Ginny Mangrum ~ Selections from the Collection

"Subway", digitally enhanced photograph from film, edition of 15, 16 x 20", 2009

Included in the current exhibition—"Selections from the Collection" at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago—is a digitally enhanced photograph from film by Ginny Mangrum, titled "Subway". The moody, high contrast image was purchased from the "photo '11" exhibition, for inclusion into the School's permanent Fine Art Collection. Mangrum's work from this series eliminates references to society, inviting the viewer into an unsettling environment. Mangrum explains...

“Subway”, is an image from the “Night Moves II” series. This series of black and white, digitally enhanced film photographs, examines the psychological associations existing within private and public places photographed without people. These voyeuristic observations are shot at night to emphasize an unsettling tension. Elements are isolated from surrounding activities, containing them within a portal and framed by a large darkened canvas. Because signage and identifying information has intentionally been eliminated, the image delineates the vulnerability of the space, and infuses it with suspense—waiting for something to happen.

"Subway" is just one of fifteen pieces selected to be exhibited in the final exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The exhibition is scheduled to continue through July 8th. Most of the collection can be viewed at gallery180.com

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. Admission is free.

 

Final Exhibition at Gallery 180

Maggie Meiners, Flow" Silver Gelatin Print, 2004, 15"x15"

 
After more then eleven years as Exhibition Curator of the various galleries associated with The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, I will be stepping away to focus on other opportunities.

As the Michael Van Zeyl / Paula Kloczkowski Luberda exhibition closes, a show featuring select pieces from the school's fine art collection will be installed. These are among the works that have been acquired from exhibitions over the past decade. The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago has been a strong supporter of the fine art community—acquiring work created by local and nationally recognized artists. These pieces are regularly exhibited throughout the common areas of the college but will come together in Gallery 180 for ease in public viewing.

Included in the exhibition is "Flow" by Chicago area fine art photographer, Maggie Meiners. Her abstract works are strong statements of pattern, surface and texture. Composed in a masterly fashion, the works revile the subject when viewed with more than just a glance.
Mieners' elaborates: 

I am drawn to abstract photography because I have complete control over what it is I am trying to capture, nothing is by accident. I like to see form and art in something most people would not, and bring it to light in a photograph. It doesn’t necessarily matter what the subject is, but whether or not it is open for interpretation. I strive to give new information and provide the viewer with insight into a quality that they cannot ordinarily experience. 

"Flow" is just one of the pieces which will be included in the final professional exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The school's Fine Art Collection can be viewed at gallery 180.com

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.
 
In following with the corporate model, future exhibitions within the gallery will present student and faculty work, which will be selected and installed by committee.
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Paula Kloczkowski Luberda ~ Coming in March to Gallery 180

“Ovate”, 8”w x 7”h x 11”d, Stoneware, 2012 

Save the Date: Friday, March 15

The abstract stoneware vessels of Chicago artist, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda will be on exhibit at Gallery 180 beginning on March 4th. Accompanied by the still life and figure paintings of Michael Van Zeyl, Kloczkowski Luberda's conceptual structures make reference to nature as well as the human form.

Having worked figuratively for a number of years, Kloczkowski Luberda has been exploring a new voice of expression. Her recently-created objects continue to reference humanity—or the lack of humanity—politics, and the flaws of Corporate America, but this new direction is not only concept. The work addresses the material source as concept itself—exposing and embracing the subtle flaws of the medium. Not mass-produced by machine, the subtle imperfections refer to our own humanity. The artist explains:

“Conceptually, these abstract vessels reveal the challenges facing humanity while expressing strength, endurance, power and a level of vulnerability.”

“Secret Void”, 8”w x 12.75”h, x 7.25”d, Stoneware, 2012

The work of Paula Kloczkowski Luberda will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through May 2, 2013. Previews begin on March 4th. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, March 15 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.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda is an established and widely exhibited artist for the past twenty plus years. 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, Illinois Institute of Art, Highland Park Art Center and Harper College Palatine, are among her many exhibitions. She has been represented by 4 Chicago area galleries during the past 15 years and exhibited at numerous other venues such as the annual SOFA Show at Navy Pier, the Illinois Institute of Art, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Borders Book Store, and AT&T Corporate offices. 

Along with her extensive exhibition history she has won numerous awards like the Illinois Institute of Art Purchase Award and a First Place Award. Other awards included a Merit Award from Salisbury State University; Best of Show, Nicolet College, Wisconsin; 3rd Place Indiana University; Merit Award Quincy Art Center; Honorable Mention, Rockford Art Museum, and an Award of Excellence from the Norris Cultural Center in St. Charles, IL.

