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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The Art of Human Rights at ZIA Gallery, Winnetka

Audry Cramblit, “Paris”, bronze, 7” tall, $1,400.

Save the Date: Thursday, August 30th, 5-8:30

Once again, I've compiled some of the most amazing established area artists into an exhibition to benefit Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights. With the support of ZIA Gallery of Winnetka—the location of this satellite event—this group invitational exhibition offers something for everyone.

“The Art of Human Rights” exhibition includes; paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography and sculpture created by twenty-two hand-selected, established fine artists. The commissions from the work sold—priced from $450 to $18,000—will directly benefit the charity. Funds raised through The Art of Human Rights will support the work that Heartland Alliance does to ensure that everyone has a roof over their head, access to health care, the opportunity to earn income to support themselves and their families, and to be treated fairly and with justice.

With a variety of imagery and objects available—whether it is an elegant object to finish a room or a room-defining statement—this exhibition presents amazing pieces of thought-provoking Fine Art.

John Vlahakis, “Sanctum”, photograph, edition of 5, 15” x 15”, $750.

The work of photographer, John Vlahakis, captures the drama and beauty of the natural world. His brilliantly colorful floral images—which are almost abstract—explore light and define a quiet moment in time. Vlahakis points out that… “Visually I am drawn by the color and light that each living organism reflects...”

Roland Kulla, “Ben Franklin II”, acrylic on canvas, ”60 x 36”, $9,500.

Roland Kulla’s work presents hyper-realistic acrylic imagery, defining segments of various bridges. Kulla explains:

“I’ve used bridges as my primary inspiration for the last twenty years. Based in Chicago, I began my exploration with the world’s largest collection of bascule bridges. In 2006, I began to branch out to other “bridge cities” including Boston, New York City, and Pittsburgh. In 2011, I explored the bridges in Berlin, Germany. 

I select certain design elements and eliminate background context in order to emphasize form. What may appear to be a random arrangement of bolts and rivets has, on close inspection, a rigidly patterned logic. Abstracted from their surroundings, the bridges take on new aspects. Some look dangerous, others elegant. The forms are presented in “natural” bridge colors in bold contrast to the voids that they span. They float in light that plays across the surface details. I paint an idealized version of reality on a scale that allows the viewer to enter into the structure and appreciate the monumentality of the form.”

Audry Cramblit, “Paris”, bronze, 7” tall, $1,400.

Audry Cramblit is one of four incredibly talented sculptors included in the exhibition. She presents two bronze figurative sculptures… “Paris” and “The Artist”. Both of these tactile figures are adorned with the layering of contemporary designs, symbols and words, forming a complex surface of information. Through the experimentation of materials, Cramblit has developed techniques as unique and varied as her one-of-a-kind sculptures.

There are twenty-two exhibiting artists in “The Art of Human Rights” exhibition. They are: John Benedetto, Jenny Chi, Frances Cox, Audry Cramblit, Jane Fulton Alt, Sheila Ganch, Charles Gniech, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Deanna Krueger, Roland Kulla, Richard Laurent, Maggie Meiners, Rebecca Moy, Didier Nolet, Nancy Pirri, Ted Preuss, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Jim Tansley, Michael Van Zeyl, and John Vlahakis.

This satalite exhibition of “The Art of Human Rights^®” will be presented at ZIA Gallery, located at 548 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, IL 60093, from August 26 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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Paula Kloczkowski Luberda ~ The Art of Human Rights

Above: "Connected", stoneware, 12" diameter
Christy Tyler Photograph

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda was just one of the 23 Artists presenting work at The Art of Human Rights" event. The amazing collection of work was presented at the 2,500 square foot, Coalition Gallery in the west Loop on March 9th, 10th and 11th. The event raised more than $85,000.

Presenting both paintings and stoneware sculpture, Kloczkowski Luberda's work focuses its content on humanity. She explains...

Connected. “United, joined, or linked.” I seek to create connections in my work through color, pattern, concepts, and materials. I strive to create a bond between the viewer and the paintings or sculpture… to unite them into a common understanding of our humanity. It is important for us to see, visually and spiritually, what the human race has in common and how we connect.

