the artical points out custom mouldings, the specialty cabinetry and hardware, the re-working of a turn-of-the-century bathtub, and—of course—fine art.

Large works of art are used to create focal points in two areas of the main level of the home. The first—a work on paper by Francine Turk which is featured on the opening page of the story. A few pages later, one of my recent canvases appears in the home's sitting room—elegantly placed above the fireplace and flanked by custom millwork designed by Kartheisier. I'm honored to have my work in this exquisite home.

For additional information, and to read the article, pick up the December issue of Chicago magazine. I've compiled the pages below. Additional information about the work of designer Amy Kartheiser, can be found at: amykartheiserdesign.com

Using Art to Create Social Change

Installation View: Breaking Criminal Traditions-Highland Park

Events continue around The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions — the exhibition currently on view at The Art Center-Highland Park.

On Thursday, November 20th from 6-8PM, I will be taking part in a panel discussion titled Using Art to Create Social Change. The other participating panelists are: artist James Deeb, executive producer Cheryl Jefferson, and social justice expert Zainab Khan. The panel plans to explore the power of art and its ability to create a cultural tipping point in taking a stand for human rights.

Through this panel discussion we hope to encourage and create dialogue surrounding The Art Center’s current exhibition. Art is one of the strongest tools we have to raise consciousness—the first step toward encouraging change and supporting human rights.

The exhibition includes works of art by: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Claire Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Chandrika Marla, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition continues through January 3, 2015. The Art Center-Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, Illinois. This event is free and open to the public.
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Installed: The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions at The Art Center of Highland Park

 

 Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Bound, Cement 30”h x 6”w x 6.5”d and 

Richard Laurent La Fleur Charcoal and Pencil on Paper 20” x 20”

Opening Friday, November 7th at The Art Center of Highland Park is, The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions. This fine art exhibition, features the work of sixteen artists from around the country, calling attention to the ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet are not considered crimes. The exhibition utilizes the beauty of high-quality fine art to raise awareness of human rights issues and—in doing so—begins a dialogue that may encourage change.

This provocative yet engaging exhibition debuted in 2013 at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, putting the shadowy topics of honor killing, child marriage, acid violence—among others—directly in front of current and future law makers. Since the show debuted, new fine art pieces have been added. The show has evolved into the unique presentation designed specifically for The Art Center of Highland Park.

The exhibition features some fifty pieces of fine art, in a variety of mediums. I've selected pieces that are intriguing—with many levels of interpretation. Being conscious of the human rights issues outlined by Executive Producer, Cheryl Jefferson, I chose beautifully intriguing works of art that contain multiple levels of meaning—the meaning ultimately defined by the interpretation of the viewer.

The exhibition includes works of art by: Corinna Button (Chicago, IL), James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Claire Girodie (Baltimore, MD), Sergio Gomez (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, IL), Kathy Liao (Seattle, WA), Chandrika Marlo (Northbrook, IL),  Zoriah Miller (New York, NY, Paris, France), Nancy Rosen (Chicago, IL), Lorraine Sack (Indianapolis, IN), Valerie Schiff (Chicago, IL), Barbara Simcoe (Omaha, NE), and Anne Smith Stephan (Wilmette, IL)

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions will be on display through January 3. A public Opening Reception will take place on Friday, November 7 from 6:30-9pm. The Art Center of Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. The gallery is open Monday–Saturday 9am-4:30pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.
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The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions at The Art Center-Highland Park

Please join us at the Opening Reception of
The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions

Friday, November 7th 6:30-9:00pm

This fine art exhibition, features the work of fifteen artists from around the country, calling attention to the ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet are not considered crimes. The exhibition utilizes the beauty of high-quality fine art to raise awareness of human rights issues and—in doing so—begin a dialogue that may encourage change. The exhibition continues through January 3rd, 2015

The exhibition includes works of art by:
Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Claire Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Art Center of Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. The gallery is open Monday–Saturday 9am-4:30pm.
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Jordan Scott ~ Structures from Silence at the Judy A Saslow Gallery

Jordan Scott, Royals 2, 2013, UK postage stamps and resin on canvas, 36 x 36"

If you’re in town for "Expo Chicago", and you need to experience just a little more fine art, find your way over to the Judy A Saslow Gallery at 300 West Superior in the River North Gallery District to see the Jordan Scott exhibition.

