Flashes of Brilliance: Illinois High School Art Exhibition at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport

Hazel Mcclinton, Rockford Jefferson High School

Life seemed relatively easy when I was seventeen. It was a time before cellphones, social media and the 24/7 news cycle. People interacted differently. Relationships were built on gradual discovery and respect was learned through an attempt at understanding differences through experience… There was no hiding behind a text or a tweet.

Well, last Friday I found myself exploring what it’s like to be seventeen in 2019. I spent much of the afternoon previewing the Illinois High School Art Exhibition currently on display in the second-floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport [Chicago]. The exhibition includes more than 600 works of art created by high school artists from around the state. The collection offers a snapshot of the seventeen-year-old’s reality. The associated angst is apparent in many of the works, but the show presents a new perspective from the next generation’s worldview.

I found myself wondering slowly through the show. The work—hung salon style—is a curatorial choice that offers something new to explore with a slight turn of the head. 

Natalie Wess, Adlai E. Stevenson High School

The show includes imagery that is “safe” and typical of the age—showing the skills of a future illustrator or designer—but there are also new and unexpected expressions. I found pieces which seemed to be created specifically for shock value. But then I questioned… Was the image solely meant to be shocking or was the content the new normal in our quickly changing society?

Throughout the show, there are special flashes of unique beauty and thoughtful brilliance. The exhibition includes a number of courageous young artists who are not afraid to speak their truth—sometimes with startling effect and sometimes through skillful symbolism. The visual vocabulary found throughout the gallery even offers a learning opportunity for those of us who have been around for a while longer.

Brianna Bischoff, St. Charles North High School

At the conclusion of several walks through the exhibition, I began assessing the mission for which I was attending. I reconvened with Cheryl Jefferson and Richard Laurent, colleagues of the Breaking Criminal Traditions initiative who were also exploring the show. We were looking for artwork that spoke to various human rights issues. You see, the BCT initiative will be presenting an award for relevant work [intentional or not] at a ceremony this Sunday afternoon [2:30pm] at the Bridgeport Art Center—a couple of blocks west of the Zhou B Art Center IHSAE exhibition.

Jennifer Branch, Downers Grove South High School

Please join us this Sunday for the IHSAE at the Zhou B Art Center , Sunday, February 24th from 10-4pm. The event will also include a College Recruitment Fair from 10-2 [BAC], Vendor & Career Expo 10-4 [ZBAC] and an opportunity to visit artist studios at both locations. This is a free event and open to the public. Please remember to come by the IHSAE awards ceremony which will be held at the Bridgeport Art Center from 2:30-3:30pm. The Illinois High School Art Exhibition runs through March 9th. 

Special thanks to Assistant Director, Chris Sykora [Deerfield High School] and Executive Director, John Zilewicz [Niles West High School], for producing this enriching event!

Download the schedule of events


ABOUT: The Illinois High School Art Exhibition:

The General Exhibition is one of Illinois’ premier high school art exhibitions featuring student visual artworks from some of the top city, suburban, public and private high schools. The General Exhibition is a “Best of the Best” competition, developed by teachers, to recognize high school students’ artistic excellence.

Each year, over 100 high schools register to participate in the General Exhibition in Chicago. High schools digitally submit up to 25 artworks into 8 categories: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media, Design, Photography, Pottery, Sculpture, and Time Arts. 

The IHSAE receives well over 2500 submissions for consideration for the General Exhibition. All entries are curated by the IHSAE Board of Directors and guest jurors, who select works by over 500 student artists for exhibition. Students have an opportunity to compete against their peers for over $15,000 in IHSAE awards and scholarships, including the IHSAE Visionary Award. Students also have an opportunity to receive Early College/Summer Intensive scholarships offered by representatives from select art schools, colleges and universities across the country.