These artworks reflect the ties between others and ourselves. We are a part of a global society. These pieces invite the observer to contemplate moments and events. My choice of abstract human forms is intentional in order for the viewer to see the similarity of mankind and not get caught in reflecting or comparing various segments of society, but instead see it in its entirety.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda

Christy Tyler Photograph

Additional images from The Art of Human Rights event, as well as information about the work that Heartland Alliance does, can be found at: artofhumanrights.com

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda is an established artist who has been widely exhibited for more than two decades. Her work has been shown internationally at the Ceramics Biennale in Gautang, South Africa, and nationally at Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, Santa Ana, California; Center for Emerging Art, Miami, Florida; George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, Missouri; Texas Artists Museum, Port Arthur Texas, and Salisbury State University, Salisbury, Massachusetts to highlight a few. Regionally her work was shown at the Rockford Art Museum, the Evansville Art Museum, Indiana, Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin, North Central College, The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Highland Park Art Center, and Harper College.
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The Art of Human Rights ~ The Event

Last weekend was a blur. After six months of planning, “The Art of Human Rights” had finally arrived. The three-day event began on Friday night with an Exclusive Preview Reception for the exhibiting artist’s private collectors. The main event—complete with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, live auction and live music—was held on Saturday evening and the weekend concluded with an intimate “coffee with the artists” on Sunday morning.

More than $85,000 was raised at this year’s event to benefit Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights. Heartland Alliance believes that everyone deserves to have a roof over their heads, access to health care, the opportunity to earn income to support themselves and their families, and to be treated fairly and with justice.

The event included work by twenty-three artists. They were Christopher Andres, John Benedetto, Jenny Chi, Audry Cramblit, Jane Fulton Alt, Sheila Ganch, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Deanna Krueger, Roland Kulla, Richard Laurent, Maggie Meiners, Rebecca Moy, Didier Nolet, Nancy Pirri, Ted Preuss, Nancy Rosen, Valerie Schiff, Tom Torluemke, Francine Turk, Michael Van Zeyl, John Vlahakis and myself.

Audry Cramblit presents “Paris”, a 24 inch tall clay sculpture, to a group of interested patrons.


Photographs by Christy Tyler

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The Art of Human Rights ~ March 10

Francine Turk, “Francesca”, mixed media including antique French ledger, oil stick, lacquer ink and charcoal, 65” x 52”


On Saturday, March 10th from 7-10pm, Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights will present “The Art of Human Rights,” an invitational exhibition featuring silent and live auctions with wine, gourmet fare, and live music. The event, taking place in the 2,500 square foot Coalition Gallery at 217 N. Carpenter Street [west loop], presents; paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture created by twenty-four hand-selected, established fine artists. The commissions from the work sold—priced from $400 to $18,000—will directly benefit the charity. Funds raised through The Art of Human Rights will support the work that Heartland Alliance does to ensure that everyone has a roof over their head, access to health care, the opportunity to earn income to support themselves and their families, and to be treated fairly and with justice.

The exhibition—which I curated—has something for everyone. With a variety of imagery and objects available—whether it is an elegant object to finish a room, or a room-defining statement—this exhibition presents amazing pieces of thought-provoking Fine Art.

Included in this exhibition, is the work of fine art sensation, Francine Turk. Her piece [above], “Francesca”—a large scale, figurative, mixed-media work—is classic Turk. This elegant reclining female nude is created with the used of graceful contour line. Francesca redefines space and transforms the well-known subject into an exploration of emotion and passion. The work is created with a mixture of media, including antique French ledger, oil stick, lacquer ink and charcoal. Pieces from this body of work are testaments of timeless elegance.

John Vlahakis, “Monet”, photograph, edition of 5, 30” x 30”

Photographer, John Vlahakis, captures the drama and beauty of the natural world. The brilliantly colorful floral images—which are almost abstract—explore light and define a quiet moment in time. Vlahakis points out that… “Visually I am drawn by the color and light that each living organism reflects...”

Roland Kulla, “Legget II”, acrylic on canvas, 60” x 40”

Roland Kulla presents a series of hyper-realistic paintings defining segments of various bridges. Kulla explains:

“I’ve used bridges as my primary inspiration for the last twenty years. Based in Chicago, I began my exploration with the world’s largest collection of bascule bridges. In 2006, I began to branch out to other “bridge cities” including Boston, New York City, and Pittsburgh. In 2011, I explored the bridges in Berlin, Germany.

