Meditative Surfaces ~ The Art Center-Highland Park

Doug Fogelson, “Dirt (Illinois)”, Photogram / Ed. of 6, 24" x 20"

Save the Date: Friday, May 22, 6:30-9pm

The always evolving fine art exhibition "Meditative Surfaces" will be presented at The Art Center-Highland Park from May 7 through July 10 with an open reception on Friday, May 22 from 6:30-9pm. This exhibition brings together the work of six-very different-fine artists with a visually reoccurring theme of variations on repetition. The show is comprised of two painters; Charles Gniech & Rebecca Moy, a mixed media artist; Deanna Krueger, two photographers; Maggie Meiners & Doug Fogelson, and sculptor; Josh Garber.
 
Originally presented as a three-person exhibition exhibited at Schoenherr Art Gallery, North Central College; Naperville, Illinois in 2009, the work invited the audience to "lose themselves" in the surface patterns and textures the meditative acrylic paintings of Charles Gniech, the mixed media imagery of Deanna Krueger and the abstract photography of Maggie Meiners. The updated show has further evolved to present the most current works of the original three and to explore new objects of interest including the tactile aluminum sculpture of Josh Garber, photograms in saturated hues by Doug Fogelson, and the whimsical and organically complex paintings by Rebecca Moy.
 
It's true that a picture is worth a thousand words... The exhibition is a journey that offers a glimpse into each individual artist's life through the experience of his or her personal passion.  While each piece of art offers a unique visual experience, the work comes together to offer a grander message—one of sanctuary, inner piece and harmony. As with a dramatic sunrise, Not at all quite and reserved, the show presents visuals evoking every emotion. Color palettes range from peacefully subtle muted tones to brilliant saturated hues. And as in nature, the forms range from organic to aggressive.

A public reception for “Meditative Surfaces” will be held at The Art Center-Highland Park on Friday, May 22 from 6:30-9. The Art Center-Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road in Highland Park, Illinois. Gallery Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am–4:30pm and Sunday, by appointment. All work in the exhibition is available for purchase. The exhibition continues through July 10.

The Art Center-Highland Park is dedicated to promoting the appreciation of contemporary fine art through exhibitions by both established and emerging artists. We foster creativity through the experience and discussion of fine art and offer extensive educational opportunities through a broad range of classes, panel discussions, workshops and lectures. A nonprofit organization, The Art Center-Highland Park connects artists with the community at large—supporting creativity at every level. 

Doug Fogelson (Born Chicago 1970) studied photography at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. His photographic manipulations are displayed in notable public and private collections such as The J. Paul Getty Center, The Museum of Contemporary Photography, The Cleveland Clinic and exhibited with esteemed galleries. He has been recognized by publications including Art News,Photo District News, Art Forum, and AfterImage. Doug Fogelson founded Front Forty Press, an award-winning independent fine art publishing company, and has taught in the Photography Department of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is an advocate for the fine arts and social/ecological sustainability.

Josh Garber, “Turn”, Powder Coated Welded Aluminum, 39 x 36 x 34"

Josh Garber (Born 1963) works and lives and Chicago. He is a recipient of the Canada Council B Grant and Pollock-Krasner grant and has completed public commissions in Phoenix, Chicago and Cincinnati. After receiving his BFA from Alfred University, Garber participated in The Kohler and Sculpture Space residencies. Currently he is represented with Zolla/Lieberman Gallery in Chicago, Turner Carroll Gallery in Santa Fe and Melissa Morgan in Palm Desert, CA. 

Charles Gniech, “Anomaly”, Acrylic on Canvas, 40” x 60”

Charles Gniech (Born: Chicago 1962) lives and works in Chicago. He holds a Master of Fine Art degree with an emphasis in painting and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in illustration, both from Northern Illinois University. While teaching, curating, and consulting, Gniech continues to paint—exhibiting at the national level. His work has been repeatedly presented at both The Rockford Art Museum and The Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Gniech’s paintings have been acquired for numerous public and private collections, with a large canvas recently purchased for the Permanent Collection of The Fort Wayne Museum of Art. His work is represented by Bluestone Gallery in Philadelphia and Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan. 

Deanna Krueger, “Neptune” Mixed Media, 63” x 63”

Born and raised in Michigan (1965) and currently living in Chicago, Deanna Krueger is an Instructor at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, teaching courses in painting and design. Krueger holds a Master of Fine Art degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan. She has been awarded artist residencies at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts in Saratoga, WY, at Ragdale in Lake Forest, IL, and at Contemporary Artist Center In North Adams, MA. Krueger’s work has been exhibited nationally as well as internationally with exhibits in Berlin and Rome. A solo exhibition of Krueger’s work was presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago in 2010, and at Wright Gallery at College of Lake County in 2015. Krueger’s work has been acquired for a number of public and private collections including a recent acquisition for the Permanent Collection of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Maggie Meiners, “Untitled #3”, Photographic Print, 10” x 10”

Maggie Meiners (Born: Chicago 1972) work has most recently been seen as part of the Chicago Project-Catherine Edelman Gallery, the Anne Loucks Gallery in Glencoe and is currently up at HBF Textiles in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. She has also exhibited at various museums and colleges around the country. Maggie’s work is included in numerous public and private collections including, Harrison Street Lofts, Wheaton College, and The Illinois Institute of Art. Meiners currently serves on the Board of the Filter Photo Festival, is a member of the Advisory Committee at the Museum of Contemporary Photography and is the Founder of Co-Star Collective. Meiners grew up outside of Chicago and continues to have her work regularly featured at galleries, executive offices and private collections.

Rebecca Moy, “Aquatic”, Acrylic on Canvas, 44” x 48” 

Rebecca Moy (Born: 1980, LaGrange, Illinois), is a 2003 graduate of Columbia College Chicago where she studied visual arts management. Since, Rebecca has completed a visual arts residency at River East Art Center, Chicago; worked with the Field Museum for live painting exhibitions and has had the honor of exhibiting solo at the prestigious Union League Club, Chicago, Illinois Institute of Art, Park Schreck Gallery, Curly Tale Fine Art, Heir Gallery and Orland Park Public Library, IL and several other group exhibitions. Rebecca’s paintings are in the permanent collections of Neiman Marcus, The Dana Hotel, Resonant Legal Media, Northwestern Mutual, MD2 International, and several privately owned. Rebecca simultaneously works on private commissions and is in the beginning of a new series entitled “Aphasia” which directly addresses the experience of losing a parent in her unique sense of color and composition.