Learn more about The Illinois High School Art Exhibition at ihsae.org

The Importance of "Breaking Criminal Traditions"

Foreground image by Joyce Polance, Background image by Charles Gniech 

Installation view from the Breaking Criminal Tradition exhibition at The Human Rights Institute Gallery of Kean University

Following is a wonderful article by Elana Knopp of the Union News Daily. The article discusses the importance of the "Breaking Criminal Traditions" exhibition, which has been on view at The Human Rights Institute Gallery of Kean University in Union, NJ since June 2016. The exhibition closed eariler this week.


‘Breaking Criminal Traditions’ exhibit 

calls attention to human rights abuses 

By Elana Knopp 

An exhibit highlighting human rights abuses around the globe, “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions,” opened this month at Kean University’s Human Rights Institute Gallery. The fine art exhibition, featuring the work of 24 artists from around the country, calls attention to the ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year, yet are not considered crimes.
The Human Rights Institute Gallery at Kean University is located at 1000 Morris Ave., Union. “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions” runs through Dec. 16.

The exhibition debuted in 2013 at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and brought topics such as honor killing, child marriage and acid violence into public consciousness and into public debate. The exhibit continues to expand and evolve, with a unique presentation designed specifically for Kean’s Human Rights Institute Gallery.

Cheryl Jefferson, executive producer of Breaking Criminal Traditions, said that when she first learned of the scope of these human rights abuses, she was driven to learn more. “This resonated with me so fiercely,” Jefferson told LocalSource during a phone call. Jefferson [said] that since 2013, the exhibit has evolved. “With each show, we try to add more layers,” said Jefferson. Curator Chuck Gniech chose approximately 50 pieces of fine art in a variety of mediums.

Gniech, curator at the galleries of The Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago, told LocalSource that his background in creating exhibits benefiting nonprofit organizations such as Heartland Alliance and Worldview Education and Care was a good fit for the project. “My history as a curator — creating shows with underlying human rights themes — and the numerous artists with which I’ve worked — made my inclusion in the project a perfect marriage,” Gniech said.

Gniech said that once Jefferson defined each of the human rights topics addressed in the exhibition, he searched for fine art pieces that alluded to the issues at hand. “With a unique version of the exhibition presented at each new venue, I explore the human rights topics conceptually,” Gniech said. “This is a conscious choice. There is plenty of very dark and horrifying work that many would assume would be perfect for the show. But my intention is to present approachable work with multiple levels of symbolism and meaning. The work becomes a jumping-off point for discussion — the means to begin a dialogue, expanding awareness and promoting change.

According to Gniech, all of the criminal traditions represented in the exhibition are still practiced today — in various cultures — although sometimes by another name. “Here in the United States, honor killing is simply referred to as murder,” Gniech said.

Some of the criminal traditions showcased in the exhibit include acid violence, bride burning, breast ironing, circling, blind stitching, female genital mutilation, child marriage, child soldiers, war, guns, stoning, and human trafficking.

As provocative as the exhibit is, said Gniech, the works are approachable and thought-provoking. “There is nothing visually shocking or gory,” Gniech said. “I would want the viewer to understand that — perhaps, other than the work created by Richard Laurent, Teresa Hofheimer and Zoria Miller — the art that they are experiencing was not actually created by the artists to represent the criminal traditions.”

James Deeb, "Silent Witnesses"

Gniech cites as an example a work by artist James Deeb entitled, “Silent Witnesses.” “It is a Monotype that was developed from James Deeb’s interest in medical and dental x-rays,” Gniech said. “I found it appropriate for inclusion in the exhibition due to the implied content — the use of figurative abstraction with an emphasis on the bone structure of the mouth. Deeb has created a graphic image that alludes to the silencing of the repressed. But the tortured mouths seem to scream with tension.”

As the exhibition’s curator, said Gniech, it is his interpretation of the work that ‘implies’ the issues on exhibit. “The works are a representation of the traditions used to begin a discussion of human rights issues,” Gniech said. “It’s a daunting task, but bringing awareness to these global issues is the intent. We believe that awareness is the first step toward change. And I believe many of these issues are coming to the forefront of social conscience.”