Jordan Scott has a fascination with "the sum of the parts". As a child, he accompanied his mother on a “press check”. A press check is the review, and color approval for commercially printed work. At that time, Scott was introduced to a tool called a printer’s loupe which is a kind of magnifying glass that allows the printer to see the detailed series of dots that make up an image. Viewing an image from a distance, the eye mixes the smaller parts, blurring the dots and blending color to create what the viewer sees.

That childhood experience became a metaphor for Jordan Scott’s work. It began the exploration of the parts to understand the whole… perhaps a global view… or perhaps the interconnectedness of the universe. From Scott’s artist statement:

The postage stamp collages [are] each composed of hundreds or thousands of similar elements, … [creating] an interconnected and interdependent whole much greater than the sum of its parts.

With a love for using materials out of context, Scott produces mesmerizing canvases with the repetition of postage stamps. The intricate surfaces of these canvases present beautifully repetitive patterns from a distance, with a subtle surprise as the viewer approaches.

The Jordan Scott exhibition continues through October 31st. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-5. The Judy A Saslow Gallery is located at 300 West Superior in the River North Gallery District, Chicago, Illinois. Additional information can be found at: jsaslowgallery.com 

Jordan Scott, Beyond Worlds, 2014, USA postage stamps and resin on canvas, 30 X 30"

The Judy A Saslow Gallery: Originally a gallery exclusively showing art created by extraordinary European self-taught and outsider artists, the Judy A Saslow Gallery has for the past several years been incorporating contemporary art by established and emerging artists. In addition to outsider art, the gallery has a stunning array of tribal, ethnographic artifacts and jewelry collected from all parts of the globe. 

Fonzo ~ Alphabet Soup / part 2

 

 Sebastian "Fonzo" Napoli, "All Spaced Out: Moonbats & Spacecrafts Two", Ink - Detail 

This past Friday, I was invited to the opening reception of “Alphabet Soup part 2” …Letterform and design as seen through the eyes of the street artists. The invitation came from a colleague who makes his living as a commercial designer but has a history as “Fonzo”, a graffiti writer. Some of his current drawings were included in the exhibition.

Doing a little research before the show, I found that Galerie F specializes in silkscreen gig posters, art prints, and street art. When I hear “street art”, I think graffiti… an image spray painted on a wall or in an ally. At times the images are amazingly beautiful, like some of the buildings covered in the Wynwood district of Miami… and sometimes it just appears as unimpressive tagging. I wanted to experience the show with an open mind.

We arrived at Galerie F to a room swarming with the “hipster” crowd. As we made our way through the room, the work on the walls explored a variety of themes with elements of graffiti, expressive linear compositions, and vibrant color. We approached Fonzo’s work and I was intrigued at how the imagery of Napoli’s alter ego continues to be inspired by the world of his past yet utilizing the current hand of a seasoned professional. The imagery is humorous with dark undertones of the grotesque. The line work is amazing. The entire show is well worth exploring.

Galerie F is located at 2381 North Milwaukee Avenue, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11am-6pm. Learn more at: galerief.com

Dominic Sansone ~ "Away From This Inverted World"

An exhibition titled “Away From This Inverted World” just closed at the Bridgeport Art Center. Michiko Kobayashi curated the show. Kobayashi selected a variety of pieces that explore issues inflicted on humanity. The artists included were: Cleveland Dean, Dominic Sansone, Lara Nguyen, and Corinna Button.

Lelde Kalmite, Curator of the Bridgeport Art Center, alerted me of the exhibition—urging me to see the show before it closed. She wanted me to experience the exhibit due to its connection to a traveling exhibition that I’ve been curating, titled “…Breaking Criminal Traditions”. So last Friday, I took a ride out to Bridgeport.

When I entered the gallery, I was enthralled. The work was beautifully presented—creating an opportunity to pause before moving on to explore the next visual statement. I’ve work with Corinna Button on the BCT show and was very familiar with her work, but this was my second exposure to the sculpture of Dominic Sansone. Sansone’s pieces slap the viewer in the face with their brutally direct interpretation of the world in which we live and the society that we’ve become. Sansone’s statement in part reads:

Through my current body of artwork I explore the violence of humankind and the role each of us play in facilitating an endless cycle of barbarity. Americans, in particular, have seemingly become addicted to the state of war, in part, due to our desensitization at the hands of the media we consume. From video games glorifying killing, to twenty-four hour coverage of conflicts, to real time video of smart bombs dropping down chimneys, we have an endless supply of stimuli to numb ourselves. The pain and suffering endured by others becomes nothing more than flickering images on a screen.