I select certain design elements and eliminate background context in order to emphasize form. What may appear to be a random arrangement of bolts and rivets has, on close inspection, a rigidly patterned logic. Abstracted from their surroundings, the bridges take on new aspects. Some look dangerous, others elegant. The forms are presented in “natural” bridge colors in bold contrast to the voids that they span. They float in light that plays across the surface details. I paint an idealized version of reality on a scale that allows the viewer to enter into the structure and appreciate the monumentality of the form.”

Audry Cramblit, “Paris”, clay / work in progress, 24” tall

Audry Cramblit is one of seven incredibly talented sculptors included in the exhibition. Cramblit presents a variety of work, two in bronze and another in clay. “Paris”, a twenty-four inch high figurative clay sculpture, is an obvious focal point in the exhibition. The tactile figure is adorned with the layering of contemporary designs, symbols and words, forming a complex surface of information. Through the experimentation of materials, Cramblit has developed techniques as unique and varied as her one-of-a-kind sculptures.

There are twenty-four exhibiting artists in “The Art of Human Rights” exhibition. They are: Christopher Andres, John Benedetto, Jenny Chi, Audry Cramblit, Jane Fulton Alt, Sheila Ganch, Charles Gniech, Andrea Harris, Vesna Jovanovic, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Deanna Krueger, Roland Kulla, Richard Laurent, Maggie Meiners, Rebecca Moy, Didier Nolet, Nancy Pirri, Ted Preuss, Nancy Rosen, Valerie Schiff, Tom Torluemke, Francine Turk, Michael Van Zeyl, and John Vlahakis.

On Saturday, March 10th from 7-10pm, The Art of Human Rights will be presented at the Coalition Gallery, located at 217 N. Carpenter Street in Chicago. Work sold at this Fine Art exhibition will benefit Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. Tickets may be purchased on line at artofhumanrights.com or by calling Michelle Marvin at 312.660.1339.
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Valerie Schiff and The Art of Human Rights

Last week, I received an email from Valerie Schiff. The message had an interesting subject line. Normally, if the sender is not familiar to me, the email is trashed. But this subject line read: “Two Artists THOUGHT WE SHOULD MEET”. I was intrigued. Who was Valerie Schiff? And which two artists suggested that we meet?

Of course I googled Schiff and found a web site filled with figurative sculpture in terracotta or bronze. Again, I was intrigued. We scheduled a meeting and met yesterday morning in her Evanston studio.

When I arrived, a seasoned sculptor greeted me. Her work surrounded us. The scale of the pieces caught me off guard…they were much larger then they appeared on line. I spent some time wondering around the room exploring the various nuances’ of each piece, before sitting down to chat. Even in mid-conversation, I was drawn to yet another subtle gesture incorporated into one of the forms. I found myself up—out of my chair—again, wondering around the room, while continuing our discussion.

As I explored, I found that Schiff’s work was not a study of the human form but a study of the human soul. The emotion found in her work, emits a connection with the viewer. The viewer is drawn into the form—whether realistic or abstract—they are emotionally moved.


I invited Valerie Schiff to present a few of her works in the upcoming “The Art of Human Rights” event. It is an event that benefits Heartland Alliance—a charitable organization that I’ve worked with for the past few years. This year, I am chairing the affair, which will take place at the Coalition gallery [217 N. Carpenter, Chicago] on Saturday March 10th —followed by “coffee with the artists” on Sunday morning. Commissions from the sale of work will be donated directly to Heartland Alliance. Tickets for the event can be purchased at: heartlandalliance.org or by contacting Michelle Marvin directly at 312.660.1339 or mmarvin@heartlandalliance.org. I hope to see you there… save the date! Saturday, March 10th 7-10pm.

In the coming weeks, I will be writing about "The Art of Human Rights" event as well as the artists who were invited to participate.
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A Wonderful Event ~ The Art of Human Rights

Last night’s “The Art of Human Rights” event, was wonderful. The event was packed with Artists as well as Collectors supporting Heartland Alliance. This annual event helps Heartland Alliance to provide housing, healthcare, economic security, and legal protections services to more than 200,000 people whose lives are threatened by poverty and danger, including those living with HIV and AIDS. The after work cocktail party and art auction—both live and silent—was produced by the Junior Board headed by Stephanie Scherra and Kristin Weiss… both amazing women.