Janice Kroposky, director of the Holocaust Resource Center at Kean U., told LocalSource that she worked closely with Neil Tetkowski, director of Kean University Galleries. “We use a two-pronged approach to exhibition selection,” sais Kroposky. “First, we look for work that reflects both the mission and goals of the Kean University Human Rights Institute. Second, we identify exhibitions that lend themselves to the creation of programmatic opportunities for discussion. Art has the power to introduce difficult issues through an alternate lens.”

Kroposky said that the pieces selected for the exhibition offer a portal of interpretation that ultimately leads directly to critical discussion of the issues represented. “Those of us who work in the field of human rights education do know about the issues,” Kroposky said. “However, to the first-time viewer, the topics addressed can certainly be disconcerting. The acts, taken as a whole, are perpetrated globally, including some occurring in the United States.”

According to Kroposky, educating the broader community is the first step in raising awareness. “Many of the issues represented in ‘The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions’ that affect humanity globally, also occur in the United States,” she said. “When these issues occur in the United States, they may not be recognized as the same. Therefore, educational opportunities provide the framework for sparking activism. There is no way to predict if an individual might be motivated to advocate for change, but the art gallery provides an opportunity to ignite the spark.”

Kroposky asserts that the exhibit looks at practices that are accepted in some cultures, while not accepted in others. “The traditions examined in the exhibition have been, and continue to be, monitored by major human rights groups because they pose physical and emotional harm. Judging other cultural norms can be a dangerous thing, therefore, it is imperative to support individuals or groups who are advocating for change within the practicing group.”

The vision of the Kean University Human Rights Institute, Kroposky said, is to promote understanding and tolerance across ethnic, racial, religious and other barriers, as well as to inspire action.

One of the works in the exhibit that stands out to Kroposky is a piece called, “Holiday in Fallujah,” by artist Dominic Sansone. “I interpret the work as a call to recognize that regardless of where we live or who we are, we share the common bond of humanity,” said Kroposky.

Jefferson, a participant in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, noted that the global reach of these complex human behaviors extends to the United States. “The exhibit allows us to take the first step toward change and to support the legal evolution that can only come from within other cultures and our own,” she said. “We forge ahead. I really believe we can keep hammering away at this.”

For more information, visit www.kean.edu/galleries, or call 908-737-0392. For more information on “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions,” visit www.breakingcriminaltraditions.com.

Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Human Rights Institute Gallery of Kean University

The entrance to
The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions
at the Human Rights Institute Gallery of Kean University, Union New Jersey
 

This past March, I had the honor of speaking at the United Nations, Commission on the Status of Women-60th session. The session—Chaired by social activist, Cheryl Jefferson—was titled “Change Artists: Using the Arts to Leverage Change” and the ideas that were discussed were based on an always evolving traveling fine art exhibition titled “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions.” As the Curator for the exhibition, my contribution to the discussion focused on the conception of the show, my curatorial selection process, and the project’s evolution over the past three years.

Earlier this week, I installed the latest version of “… Breaking Criminal Traditions” at the Human Rights Institute Gallery of Kean University in Union, New Jersey. The show consists of more than 50 works-of-art —painting, drawing, prints, sculpture, photography, and mixed media—created by twenty-two artists from around the country. A video tour of a past show—featuring Cheryl Jefferson—is projected to an adjacent outside public space… sparking interest and inviting onlookers into the expansive exhibition space.

The content of the exhibition calls attention to ongoing ancient rituals that continue to kill or maim millions of people each year—yet are not considered crimes. The interpretative content addressed violations such as honor killing, child marriage, human trafficking, and acid violence. Using the beauty of high-quality fine art pieces, the intent is to raise awareness of human rights issues and—in doing so—open a dialogue that may encourage change. The exhibition is designed to begin an exchange of ideas—raising social consciousness, which is the first step in preventing the continuation of these horrific acts.

The substance of each show is reevaluated, re-imagined and then chosen for each specific venue. With various human rights issues in mind, I select work that is approachable, yet makes a visual connection to the atrocities. Many of the exhibiting artists never intended that their work define these subjects. The work that is included is selected to allude to the issues—the meaning ultimately decided by the interpretation of the viewer.