The work is brilliantly honest. I hope to include Sansone's work in future presentations of “Breaking Criminal Traditions”. I’ll keep you posted.

Dominic Sansone is a native of Chicago Illinois and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and a Master of Fine Arts from the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis. After completing his BFA studies, he spent two years working for an aerospace company producing fabrication and assembly drawings for satellites, military aircraft, and mobile artillery units. He next spent over a decade in the tradeshow industry and has overseen worldwide exhibition programs for major multinational corporations. Dominic has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions across the United States and he is represented by Baang + Burne in New York City, Minan Gallery in Los Angeles, and Fulton Market Gallery in Chicago; in addition to teaching at the Evanston Art Center.

James Deeb: Breaking Criminal Traditions at The Art Center-Highland Park

James Deeb, "Silent Witnesses" Monotype, 30"x22" 

Save the Date: Friday, November 7th

Opening November 7th at The Art Center of Highland Park is, The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions. This fine art exhibition, features the work of fifteen artists from around the country, calling attention to the ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet are not considered crimes. The exhibition utilizes the beauty of high-quality fine art to raise awareness of human rights issues and—in doing so—begin a dialogue that may encourage change.

This provocative yet engaging exhibition debuted in 2013 at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, putting the shadowy topics of honor killing, child marriage, acid violence—among others—directly in front of current and future law makers. Since the show debuted, new art pieces have been added. The show has evolved into the unique presentation designed specifically for The Art Center of Highland Park.

The pieces selected for this exhibition are intriguing—with many levels of interpretation… Conscious of the human rights issues outlined by Executive Producer, Cheryl Jefferson, I selected beautifully intriguing works of art that contain multiple levels of meaning. Each piece was chosen to allude to the issues at hand… the meaning ultimately defined by the interpretation of the viewer. For example, "Silent Witnesses" by James Deeb, is a 30x22” Monotype, that was developed from Deeb’s interest in medical and dental x-rays. I found it appropriate for inclusion due to the implied content; the use of figurative abstraction with an emphasis on the bones of the mouth—a graphic image that alludes to the silencing of the repressed. Deeb explains...

 “… After I finished it [Silent Witnesses] and the other pieces in the series, I realized that they were less about human interaction with medical technology and more about taboo subjects often left unspoken. This fits particularly well with the theme of Breaking Criminal Traditions. Speaking out against these crimes almost always leads to violent reprisals. The victims’ coerced silence helps give these “traditions” and their perpetrators an air of normalcy that allows the vicious cycle to continue. I want Silent Witnesses to point out the need to give a voice to the voiceless.”

The exhibition includes works of art by: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Claire Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The public Opening Reception will take place on Friday, November 7 from 6:30-9pm. The Art Center of Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. The gallery is open Monday–Saturday 9am-4:30pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.

James Deeb was born behind the wall in Berlin, Germany. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University South Bend in 1988 and earned a Master of Fine Art degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in 1994. Deeb’s first one-person show was ‘Dislocated Media’ in 1988. Since then, he has shown his work in numerous competitive, group and solo exhibitions. James lives and works in Evanston, Illinois.
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The Ed Paschke Art Center

In the fall of 2003, I opened Gallery 180 at the corner of Lake and Wabash, for The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. I had been producing various exhibitions for the school’s exhibition space at 350 North Orleans since January of 2002 and—with the addition of a new building—a new gallery was created at street level. The mission of the new space—Gallery 180—was to expose the student body to the world of fine art… inspiring the various design programs of study.

I spent a great deal of time exploring possibilities for the inaugural exhibition of the new gallery, and finally decided on the work of Chicago’s Contemporary Master, Ed Paschke. At the time, Paschke was represented by the Maya Polsky Gallery in the River North Gallery District. Working through his gallery representative, I scheduled an appointment and soon found myself in the artist’s Rogers Park studio.