The event provided me with an opportunity to connect with the array of Artists that I’ve worked with over the years. This generous group of painters, photographers and sculptors are the people who offered their talents to generate the financial donations. Without the support of these Artists, the Collectors would not have anything to collect—and this Heartland Alliance event would not exist.

The above image is a painting donated by Indianapolis Artist, Lorraine Sack. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Sack for—roughly—the past ten years. I first came across her work when I produced a show titled “Naked or Nude” for the Fine Arts Building Gallery. Not only does Sack produce beautiful still life imagery, she is also an amazing figure painter. If memory serves, I believe that two of her pieces were included in that Fine Arts Building Gallery exhibition ...and both sold.

A Master Painter, Sack has developed a technique of painting with oil paint on linen, without turpentine or mediums, creating a pure and vibrant painting [paraphrased from her web site]. The paint is applied in layers—weaving together colors and values. The works are amazing. And yes—last night—I purchased the wonderful painting shown above, during the live auction.

If you're still interested in purchasing work to support Heartland Alliance, you can do so by visiting the photo ’11 exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. All commissions from the sale of work will be donated directly to Heartland Alliance for their Art of Human Rights benefit. All of the imagery from the exhibiting photographers can be seen at gallery180.com The exhibition closes March 3rd.


Above: Just one section of the crowd from last night’s Heartland Alliance event at Gruen Gallery, Chicago.
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The Art of Human Rights Preview Exhibition...

It always seems to amaze me how quickly time rushes by. Seems like I just installed the Jankowski exhibition and now it’s over.

I spent most of today installing the Preview Exhibition for “The Art of Human Rights”. The Human Rights show is a benefit for Heartland Alliance. As you probably know, Heartland has a variety of medical programs and services helping people with HIV/AIDS. It’s a good organization. I’ve been working with the Junior Board for the past three years to give the community at large an opportunity to view and purchase just some of the pieces donated by Artists from around the country. Only a small fraction of the donated work gets selected for the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180. This year, the list includes work by:

Caroline Anderson, Nanette Loeff Allen, Susan Berg, Audry Cramblit, Jim Dee, James Deeb, Liesel Fisher, Michael Jankowski, Darren Jones, Annie Onlin Law, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Catherrine Maize, Laura Matzen, Jackie Melissas, Rebecca Moy, Nancy Pirri, Ted Preuss, Amy Robinson, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Melissa Sauder, and Jacalin Subrinsky.

There are many other wonderful works which couldn’t be included due to space limitations. As I reviewed the donations, I found myself repeatedly wanting to add just one more piece… but it's important to present a cohesive show. I believe that I did just that.

Generally, the Preview Exhibition projects a soothing, meditative theme which flows through the gallery. The image above shows Jacalin Subrinsky’s “Kismet” and Paula Kloczkowski Luberda’s “Walking Man”. “Kismet”—in short, fate or destiny—seems to present a positive journey with flowing soft blue and rich brown lines of mixed media. The peaceful winding strokes of intricate color, maneuvers the viewer around the canvas in an exploration of earth and sky. It is the perfect painting to accompany Kloczkowski Luberda’s “Walking Man”. The figure—created from found wood, and woven wire—seems to be a on a primitive journey of his own. The long-legged body projects confidence in his stride and the flowing lines of his extremities mimic the shapes within Subrinsky's work.

Probably the most controversial piece in the show comes from another Chicago-area Sculptor… Nancy Pirri. Pirri offers “Sometimes I Feel Like a Fallen Angel”, an abstract ceramic sculpture of a female torso presented with three feathers. A dagger-like barb has been thrust into the figure’s back [note the shadow] and holds a small thin ceramic fragment in place—like a piece of paper to a bulletin board. The fallen angel seems to have become a victim. The use of the feathers makes reference to native Indian symbolism of ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Is it a peaceful transition after a brutal end? In any case, the piece is quite amazing.


If you’re in Chicago, stop by Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and check out the exhibition. Take your time... there are many wonderful pieces. All of the work is available for purchase and all proceeds with go directly to Heartland Alliance. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s loop.