An Opening Reception for “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions” is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4th from 5-8 pm. The College Hour, Pre-Reception Programming with Cheryl Jefferson, will begin at 3:30. The Human Rights Institute Gallery is located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey. The gallery is roughly fifteen-minutes via Uber from the Newark airport. Gallery Hours are Monday thru Wednesday: 11:00am–6:00pm, Thursday: 11:00am–4:30pm, and Friday: 11:00am–4:00pm Exhibitions are free and open to the public. Additional information on this project can be found at: BreakingCriminalTraditions.com

The exhibition includes works of art by: Carol Brookes [Chicago,IL], Corinna Button (Chicago, IL), James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Claire Girodie (Baltimore, MD), Charles Gniech (Chicago, IL), Sergio Gomez (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Teresa Hofheimer (Chicago, IL),  Lelde Kalmite (Chicago, IL), Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, IL), Kathy Liao (Seattle, WA), Chandrika Marla (Northbrook, IL), Zoriah Miller (New York, NY, Paris, France), Joyce Polance (Chicago, IL), Nancy Rosen (Chicago, IL), Lorraine Sack (Tucson, AZ), Dominic Sansone (St. Charles, IL), Valerie Schiff (Evanston, IL), Barbara Simcoe (Omaha, NE), and Anne Smith Stephan (Wilmette, IL)
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Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Bridgeport Art Center - The Opening Reception and Upcoming Related Events

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions opened last night at the Bridgeport Art Center. The exhibition—along with the open studios event—generated a great number of visitors.

Breaking Criminal Traditions is a fine art exhibition featuring the work of twenty artists from around the country. The exhibition calls attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well as 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. If you missed the reception, [it was a very busy ART night in Chicago] the show continues through Friday, November 13th. Also, there are a couple of other events occurring in conjunction with the exhibition: 

Wednesday, October 21, 6:30–9pm
Film Screening of “Honor Diaries” This documentary profiles activists working for women’s rights in honor cultures and their efforts to create positive change. Cheryl Jefferson will begin a dialogue with domestic violence experts after the screening.

Saturday, October 24, 11-2pm
An Artists Workshop: Creating Art Around Social Issues. This discussion and workshop will highlight how the creation of Art can instill social change.

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions will be on display through November 13. The Bridgeport Art Center is located at 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609. The gallery is open Monday–Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 8am-12pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.

The exhibition includes works of art by: Corinna Button (Chicago, IL), James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Claire Girodie (Baltimore, MD), Charles Gniech (Chicago, IL), Sergio Gomez (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Teresa Hofheimer [Chicago IL], Lelde Kalmite, [Chicago, IL], Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, IL), Kathy Liao (Seattle, WA), Chandrika Marla (Highland Park, IL), Nancy Rosen (Chicago, IL), Lorraine Sack (Indianapolis, IN), Dominic Sansone (Chicago, IL), Valerie Schiff (Chicago, IL), Barbara Simcoe (Omaha, NE), and Anne Smith Stephan (Wilmette, IL)   
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Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Bridgeport Art Center

Richard Laurent, “Arcadia”, oil on canvas, 36 x 36” 2015

Save the Date: October 16th, 7-10pm
From our Press Release for the upcoming exhibition...

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions
An exhibition utilizing the beauty of high-quality fine art to raise awareness of human rights issues

October 16 – November 13, 2015
Reception: Friday, October 16, 7-10pm

Opening October 16th at the Bridgeport Art Center is, The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions. This fine art exhibition, features the work of twenty 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. It’s no mistake that this unique rendition of the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition is presented during October—Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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 Bridgeport Art Center.

Chuck Gniech is the curator of the always-changing Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition. With various human rights issues outlined by Executive Producer, Cheryl Jefferson, Gniech began researching and selected pieces that could be interpreted to define the issues at hand. Gniech points out that “Many of the exhibiting artists never intended that their work define human rights issues. I simply select beautifully intriguing works-of-art that contain multiple levels of meaning. Each was chosen to allude to the issues—the meaning ultimately decided by the interpretation of the viewer.”