In Addition to her professional work she has also engaged in lectures and public speaking on her work and methods as well as art in general. This included an invitation as guest artist lecturer at Roosevelt University, Chicago, an exhibiting artist lecture at Harper College, Palatine, and Borders Book Store on Michigan Ave., Chicago and invited speaker at various art organizations. She and her work have been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times and the Daily Herald as well as other print media. Her work was also featured on NBC Channel 5 news.

Ms. Luberda’s education includes a BA in Studio Art, an Associate’s degree in Design and Illustration, specialized instruction in ceramic sculpture from the Art Institute of Chicago, fiber sculpture Concordia University, Montreal Canada, Mold making San Antonio Institute of Art, San Antonio, Texas, Patination at Cleveland University, Cleveland Ohio. 

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Allan Gorman ~ Hyperreal at Gallery 180

Allan Gorman, Blue Button, Oil on Panel, 18" x 18", 2012

The work of Allan Gorman was the inspiration and starting point for the creation of the "Hyperreal" exhibition currently on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Gorman's work scrutinizes the beauty found in mechanical objects. Gorman explains…

“I look for interesting shapes to explore form, composition, color, texture and emotion. And, although the subject matter demands to be rendered with an increasing degree of precision, my goal is not so much to faithfully replicate objects as it is to distill what I’ve seen into visual stories that resonate and stir memories. I'm looking to abstract, and present a powerful design - whether the viewer chooses to interpret them as representational paintings or not.”

Gorman's work is joined by that of K. Henderson, Carl Holzman and Roland Kulla in an exhibition that is sure to impress viewers through technical excitation and unique compositional presentation. It's worth a visit...

Hyperreal will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through February 28, 2013 with previews beginning on Monday, January 14th. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, January 18 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

Brooklyn-born, Allan Gorman (1947) is a self-taught painter who brings his strengths as an internationally decorated graphic designer to artworks that certainly reflect his own unique and distinctive brand. Soaring chrome exhaust pipes set on a stark blue sky, mirrors that reflect the geometries of industry, a macro trip inside clockworks – hard angles, strong colors and carefully thought through compositions permeate his work which has been seen in dozens of gallery and museum shows and private collections in both the US and Europe. In 2011, Gorman was awarded a resident fellowship to Vermont Studio Center, and work has been featured in International New Painting Annual 2, America Art Collector, Transportation Today and Poets & Artists Magazine. Gorman currently resides in Montclair, NJ.
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Roland Kulla ~ Hyperreal at Gallery 180

Roland Kulla, C&O Canal II, Oil on Canvas, 36" x 48", 2012

Roland Kulla is one of four painters included in "Hyperreal" at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The exhibition presents imagery of objects, selectively-composed and realistically-rendered to intensify their visual impact.

Kulla, a Chicago resident, has been painting bridges—or segments of bridges—for more than two decades. His paintings have been presented on the main stage art scene with recent solo exhibitions in Berlin and New York. Created in the last few months, three new Roland Kulla paintings are included in Hyperreal at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. In discussing his work, Kulla elaborates… 

“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. The details of massive structures reveal the many individual components. 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. The variations can be simple or elaborate, ranging from limited themes of a few notes to grand, fugal extravaganzas.

The subjects are painted to look “real”, but this is a deliberate illusion. 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.”

Hyperreal will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through February 28, 2013 with previews beginning on Monday, January 14th. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, January 18 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

Roland Kulla lives and paints in Chicago. Recent exhibitions include “Berlinier Liste” ARTexhibitionLink, Berlin, Germany, “Urban Patterns” at George Billis Gallery, New York, and inclusion in the Rockford Art Museum Biennial. Kulla is represented by George Billis Gallery in New York, ZIA Gallery in Winnetka, IL, and James Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA.

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HYPERREAL: Reception this Friday

On Friday, January 18^th, Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will host a catered reception for Hyperreal, an exhibition of paintings created by four nationally recognized artists, selectively-composing and realistically-rendering objects to intensify their impact. The exhibiting artists are K. Henderson, Carl Holzman, Allan Gorman, and Roland Kulla.

