Meditative Surfaces

I drove out to Naperville, Illinois—yesterday—to meet with Nickole Lanham, the Gallery Director of the Schoenherr Art Gallery of North Central College. Lanham contacted me to schedule an exhibition, in response to a proposal I submitted for a three-person show titled, "Meditative Surfaces". The exhibition—now scheduled to open on July 24 —will combine the work of Photographer; Maggie Meiners, Mixed Media Artist; Deanna Krueger and my own surface paintings. Each of the Artists in this exhibition are inspired by their own—very different—individual passions, yet the work comes together to present a united statement of introspection.

The above image is a detail from "echo" by Deanna Krueger. Krueger produces powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create various multi-faceted surfaces. The semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like quality. Krueger’s given titles hint at the conceptual nuances, which imply humanity’s collective search for meaning. Another of Krueger's pieces—"Bathys"—is currently on display in the "From Nature" exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago.


Above is "1011DR" by Maggie Meiners. Meiners' large-scale abstract photographs come from her “Childhood Contemplations” series and are perfect for this group show focusing on meditative surface patterns. The mere size of these forty-inch square digital c-prints, allows the viewer to become engulfed by the imagery and to explore their inner mind. The various color patterns are meant to trigger memories on which to contemplate. Meiners' is currently exhibiting a piece from her "Abstractions" series in the "From Nature" exhibition at Gallery 180.

"Meditative Surfaces" will open Friday, July 24 and run through Friday August 21. The 1,100 square foot, Schoenherr Art Gallery of North Central College is located in the newly constructed, Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center at 171 E. Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Illinois. A free and convenient multi-level parking lot is adjacent to the Center.

Mike Jankowski... later this year

Later this year, Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will be presenting the work of Chicago Artist, Mike Jankowski. Last week, I spent some time with Jankowski, reviewing work for his upcoming solo exhibition. The show is a mixture of high-key paintings and drawings, with each piece focusing on a symbolic collection of elements in an attic-like environment. The above detail defines the beautifully sensitive marks, which fade in and out of each composition like memories of the past. This is a collection of work that is moving and thought provoking. I will be writing more about this work as the exhibition grows closer. The exhibition will be on display from November 16-January 8, with an opening reception scheduled for Friday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30. Save the date! Additional information will soon be available at gallery180.com.

Andrea Harris... From Nature

I've known Andrea Harris since my days at The Fine Arts Building Gallery. She is a wonderful artist and quite a prolific painter. Andrea has worked with a few different subjects but the most interesting to me are her landscapes. Most of her images are created on canvas with oil and wax. The above image, which is included in the "From Nature" exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, is twenty-four inches square and titled "Beyond the Clearing". This image has a loose, impressionistic feel yet created with muted earth tones. The image evokes a quite feeling of tranquillity. The painting is available for $1,200.

I spent some time, talking with Andrea when she dropped off her work for the "From Nature" exhibition. She has been compiling a book which documents this work. A book signing is scheduled for the fall to coincide with a show of her works at Homey Gallery, located at 3656 N. Lincoln in Chicago. If you haven't been to this gallery, make the effort. Being an avid gardener, I found a variety of indoor and outdoor pieces of which I had interest. One such piece was the rug shown below. It is a soft carpet of rock-like texture. I was intrigued.

One Last Detail...

As I went through my day—today—I kept thinking about my Ragdale experience and the images that I created of the grounds. I found this wall of stones on a path near a meadow which leads to the latest Ragdale studio addition.

Details of Ragdale

As a wandered around the tranquil grounds of the Ragdale estate, I found myself photographing the details of the environment. Ragdale is beautiful even on a gray day. There is something wonderful—to visually explore—no matter where you are on the grounds. The environment helps to quiet the mind, allowing introspection. The beauty of the surroundings is the source. I only spent an afternoon and had a wonderful experience. Imagine the benefits of a residency.

Benefiting Ragdale...

The Friday night reception for the "From Nature" exhibition at Gallery 180 was a wonderful event. Many of the exhibiting artists were in attendance. And—as always—the Culinary School of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, catered the event with amazing food and friendly service.

The exhibition was produced to help call national attention to the Ragdale Foundation and to raise money to support the Ragdale residency program. A little background from their web site... "Ragdale artists come from all over the country and around the world to create, write, experiment, research, plan, compose, rejuvenate, brainstorm, and work. Residents' uninterrupted time at Ragdale is their own. In this community of unique individuals, Ragdale also offers the possibilities of dialogue and connections with other artists."

Commissions from the sale of all work presented in the "From Nature" exhibition will be donated to the Ragedale Foundation. The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is committed to supporting the arts as well as to supporting Ragdale by purchasing at least one of the exhibited pieces for inclusion into the school's permanent collection. Many of the works are still available. Please take a moment to review the work on line at gallery180.com


I attended another Ragdale benefit this rainy Sunday afternoon. The event was held on the fifty-acre grounds of the Lake Forest compound. I had visited a time or two before but I never had the opportunity to explore the surroundings. The environment is peaceful and spectacular... even in the rain. It's obvious why this space would be a wonderful place to create.


The main house

From Nature ~ A National Juried Exhibition to Benefit The Ragdale Foundation

I spent most of the day, on Saturday, hanging the "From Nature" exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Hanging exhibitions are always like Christmas morning... opening boxes which have made their way across the country and you never know what to expect of the contents. Seeing the actual work—relative to the digital or slide representation—has always intrigued me. It's a lot like studying a painting in an art history book and then seeing that same painting hanging in a museum. There is often a disconnect. But each box that I opened this weekend resulted in finding a treasure.

All of the pieces in the exhibition are wonderful. I found myself shopping as I hung—or placed—each piece. In any case, the exhibition opens today with a reception this Friday, April 24 from 5:30-7:30. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Commissions from the sale of work will be donated to the Ragdale Foundation.

Ragdale is an artists' retreat located on the grounds of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw's 1897 summer home in Lake Forest, Illinois. The artists' community, which is situated just 30 miles north of Chicago and overlooks 50 acres of prairie, now hosts over 200 emerging and established artists of all disciplines each year. These writers, artists, and composers come from around the country and the world to work and experience Ragdale's remarkable gifts of community, tranquility, and creativity. Additional information on the Ragdale residency program can be found at: ragdale.org

Image: Sheila Ganch [sculpture], Deanna Krueger, and Renee McGinnis. Exhibiting Artist Information, Images and Pricing can be found at: gallery180.com/nature.html