Gniech continues… “Although most of the work in this exhibition is taken out of context, from the artist’s original intention, there are pieces that have been created to address specific criminal traditions.”

“Richard Laurent’s Arcadia, is a surreal composition of a faceless female figure amongst a strangely beautiful landscape. The painting—filled with subtle surprises—highlights a monumental mask as the point of focus. The mask rests gently against a patterned mountain range—that upon closer inspection—appears to be the haunches of an animal. The eyes of the mask, stare blankly off into space… providing an expression of loss or disillusion.”

Artist, Richard Laurent explains that “The image references an ancient social idea—an idea where women are considered feral and by ancient logic... dangerous. She exists only as a mask. Her dream is to be transformed from an empty vessel, into a moral—if not empowered—human being. The title points to a personal outcome without limits.”

Chuck Gniech has curated numerous fine art exhibitions with an emphasis on social justice. The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions continues the string of shows that offer a visual exploration of human rights issues. This show is designed to begin a dialogue and raise consciousness, which is the first step toward preventing the continuation of these horrifying acts.

“The global reach of these complex behaviors extends to the United States,” points out executive producer, Cheryl Jefferson, a participant in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. “The exhibit allows us to take the first step toward change and to support the legal evolution that can only come from within other cultures and our own.”

The exhibition includes works of art by: Corinna Button (Chicago, IL), James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Claire Girodie (Baltimore, MD), Charles Gniech (Chicago, IL), Sergio Gomez (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Teresa Hofheimer [Chicago IL], Lelde Kalmite, [Chicago, IL], Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, IL), Kathy Liao (Seattle, WA), Chandrika Marla (Highland Park, IL), Zoriah Miller (New York, NY, Paris, France), Nancy Rosen (Chicago, IL), Lorraine Sack (Indianapolis, IN), Dominic Sansone (Chicago, IL), 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 November 13. A public Opening Reception will take place on Friday, October 16 from 7-10pm. The Bridgeport Art Center is located at 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609. The gallery is open Monday–Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 8am-12pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.

Breaking Criminal Traditions ~ Additional Programming: Friday, February 27 at 7pm

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Overwhelme, Stoneware, 6 x 6 x 6.5" 

Please join us on Friday, February 27 at 7pm, for evening of Free Programming in conjunction with the fine art exhibition, Breaking Criminal Traditions on view at The Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College

The evening will include a Dance Performance Piece by Jasmin Jahal, followed by a Panel Discussion lead by Breaking Criminal Traditions Executive Producer, Cheryl Jefferson, and a screening of the documentary "Honor Diaries". The event should conclude at 9pm.

The Madden Theatre is located in the same building as the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College… 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. We look forward to seeing you!

Additional Information:
The art of influence... Breaking Criminal Traditions is an exhibition created to raise awareness of global criminal traditions. Criminal traditions are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet they are rarely considered crimes. In creating awareness and beginning a dialogue, the intention is to promote change from within each affected culture.

Debuting in 2013 at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, variations of the exhibit have been presented at: The Beverly Art Center, The Art Center-Highland Park and the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College. Each new venue presents a unique body of work—incorporating select pieces from prior exhibitions, as well as new works. All of the pieces are selected to allude to the issues without being overtly obvious. The content of the exhibition addresses the harsh reality of the world in which we live—and the intense beauty of empowerment and freedom. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com
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Opening Tonight: Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College

 

Opening Tonight: Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. The event is from 6:30-9

The art of influence... Breaking Criminal Traditions is an exhibition created to raise awareness of global criminal traditions. Criminal traditions are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet they are rarely considered crimes. In creating awareness and beginning a dialogue, the intention is to promote change from within each affected culture.