I spent a couple of hours talking with Paschke about his recent work and presented my proposal to open Gallery 180 with a show of his work. He was incredibly kind, helpful and generous in allowing me to select works for the show. As we sat in one of the side rooms of his studio, we flipped through stacks of prints that he had produced over the years. He also offered a few of the larger canvases that were in the position of the Polsky gallery.

This past Tuesday, I was re-introduced to one of these paintings when I visited the Ed Paschke Art Center. Turning a corner as I explored the center, I found myself confronted with “Papagallo” of 2002. I use the word “confronted” intentionally. Paschke’s work is just that, confrontational. It provokes the viewer to either love or hate the image… forcing the viewer to feel.

Ed Paschke, Papagallo, 2002, oil on linen, 78" x 60"

The Ed Paschke Art Center opened last month—on what would have been the artist 75th birthday [June 22]. Located at 5415 West Higgins Avenue, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago, this newly renovated building includes 2,800 square feet of gallery space, educational space and a re-creation of Paschke’s Rogers Park studio. Next to the studio replication is a video room, which presents a half hour loop of interviews the Paschke—amazing to watch and well worth the time.

The center is filled with objects created by this modern master. I was told that the works will be changed regularly—offering a new visual experience to repeat visitors. The Center will also host the work of other area artists in a second gallery... I’ll keep you posted.

Learn more about the Ed Paschke Art Center at: edpaschke.org

The Ed Paschke Art Center has been funded through the generous support of The Rabb Family Foundation and includes partnerships with the 3M Company, the School of the Art Institute and the Block Museum of Art. 

Charles Gniech ~ Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI

Installation View: Gallery H, Three Oaks, Michigan 

Left to right, work by: Charles Gniech, Deanna Krueger, Charles Gniech,
table sculpture by Len Cowgill

Last week, Nancy Hoffman—the owner of Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan—came to my studio to review work for an upcoming group exhibition. Nancy and I have a long history—we've been friends for more then a decade. Over the years, she has done a wonderful job representing my work in the Chicago/Michigan market... I was excited to show her the work that I've been producing. By the conclusion of our meeting, she had selected nine pieces for the show. This past Saturday morning, I drove out to Gallery H to deliver the paintings. 

I spent the day with Nancy and her assistant, Elisha, installing the exhibition. The show includes work by: Ellen Cocose, Len Cowgill, Sheila Ganch, Andrea Harris, Deanna Krueger, Tom Matucci, Sheila Oettinger, Francine Turk and myself. The work flows together seamlessly with a [generally] muted color palette—exploring obsessive patterns and textures which leave the viewer absorbed in introspection. The show will be up through July so if you're looking for one more reason to explore Harbor Country, here it is.

Installation View: Gallery H, Three Oaks, Michigan 
Left to right, work by: Ellen Cocose, Charles Gniech, Sheila Oettinger

Gallery H is located at 15 South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. Hours are: Fridays 12pm–5pm / Saturdays 12pm–5pm EST / Sundays 12pm–4pm EST. Learn more at galleryh.net 

Road Trip... Gallery H, Three Oaks. MI

 Charles Gniech, "Essence" 2014, acrylic on canvas 40x40"

My car is packed in anticipation of tomorrow's road trip to Three Oaks, Michigan. I’ll be delivering nine of my acrylic paintings for an exhibition that will open this weekend at Gallery H. The work continues to focus on the fluid, meditative qualities of the stone patterns that make up each segment of the megalithic stone circles found in Great Britain. The canvases range in size from 40 x 60 inches to 40 inches square, with two smaller pieces included in the work, sized at 36 and 24 inches square.

Gallery H, in Three Oaks, is an easy hour-long trip from downtown Chicago [maybe an hour and fifteen minutes with traffic]. I've made this trip on numerous occasions—You see, I use to review work and curate for the space when Nancy Hoffman opened the gallery in the spring of 2005. I worked with Hoffman for the first three years, and then stepped away to focus on my own paintings. If you have an opportunity to see the exhibition, it will be worth the trip.