Hyperreal will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through February 28, 2013 with previews beginning on Monday, January 14th. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, January 18 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
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Joann Rea ~ Worldview

Tapestry, oil on masonite, 48" x 36"

Joann Rea is one of nine artists currently exhibiting at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago's "Worldview" exhibition. The work included in the exhibition is diverse—presenting a variety of perceptions and interpretations of the subject, Worldview. The two paintings shown by Joann Rea represent the density of lush forestry in early fall. The images are created with a an obsessively  complex buildup of patterns created with tinny brushstrokes. The brushstrokes emerge into a composition of movement reflecting the transitions of life. Rea explains...

Although both “Tapestry” and “Spirals” are luxuriant paintings of leaves and branches, they are also woven patterns of colors and brushstrokes that lead the eye from one curve to another in the painting. In “Tapestry,” especially, the composition winds its way up the middle of the image, with the leafy brushstrokes following the movement. Straight lines of purple tree trunks both create a stark color contrast and prevent the woven patterns from dominating the composition. “Spirals” is not so much the painting of a tree but more the painting of a tree’s vivid gold and red colors swirling through a maze of green leaves, while the branches hold everything together. 

The Worldview exhibition will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through January 10, 2013. All works are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds donated to Worldview Education and Care. Gallery 180 is located at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago's Loop.

Spirals, oil on masonite, 30" x 24"

Joann Rea has been capturing the nuances of nature and the environment for over 35 years, successfully showing and selling her original oil paintings through a number of galleries across the country. Her work was handled by the Dyansen Galleries of New York throughout the late 1980s and 1990s and was shown in Dyansen galleries in Boston, MA; Soho, NY; Arlington, VA; Waikoloa, HI; Tokyo, Japan; and San Francisco, CA. Independent galleries that have shown her paintings include Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD; Southwest Gallery, Dallas, TX; Park West Gallery, Southfield, MI; Kruckmeyer and Cohn Gallery, Evansville, IN; Fisher Gallery, Washington, DC; Main Street Gallery, Annapolis, MD; and the Prince Royal Gallery, Alexandria, VA. Joann currently maintains a studio at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston, IL.

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James Deeb ~ Subterranean (no.2)

James Deeb, Subterranean [no.2], oil on board, 9" x 11"

There are just two more weeks to experience the James Deeb exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Deeb's exhibition of paintings and prints explores the decay of the world utilizing the figure as content. The awkward subhuman characters found in Deeb's work are a dichotomy ... seeming both humorously-goofy yet somehow tragic ...yet all are intriguing. 

The paintings of James Deeb will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through November 1.  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.

James Deeb ~ Reception Friday

James Deeb, "Royal Mayan, Naked"  2009, oil on board, 15" x 12"

Today, the paintings and prints of James Deeb were installed in Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. 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. The paintings are created in a thick impasto—resulting in a low relief surface with brushstrokes that flicker. The monoprints are haunting—produced in a flat graphic fashion. They're amazing images.

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..

Where Chicago Magazine

Both of the artists currently exhibiting in Gallery 180, Audry Cramblit and Chris Raecker, have received some wonderful press for their photography and sculpture show which opened September 5th.

A few days ago, I received this wonderful digital tear sheet for a piece that "Where" Chicago published in their September issue. Above is an image of the page... following is the written content.

Dark Riders
For most of us, carnivals conjure up a rainbow of happy childhood memories, from sticky-sweet cones of pink and blue cotton candy to that first thrilling coaster ride. Photographer Chris Raecker sees something darker, as evidenced in his new exhibition A Midnight Carnival. In his striking, stark images of the annual National Cattle Congress fair in his hometown of Waterloo, Ia.—created by using day-for-night lenses and selective blurring techniques—the midway takes on a sinister air, as Ferris wheels and kiddie rides spin under surreally darkened skies. Trust us—you’ll never look at a Tilt-a-Whirl the same way again.

The Raecker / Cramblit exhibition continues through November 3rd with a second reception on Wednesday, October 12 from 5:30-7:30. The special reception—during Chicago Artists Month—will also kick off the Chicago Filter Photo Festival. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop. The gallery is open to the public and all work exhibited is available for purchase.

Lorraine Sack ~ Bird Lore

Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago presents the oil paintings of Lorraine Sack. This still life and figurative exhibition—complete with subtle representations of perfectly rendered birds—defines Sack’s delight for the feathered creatures, as well as her passion for painting. Influenced at an early age by her mother’s enthusiasm for birds, Sack learned—and was inspired by—stories of their magical capabilities, their unique songs, and their beautiful markings. Sack explains…

“…This fascination led me to begin a dialog—in paint—exploring bird lore. The theme is rich. The wealth of birds used in mythology, folklore, religion, poetry, proverbs, and lyrics make it both easy and challenging to choose what to create…” Sack continues… “I am a painter because I can't imagine otherwise. The process of designing and painting the figure or still life is what makes me eager to work in the studio everyday. I work only with natural light and from life—allowing me to capture the subtle shifts of light and subject. The process and the creation of the image is intoxicating.”