Debuting in 2013 at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, variations of the exhibit have been presented at: The Beverly Art Center, The Art Center-Highland Park and the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College. Each new venue presents a unique body of work—incorporating select pieces from prior exhibitions, as well as new works. All of the pieces are selected to allude to the issues without being overtly obvious. The content of the exhibition addresses the harsh reality of the world in which we live—and the intense beauty of empowerment and freedom.

The exhibition includes work by: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Charles Gniech, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Lelde Kalmite, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Chandrika Marla, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Dominic Sansone, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions opens tonight with an Opening Reception from 6:30-9pm. All works are available for purchase. The Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition will continue through April 6, 2015. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com
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Breaking Criminal Traditions at the Schoenherr Gallery of North Centeral College, Opens Friday

Charles Gniech, Bound, Acrylic on Canvas, 40x60"

This Friday, the latest incarnation of The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition will open at the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College in Naperville. The exhibition features artists from around the country, calling attention to ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year. The exhibition utilizes the beauty of high-quality fine art to allude to human rights issues.

The exhibition is filled with symbolic imagery with multiple levels of meaning. Bound a 40 x 60 inch acrylic painting, can be seen as a tied figure but the ropes can be seen as metaphor for the psychological constants that are imposed on victims of violence and abuse. The heroic figure isn't restrained by the rope, yet he seems to grasp for the fibers that restrict him.

The exhibition includes work by: Corinna Button, James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Charles Gniech, Sergio Gomez, Andrea Harris, Lelde Kalmite, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Kathy Liao, Chandrika Marla, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Dominic Sansone, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions opens Friday, February 13th with an Opening Reception from 6:30-9pm. All works are available for purchase. The Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition will continue through April 6, 2015.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda ~ Breaking Criminal Traditions at North Central College

 Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Anticipation, ceramic and wood, 25” x 7” x 15” 

Save the date:
Opening Reception: Friday, February 13, 6:30-9pm

The next evolution of the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition will open at the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College on Monday, February 9th. A public Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, February 13th from 6:30-9pm. The show features the work of eighteen 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 focuses on 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 Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College.

A series of dramatic ceramic and mixed media sculptures—created by Naperville Artist, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda—are included in this exhibition. The sculptures offer us a look into  Kloczkowski Luberda's though-provoking world, with psychologically-driven, nondescript figures in situations with which we can all identify.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda will be taking part in a Breaking Criminal Traditions panel discussion in the Madden Theater of North Central College on Thursday, February 12. The Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition will continue at the Schoenherr Gallery through April 6, 2015.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda is an established and widely exhibited artist. Her work has been presented in regional, national and international exhibitions for more than two decades. Her extensive award list includes: A Purchase Award from The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, A Merit Award from Salisbury State University; Best of Show from Nicolet College, Wisconsin; 3rd Place Indiana University; Merit Award Quincy Art Center; Honorable Mention from Rockford Art Museum, and an Award of Excellence from the Norris Cultural Center of St. Charles.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda—and her work—has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times and the Daily Herald News Paper, as well as other print media. Her work was also featured on NBC Channel 5 news.

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 from Concordia University, Montreal Canada, Mold making from San Antonio Institute of Art, San Antonio, Texas, and Patination at Cleveland University, Cleveland Ohio.
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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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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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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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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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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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North Central College visits Breaking Criminal Traditions at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

Last Tuesday morning, North Central College Gallery Director, Nickole Lanham-Murray lead a small delegation of students from the Naperville campus to the Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Executive Producer; Cheryl Jefferson, Co-Producer/Exhibiting Artist; Richard Laurent, and myself, met the group to walk them through the exhibit, answer questions about the included artists, and the criminal traditions that the work was selected to represent.

The exhibition calls attention to ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet aren’t considered crimes. It is a visual exploration of human rights designed to begin a dialogue and raise consciousness, which is the first step toward preventing the continuation of these horrifying acts. In the past few weeks—since Breaking Criminal Traditions has opened—it seems to be doing just that.

The enthusiastic group spent more than a couple of hours exploring the show. Jefferson and Laurent offered stories of the criminal traditions as the group moved through the exhibition space. At times, it was obvious that the viewers were touched with emotion.