Gallery H is located at 15 South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. Hours are: Fridays 12pm–5pm / Saturdays 12pm–5pm EST / Sundays 12pm–4pm EST. Learn more at galleryh.net 
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Roland Kulla at George Billis Gallery

Last weekend, I headed to the Beverly Art Center to pack up the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition. The Center is about forty minutes south of the Loop. The traveling exhibition is a composed of work from fifteen artists from around the country… all with content dealing with human rights issues. A new version of the exhibition will be presented this fall at The Art Center in Highland Park. I’ll be posting more on this show later this summer.

Roland Kulla, Queensboro, acrylic on canvas, 60x45"

On the way to Beverly, I stopped by the Back Of The Yards neighborhood to visit Roland Kulla's studio. Roland has been a friend for the last twenty-plus years and he just completed a new series of paintings for a show at the George Billis Gallery in New York. The show opened tonight but I was lucky enough to get a private preview.  

One of the walls in Roland Kulla's studio, displaying, among others, [right] "Brooklyn III", acrylic on canvas, 60x48"

With two pieces sold prior to the show opening, the quality of the work continues to be amazing. Kulla's new body of work plays with compositions ranging from hyper realism to abstraction... well, a version of hyper real/abstraction. The "abstraction" is truly created by the cropping of the image and the final composition. My personal preference leans toward the abstract work, which seems to symbolize the barriers we need to navigate to get through to a "blue sky".

The paintings of Roland Kulla will be on display at the George Billis Gallery through June 21st. The Billis Gallery is located at 525 West 26th Street, Ground Floor [Between 10th and 11th Avenues] New York, NY 10001.
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Prior to the Reception... Breaking Criminal Traditions

Images by participating Artist, Sergio Gomez

Last night, The Beverly Art Center hosted a reception for "The Art of Influence... Breaking Criminal Traditions"--an exhibition created to raise awareness of global criminal traditions. Each piece of art, included in the exhibition, has been chosen to allude to the human rights issues at hand. I've selected pieces that straddle the line between the dark reality of the world and the intense beauty of empowerment and freedom. The work may be interpreted in either light. Last evening, many of the artists were in attendance for the festivities.

The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture by fifteen fine artists from around the country. The exhibiting artists are: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Clair Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition continues through May 18th. All of the exhibited work is available for purchase. The Beverly Art Center is located at 2407 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655
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Reception: Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Beverly Art Center, May 3rd 7-9pm

Please join me for the reception of "The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions" at the Beverly Art Center, this Saturday, May 3 from 7-9pm. The exhibition includes; paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture by fifteen accomplished fine artists. They include: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Clair Girodie, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The exhibition was created to raise awareness of global criminal traditions. Criminal traditions are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions each year, yet are rarely considered crimes. Each piece of art included in the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition has been selected to allude to these issues without being overtly obvious. The content of the show walks a blurred line between the horrifying reality of the world in which we live and the intense beauty of empowerment and freedom.

The Beverly Art Center is located at 2407 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655 The exhibition continues through May 18th. Learn more at: BreakingCriminalTraditions.com

The Art of Influence... Breaking Criminal Traditions at The Beverly Art Center

Installation View: Foreground: Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, "Connected" ceramic stoneware, 12 inch diameter Background: Kathy Liao, "Little Feet" oil on canvas, 40 x 30"... and two pieces by Sergio Gomez: "Mask of Fear", acrylic on paper/canvas,  and "Mask of Deception"  acrylic on paper/canvas, each at 33 x 84". 

I spent yesterday installing the latest adaptation of the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition at the Beverly Art Center. The expansive space of the center, allows for more than fifty works-of-art to flow from the main gallery through the adjoining corridor and into the ground-level social area. The works included in the exhibition, imply issues associated with global criminal traditions. These traditions are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions of people each year—yet go unpunished. The intent of the exhibition is to utilize the beauty of high-quality fine art to raise awareness of these criminal traditions and—in doing so—begin a dialogue that may encourage change.

A reception for the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd from 7-9pm and the show continues through May 18th. The Beverly Art Center is located at 2407 West 111th street in Chicago. The Center’s business hours are Monday through Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-4 pm. Hours are subject to change so call ahead… 773.445.3838

Foreground: Valerie Schiff, "Venus" bronze, 27 x 6.5 x 9".