Lorraine Sack, "Impressions"

Above is a painting titled "Impressions" by artist Lorraine Sack. This piece is from a series of still life oil paintings that Sack has been working on for the past few years. The image is 16 x 20 inches and produced in oil on canvas. Sack's website explains her process...

The creative process of still life is much like theatre to me. It is taking a blank space and changing it into something specific to be viewed.

The process of setting the stage for the painting is intuitive. I try out the space itself with objects, natural light, and color as characters each playing a part. Usually the object I chose for the focus is one I admire for the presence it holds. I look at the abstract patterns while arranging and rearranging the secondary objects, the light, and the background around the focus until I see the right ensemble.

Then I start the painting process. First, I establish the abstract patterns with a solid foundation of paint on canvas. Next, I slowly layer veils of color with my brush to weave the space into objects and develop their character. Finally, I know the still life is finished when all the parts play their role working together as a unified voice to create the space I intended.

Lorraine Sack's "Impressions" will be available at the upcoming benefit for Heartland Alliance as well as the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Gallery 180 will host a catered reception for the Preview Exhibition on January 22 from 5:30-7:30. This event is free to the public and all of the work will be available for purchase with all proceeds going directly to Heartland Alliance. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago's Loop. I hope to see you there!

Additional work by Lorraine Sack can be seen on her web site: lorrainestudios.com

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda's "Walking Man"

As I’ve mentioned in a recent post, Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will host this year’s “The Art of Human Rights” preview exhibition to benefit Heartland Alliance. The proceeds from this—and the main event—will help Heartland Alliance's HIV/AIDS programs and services, which include: primary care, referrals, assistance with transportation and lab costs, housing, alternative therapies such as chiropractic treatment and massage therapy, HIV prevention education, and oral health care.

The preview exhibition, which will open at Gallery 180 with a reception on January 22nd, is a collection of some of the pieces that have been donated by Artists from around the country to support Heartland Alliance in their effort. One of the contributing area artists is Paula Kloczkowski Luberda. I first met this highly creative concept-driven artist when she was being represented by Kavi Gupta’s Vedanta Gallery in the mid 90’s. Since then, I’ve watched her explore a variety of ideas with a range of media... all seeming to focus on the human condition. Her work has been presented around the country in numerous group and solo exhibitions, and two of her paintings have been acquired for the permanent collection of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago.


The above image is a sculptural piece by Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, titled “walking Man” [2005]. The sculpture—reminiscent of Giacometti’s “Man crossing a square on a sunny morning” [1948-9]—has been donated by Kloczkowski Luberda and selected for inclusion in the benefit Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180. The piece is composed of found wood and wire—and if memory serves me—stands about 36” tall. For information on other available works by Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, contact her at plk2531n@wideopenwest.com

To view some of the other pieces which will be available at the main event, check out this Flickr link. Take a look... there are some wonderful pieces.

As a reminder, save the dates for both events: Opening Reception for the Preview Exhibition: Friday January 22nd - Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago 5:30-7:30 ...and The Main Event, The Art of Human Rights: February 19th. More information to come!

The Art of Human Rights - Call for work

Over the past nine years, Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago has presented a variety of exhibitions, which have highlighted the work of regional, national, and international artists. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to review, select and present pieces from the wide variety of proposed work.

Following is yet another opportunity to expose your work to the public. This January, at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, we will present the Preview Exhibition for “The Art of Human Rights”. The exhibition will be on exhibit from January 19 through February 11, and pieces for this exhibition will be selected from those donated to “The Art of Human Rights” benefit. A catered reception will be held at Gallery 180 on Friday, January 22 from 5:30-7:30. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the work will go directly to Heartland Alliance.

At the close of the exhibition—if the donated work has not yet sold—it will be placed on auction at the main event held at the River East Art Center on February 19th. A donation of artwork entitles the artist to a complimentary ticket to “The Art of Human Rights” benefit. There will be a great deal of publicity surrounding the Preview Exhibition as well as the benefit. Both venues will bring recognition to the participating artists. I hope that you will consider donating a piece of your work to this very important cause. Information regarding the benefit can be found on the Heartland Alliance web site and you can download the donation forms at gallery180.com on the schedule page of the site.

I hope to have the opportunity to review your work for this and future exhibitions.