The exhibition includes work by:  James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan.

The Art of influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions will be on display through February 3. 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.

The gallery is open 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—and upcoming events—can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.
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Breaking Criminal Traditions ~ the opening reception

Richard Laurent
photo by: Deborah Adams Doering

Last Thursday's Opening Reception of the "Breaking Criminal Traditions" exhibition at IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law, was energizing. Many of the artists were on hand—discussing their work and the global issues that inspired the exhibition.

The exhibition's co-producer, Richard Laurent, spent the evening mingling with guests while conveying the importance of the issues at hand. Working in a variety of styles, Laurent's imagery subtlety explores the not-so-subtle topics of acid violence, female genital mutilation and forced child marriage, among others. The intensity of the subject matter is somewhat upstaged by the creative artistry of this modern master. The viewer is memorized by the aptitude of the techniques used to create these beautiful works of fine art.

The Art of influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions will be on display through February 3. 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.

The exhibition includes work by:  James Deeb, Sheila Ganch, Andrea Harris, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Richard Laurent, Zoriah Miller, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Valerie Schiff, Barbara Simcoe, and Anne Smith Stephan

The gallery is open 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.

photo by: Deborah Adams Doering

Co-producer Richard Laurent is an award-winning painter who exhibits in galleries and shows nationwide. Oil Painters of America has honored him with the prestigious national Blick Prize and he is the recipient of numerous other awards as well. Laurent teaches throughout the Chicago area. 

Laurent has exhibited at the International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art and has shown his paintings at Oil Painters of America national exhibitions since 2004. In 2006, he was awarded the Dick Blick Prize by OPA. He mounted a solo show at the Fine Arts Building Gallery in Chicago under the title, "Heavy Petting-The Painted Animal" in 2004. That same year at the National "Animal in Art" Exhibition, juror Ed Paschke awarded his painting "Best of Show in Oil Media." He mounted another solo exhibition in 2006 at the Fine Arts Building Gallery entitled "Beauty & Beast." In May of that same year, in a visual essay exploring definitions of classical beauty, Artscope.net reviewed the exhibition. In 2008, his painting "Swimming" was purchased by The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago for the school's permanent collection. He has also been a participant at two Chicago and Vicinity exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago.  
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Breaking Criminal Traditions ~ Installed

"Venus", a bronze sculpture by Valerie Schiff, welcomes patrons to
The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions was installed this past weekend. The exhibition—including both two-and-three dimensional works—opened yesterday for preview. The public Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, October 10th from 5:15-8:15. The exhibition is presented in the 3rd floor gallery of IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law, located at 565 West Adams Street, in Chicago.

Already receiving enthusiastic reviews, "Breaking Criminal Traditions" was compiled to raise awareness of global criminal traditions... traditions that continue today. The pieces included, were selected to elude to the 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.

Patrons who explored the show during previews, defined the work as inspirational and empowering. One viewer was even moved to tears.

Left: Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, "Connected", Stoneware, 12" diameter

Right: Zoriah Miller, "The Weapons Cache, Archival Photograph 1/8, 24 x 24"

The exhibiting artists are: James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, 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 February 3. A public Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, October10 from 5:15-8:15pm. 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 there are a number of lots within a single block.

The gallery is open 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.


Valerie Schiff has studied with a variety of talented teachers including: Lynn Borst, Alan Gavin, Richard Halsted, and Gay Riseborough. Seeking to learn more about human anatomy, Valerie was fortunate to study with Sheila Oettinger. Working with Oettinger helped her to work larger and to subtly infuse power and emotion into her sculpture. Schiff’s accolades include numerous awards including multiple "Best in Show" prizes.