Breaking Criminal Traditions includes the work of artists: Corinna Button • James Deeb • Sheila Ganch • Claire Girodie • Sergio Gomez • Andrea Harris • Paula Kloczkowski Luberda • Richard Laurent • Kathy Liao • Zoriah Miller • Nancy Rosen • Lorraine Sack • Valerie Schiff • Barbara Simcoe • Anne Smith Stephan

Additional Information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com
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Breaking Criminal Traditions ~ In its Final Days at IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law

Nancy Rosen, Dreaming Comes True, Mixed Media, 44 x 30"

The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition, currently on view at IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law, will come to a conclusion on April 12th. The exhibition, which is being presented on the third floor of 565 West Adams in Chicago's Loop, has been on view since October 10th. The show presents the work of eleven artists, ranging in media from painting and drawing to photography and sculpture. The work presented, alludes to global criminal traditions... traditions  that are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions of people each year. These rituals typically go unpunished because they are rarely considered crimes. 

I've compiled pieces that walk a fine line between beauty, and the horror of the traditions. Only one of the represented Artists—Richard Laurent—has intentionally created imagery, defining the traditions. The other Fine Artists were invited to participate specifically because of my interpretation of their content... content that can represent one or more of the many issues at hand. These issues include: Honor Killing, Human Trafficking, and Forced Child Marriage. The show approaches many others. 

The intent of the exhibition is to raise awareness of criminal traditions and begins a dialogue. In doing so, the exhibition—and the various events that accompany it—may encourage change. 

The Art of influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions is on display through April 12. The gallery is located on the 3rd floor of the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, located at 565 West Adams Street in Chicago [the corner of Adams and Jefferson]. Street Parking is abundant and entry is free. The gallery hours are: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-11pm, Friday 7:30am-9:30pm, and Saturday 8:30am- 6pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.

Nancy Rosen was born in Chicago and—except for her four years at the Kansas City Art Institute where she earned a BFA in painting and sculpture—this is where she has remained. Her mixed media imagery—mostly figurative—is created using a blend of oil bars, china markers, graphite, and oil paint. Each unique piece is created with combinations of these materials applied to the surface of hand-made papers or linen. The images emerge from an infinite number of rich colorful layers. Rosen’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions across the country. Recent venues include the Kansas City Art Coalition, Elmhurst Museum, Milliken University, The Post Family, and The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Nancy Rosen continues to devote her life to painting, exhibiting, and teaching.
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3rd Friday's... Check out the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Compeitition

Six Chicago-area artists were awarded a total of $3,000 in prizes at Bridgeport Art Center’s 2nd Annual Art Competition awards ceremony on the evening of March 8.

I recently became aware of an art community just south of downtown Chicago, in Bridgeport. I've been meeting with artists to review work for upcoming exhibitions, and came upon the Zhou Brothers Art Center and—almost right across the street—the Bridgeport Art Center. Both locations house artist studios and both host a 3rd Friday event at which time the studios and galleries within the buildings, are open to the public.

The Zhou Brothers Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th Street, Chicago, is open from 7-10pm and includes an opening for an exhibition of work by the Zhou Brothers from their American Period. The show, described on their web site, presents...  "a selection of works from the 1990's as one of the most pivotal periods in the art career of the Zhou Brothers. A decade that was characterized by permanently establishing themselves in Chicago while projecting exponentially in Europe and throughout the world."

NIU's MFA exhibition is presented in the second floor gallery. The ten artists include five painters, two sculptors, a metalsmith, a printmaker, and a video installation artist.

While you're in the building, make sure you attend the opening reception of "Monochrome" the spring, Galley Artists, exhibition at 33 Contemporary Gallery. The works presented in the exhibition range from painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and mixed media.

When you're finished there... head over to the Bridgeport Art Center, located at 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago. Make sure that you see the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Center Competition on the 4th floor. The show opened a couple of weeks ago and it's been touted as "a diverse and fascinating overview of contemporary art in Chicago." If you don't have an opportunity to attend tomorrow's event, the show continues through April 18th. I should also mention that one of my paintings was included into the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Center Competition... It was awarded "Best in Show". The 3rd Friday event at the Bridgeport Art Center runs from 6-10pm. 
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2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Competition

Charles Gniech, "Grounded" 2012, acrylic on canvas, 60" x 40"

Save the Date: Saturday, March 8th 7-10pm

Please join me on the evening of March 8th for the opening reception and award ceremony of the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Competition. My painting, "Grounded" 2012, was selected for inclusion. The exhibition—housed in the forth floor gallery—will present the works of seventy-four area artists.