Amazing to look at, Sack has devised a method of painting using oil on linen without turpentine or mediums. The result is a pure and vibrant painting. She weaves together various colors, using line and shape as visual guides within the work.

The paintings of Lorraine Sack will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through May 2. An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, March 11 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This exhibition is free and open to the public. 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.

Image: Lorraine Sack, "Kingfisher" oil on linen, 36x24, $6,900.
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Suzanne Stryk at Gallery 180

Tomorrow night's catered reception will celebrate the opening of "Flyway: Birds in the Art of Suzanne Stryk" at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The exhibition highlights the past decade of Stryk’s conceptually driven nature paintings. Her work merges scientific observation with expressive replication resulting in beautiful imagery that emphasizes the intricate details of birds and insects—bringing awareness to nature’s design. Many of the 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.



Catalog available.

Richard Benoit... Earth Writing

Richard Benoit is just one of fourteen Artists included in the "red" exhibition currently presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. While reviewing Benoit's web site—www.rbenoit.com— I found a wonderful Artist Statement which is both passionate and insightful. From his web site:

Paintings are like poetry. If their meaning isn't completely spelled out or absolutely clear, that meaning will rustle about like dried leaves and eventually come to settle. At that moment when the meaning comes to light one gets a sensation of peace and recognition, a glimpse of the universal. The best paintings are not tied to any particular time or place but are flexible vibrant things that bring a fresh feeling each time they are viewed.

I like to treat the canvas not as a place to describe something but more as a place for something to happen. I often arrange random visual elements in such a way as to excite the viewer's curiosity and intuitive sense of aesthetics. Put simply, my art is a random collection of chance and intent with the under-
lying belief that art can be a transcendent experience. While working I like to leave evidence of the art making process (dribbles, brush strokes etc.) to celebrate the act of communication. Beauty is important but not at the expense of emotion, and passion is always more important than technique.

For me art is a quiet place of introspection and repose. I like to create work that people would want to return to time and again, work that elicits an emotional response, work where there's truth not just taste and real beauty, not just ornamentation. Memorable art is a refuge, a place to smooth the waters. Through my work I wish the viewer a life full of quiet moments, full of answers, full of peace, and full of beautiful engaging art.

Benoit's “Earth Writing”, can be seen—along with the works of thirteen other artists from around the country—at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago from September 14 through November 11. The Reception for "red" will take place on Friday, October 9th from 5:30-7:30. Gallery 180 is located at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago's Loop. The exhibition is free to the public and all works will be available for purchase.

Above: Richard Benoit, "Earth Writing" acrylic on wood, 24x24", $850.

A Wonderful New Home In The Clouds...

Most Artists think of their work, as thou it were their children. It’s probably because the Artist brought them into the world. And when they're ready to leave home, every “parent” wants to know that their children are doing well. Well, two of Nancy Rosen’s “children” are doing very well in a new wonderful home in the clouds.

I spent the morning—installing two of Rosen’s pieces—in a wonderful home on an upper floor, right off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The two mixed-media works were purchased from Rosen’s recent exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The collector spotted them while walking by the gallery, which is located at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago’s Loop.

Above - Rosen’s pieces hang in the formal entry of the collector’s home. Additional work by Rosen can be found at nrosen.com

red

"red" The National juried exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago was installed today. The show—consisting of fourteen Artists, includes a wide range of work from the cleverly symbolic paintings of Lorraine Sack and Richard Laurent to the powerful, geometric, color-saturated photographs of Jennifer Jackson and steel sculpture of Michael Stanley. The show includes two beautifully painted still life studies by, Catherine Maize as well as a breathtaking photorealistic portrait by Ming Zhou. The amazing diversity of work—presented in this exhibition of national fine artists—provides a beautiful and creative look at the use of “red”. The exhibition continues through November 11th and a catered reception is scheduled for Friday October 9th from 5:30-7:30.