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda is an established and widely exhibited artist. Her work has been presented in regional, national and international exhibitions for more than two decades. Her extensive award list includes: A Purchase Award from The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, A Merit Award from Salisbury State University; Best of Show from Nicolet College, Wisconsin; 3rd Place Indiana University; Merit Award Quincy Art Center; Honorable Mention from Rockford Art Museum, and an Award of Excellence from the Norris Cultural Center of St. Charles. Paula Kloczkowski Luberda—and her work—has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times and the Daily Herald News Paper, as well as other print media. Her work was also featured on NBC Channel 5 news. 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 from Concordia University, Montreal Canada, Mold making from San Antonio Institute of Art, San Antonio, Texas, and Patination at Cleveland University, Cleveland Ohio.

Zoriah Miller is a world renowned photojournalist known for his prolific work documenting conflict, crisis and disasters. His award winning photography has appeared in major motion pictures, on television, book covers and in publications such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, Elle, The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan and countless others. His work is exhibited around the world and permanently archived in the United States Library of Congress.

the art of influence... Breaking Criminal Traditions

 

 Richard Laurent, "Small Change", oil on canvas, 36 x 36"

Save the Date:
Reception: Thursday, October 10,  5:15-8:15pm

IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Gallery
3rd floor, 565 West Adams Street, Chicago

The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions is an exhibition that calls attention to ongoing ancient rituals that kill or maim millions each year—yet aren’t considered crimes. This approachable yet provocative fine art exhibition debuts at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, with an opening reception for the public on Thursday, October 10 from 5:15 to 8:15 PM.

I curated the exhibition, which features 38 pieces of fine art—in a variety of mediums—representing several prominent artists. 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 beautiful imagery that contains multiple levels of meaning. Most of the pieces were not created specifically for this show, yet they were chosen because the content alludes to the issues at hand. Each piece has its own voice but the viewer will bring their own interpretation.

The Art of influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions is a visual exploration of human rights. The exhibition is designed to begin a dialogue and raise consciousness, which is the first step toward preventing the continuation of these horrifying acts.

The exhibition includes fine art by: James Deeb (Evanston, IL), Sheila Ganch (Chicago, IL), Andrea Harris (Chicago, IL), Paula Kloczkowski Luberda (Naperville, IL), Richard Laurent (Chicago, 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 February 3. Previews begin on October 7th. A public Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, October10 from 5:15-8:15pm. 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]. The gallery is open 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.



Co-producer Richard Laurent is an award-winning painter who exhibits in galleries and shows nationwide. Oil Painters of America has honored him with the prestigious national Blick Prize and he is the recipient of numerous other awards as well. Laurent teaches throughout the Chicago area.

Laurent grew up in the West, in Denver, Colorado. He came to Chicago to study printmaking with Misch Cohn at the Institute of Design/IIT and began his career as a designer. As an art director of animated films and magazines as well as an editorial illustrator and cartoonist, Laurent had a realization that his future lay in the fine arts. Intense self-study followed, eventually leading him to some of the major art museums in the world.

Laurent has exhibited at the International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art and has shown his paintings at Oil Painters of America national exhibitions since 2004. In 2006, he was awarded the Dick Blick Prize by OPA. He mounted a solo show at the Fine Arts Building Gallery in Chicago under the title, "Heavy Petting-The Painted Animal" in 2004. That same year at the National "Animal in Art" Exhibition, juror Ed Paschke awarded his painting "Best of Show in Oil Media." He mounted another solo exhibition in 2006 at the Fine Arts Building Gallery entitled "Beauty & Beast." In May of that same year, in a visual essay exploring definitions of classical beauty, Artscope.net reviewed the exhibition. In 2008, his painting "Swimming" was purchased by The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago for the school's permanent collection. He has also been a participant at two Chicago and Vicinity exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Laurent's drawings and paintings are included in two monographs: Contemporary American Drawing and Contemporary American Painting, published by Jilin Fine Art, He was also included in an article on Oil Painters of America in American Art Collector (May, 2009). Laurent's oil paintings have also been shown in various juried and invitational gallery shows around the country, including NYC and Scottsdale, AZ. When he isn't painting in the studio, Laurent teaches in the Art + Design Department at Columbia College.
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