“This large exhibit presents a diverse and fascinating overview of contemporary art in Chicago.” said Lelde Kalmite, Curator at the Bridgeport Art Center.

The Bridgeport Art Center is located at 1200 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60609. The exhibition continues through April 18, 2014. Additional information can be found at: bridgeportart.com
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To Summon Spring @ ZIA Gallery

Had enough of Chicago's winter weather? 

Opening this Saturday, at ZIA Gallery in Winnetka, is an exhibition of color-saturated, vibrant works of art, by eleven of the gallery artists. The exhibition includes painting, photography, mixed media and sculptural works. The show titled "To Summon Spring" was conceived by Anne Hughes and includes work by: Ted Preuss, Mary Burk, Melissa Jay Craig, Michael Cutlip, Kathy Weaver, Karina Hean, Fumiko Toda, Jonathan Ricca, John Vlahakis, Anne Hughes and myself. If your life is lacking a bit of color, this is the perfect solution.

The Opening Reception of "To Summon Spring" is Saturday, February 22 from 5-7pm.  ZIA Gallery is located at 548 Chestnut in Winnetka, Illinois... 17 miles north of Chicago. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am–5:00pm. Stop by and check it out.

Above Image:
Top Row: Ted Preuss, Mary Burke, Melissa Jay Craig and Michael Cutlip
Middle Row: Kathy Weaver, Karina Hean, Charles Gniech, and Fumiko Toda
Bottom Row: Jonathan Ricci, John Vlahakis, and Anne Hughes
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Corinna Button ~ A Studio Visit

Corinna Button, "Watching you watching me watching" Acrylic, ink & charcoal on canvas 109 x 72in

The “…Breaking Criminal Traditions” exhibition—currently on display at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law—has gained a great deal of attention. Audiences seem to be drawn to the visual content and touched by the issues that the paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures represent. Since the opening of the show, two other Chicagoland venues have expressed interest in acquiring the exhibition—the Beverly Art Center and The Art Center of Highland Park. As the Exhibition Curator, I decided early on, to select a unique mixture of fine art pieces for each new venue. That said… I continue to explore new work.

Yesterday morning, I met with fine artist, Corinna Button at her studio at the Zhou B Art Centre in Bridgeport. Button—an exceptionally prolific artist—explores the human condition. Her figurative imagery is presented through layers and layers of surface—paint, ink, graphite, and collage—symbolic of the layers of life experience that we collect over time. Occasionally, portions of the layers may be erased or even ripped from the surface …perhaps to remove a bit of the collected armor.

Exploring the studio walls, it was obvious that Button communicates with honesty and passion. Each object demands the viewer’s attention. Each tells its own story. As we discussed the work, I pointed out that interpretation is the result of the viewer’s history and experience—at times, void of the artist’s intention. With this, it was obvious that many of Button’s works were appropriate for inclusion in upcoming presentations of “…Breaking Criminal Traditions”.

The exceptionally large “portraits” found in Button’s studio, are just a sample of the imagery she is currently producing. One of these appears to be the interpretation of a child bride—adorned with the ornate fashion of a foreign land. The pensive stare conveys a loss of hope… the questioning of the future. Other pieces reference Human Trafficking, Circling and issues related to Honor Killing. To be clear… this was not the artist’s intent. These references are strictly an interpretation. Incidentally, I gravitate to many of Button’s pieces for their ornate beauty and haunting honesty.

Select pieces of Corinna Button’s work will be included in upcoming presentations of “The Art of Influence… Breaking Criminal Traditions. Watch for it at the Beverly Art Center [April 18-May18, 2014] and The Art Center – Highland Park [November 7 – January 3]. Information for receptions will be included in future posts. Additional information about the exhibition can be found at BreakingCriminalTradition.com

After completing her Fine Art degree at Leeds, Corinna Button went on to study Printmaking in London, gaining much attention for her works. Now with her pieces in many high profile collections including the BBC and Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, Button has exhibited at the Zhou B Art Centre in Chicago and is a respected member of the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers.
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