The represented Artists are: Richard Benoit, Bradley, IL; Tom Brand, Michigan City, IN; Claudia Craemer, Country Club Hills, IL; Jennifer Jackson, Chicago, IL; Roland Kulla, Chicago, IL; Richard Laurent, Chicago, IL; Dena Lyons, Chicago, IL, Catherine Maize, South Haven, MI; Nancy Rosen, Chicago, IL; Lorraine Sack, Indianapolis, IN; Michael Stanley, Ames IA; Jim Tansley, Chicago; IL and Ming Zhou, Cambridge, MA.

The exhibited work is available for purchase. Images and pricing, included in this exhibition, can also be found online at gallery180.com. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago has presented a wide variety of exhibitions since it was established in November of 2003. Each exhibition has been tailored to be beneficial to our student body, faculty, staff and community at large.

Nancy Rosen... Enlightening

A few weeks back, a man came into Gallery 180 to take a look at the current exhibition of work by Nancy Rosen. He was in the midst of a passionate discussion with a female companion when I approached the pair and asked if they had any questions about the work. Paul Wandless introduced himself as a Professor of Art at Harold Washington College. We had a brief discussion and the conversation concluded with a request. Wandless asked if it would be alright to bring his students to Gallery 180 to see Rosen's work. He wanted to use the exhibition as an example of beautiful liner quality within fine art. I agreed.

Well, today was the day. But there was a little surprise. I had contacted Rosen to see if she was interested in speaking to the group. I would have given the students a good overview of the work, but I knew it would be beneficial for them to get the information directly from the Artist. Rosen was wonderful. Not only did she give a quick history of her career as an Artist, but she also spoke openly about the materials she uses and her unconventional process. She was an intriguing speaker.

The Nancy Rosen exhibition closes on Saturday. If you haven't yet had an opportunity to see this show, you only have a few days left. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop. The gallery hours are from 9-6 Monday through Friday and 9-5 on Saturday. Additional work by Nancy Rosen can be seen at: nrosen.com. Also check out Rosen's wonderful studio tour on flickr

Lorraine Sack's "Sea Captain"

I've always been intrigued with the paintings of Indianapolis Artist, Lorraine Sack. Over the years, I've juried Sack into a number of exhibitions and I'm always astonished with her superior technique and the brilliant imagery she produces. Sack submitted some of her recent pieces to "red" the National Juried Exhibition to be presented at Gallery 180 beginning in mid September. I selected this wonderfully symbolic still life to be included in the show. The piece—titled "Sea Captain"—is an oil painting depicting two ceramic pots, organic pods, and a red bowl positioned on a wooden table. A small painting of a seascape is hung on a beautifully patterned wall behind the unusual grouping. In an email, Sack explained…

I've always loved the character and attitude the teapot holds. It has such a feeling of movement, like a sea captain standing at attention on his ship with his trusty mate (the matching smaller pot) near by. The authoritarian red and earthy tones seem to be the natural choices for color ...The background a stormy neutral, and the red highlighting the ship behind the Captain. The pods add an organic element, reminiscent of sails. The stems of the pods flow in a wave pattern which imply the presence of water.

Lorraine Sack’s “Sea Captain” can be seen during the “red” exhibition presented at Gallery 180 from September 14th through November 11th. A reception will be held on Friday, October 9th from 5:30-7:30. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop. Additional work by Lorraine Sack can be found at: lorrainestudios.com

Image: Lorraine Sack, Sea Captain, oil on linen, 18x24", $3,600

Kathy Liao

By the end of last week, I had finally finished reviewing the submissions for the "red" exhibition. The exhibition will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago from September 14 through November 11 with a reception on Friday October 9th from 5:30-7:30.

Well, when I first began the review of work, I was a little concerned that a high percentage of the submissions were focused on death and destruction. With me, a little of the dark side goes a long way. But as I continued to open the submissions, there were some amazing works of art... various styles, various media, and a variety of themes. I found myself selecting images presenting complexity and interesting content. The show still includes some imagery containing pain and suffering, which seems to be a reaction to the current state of our country, but it's not the focus of the exhibition.

The above image by Kathy Liao of Seattle Washington, is one of the pieces that has been selected for the show. Intending to bring consciousness to the evolving definition of femininity, Liao explores color and aggressive mark making to convey her ideas. "De-Mask"—a 54" square oil painting completed in 2008—conveys the frustration of a child [or a nation]. The title implies that we all wear masks, which we can alter but can't remove. It's an impressive piece for a young up-and-coming Artist.

A full list of the accepted Artist and their works will be available for viewing at gallery180.com in the next few days. The show opens September 14th with a reception on Friday, October 9th. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop.

Image: Kathy Liao, "De-Mask, oil on canvas, 54x54", $3,000