GSU Visual Arts Gallery

Ways of Making: Photography

2012-01-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Featuring Visiting Artists:

Myra Greene and Cecil McDonald, Jr.

Guest Curator, Susan Aurinko

Exhibition Dates: January 9 - February 3, 2012

Closing Reception/Artists' Talk:

Thursday February 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m

Janet Engel-Julian " Graduate Student Exhibition"

2011-12-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Graduate Thesis Show of Janet Engel-Julian

Opening reception on Dec. 2 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m

To artist Janet Engel-Julian, a shoe print is more than just the product of a tread forming on the ground. The shoe prints, or in this case, ceramic tiles are the clues to life’s journey and form the basis for her master’s degree thesis art show, which opens Wednesday, November 30 with an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 2, at Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery.

Engel-Julian, a Lake Bluff Middle School art teacher, says her family inspires her artwork, especially her mother’s family, who emigrated to the United States from a small town outside of Palermo, Sicily in 1962.

“I think about the hardships and life-changing experiences my mother went through that make her the person she is today,” she says. “My family’s traditions and experiences and their influence on my life are what I use to inspire and influence me as I create my work.”

The shoe-print ceramic tiles, arranged in an 8’ x 12’ installation, dominate the gallery walls and provide a sense of motion while capturing and cataloging the many steps of this familial and cultural journey. These tiles are joined by other installations such as porcelain, hand-rolled cavatelli, slip cast tomatoes, zucchini and other vegetables, as well as strings of slip cast garlic bulbs that delicately hang from the gallery ceiling.

For the opening night reception on Dec. 2, Engel-Julian will create a culinary performance piece for those in attendance to share the camaraderie of a meal, while creating their own memories, a theme central to the exhibit.

“Even though people may be enjoying the same meal, they’re going to remember certain parts of it differently based on their personalities and past encounters,” she says. “While you can capture time in photos, video, or ceramic tiles, it is always passing and changing, and only really documented in your own memories. Once the memories fade, the past is lost.”

Additive / Subtractive; Sensory Interactions Developed By a Geometric Algorithm

2011-11-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Additive / Subtractive; Sensory Interactions Developed By A Geometric Algorithm

The Graduate Thesis Show of Tim Vitek

November 17 - 23, 2011

Opening reception November 17, 6 - 9 p.m.

Artist Statement:

When we remove all notions of symbolism and iconography the viewer is allowed to focus on color as content and experience a visual reaction within his or her own electromagnetic spectrum.

By calculating a geometric algorithm, true gradation between colors is achieved. By incorporating an additive and subtractive method within this geometric algorithm, a unique spectrum of color is created.

Placing random color fields composed with this algorithm side by side not only combines mathematics with intuition, but develops relationships that make tangible these interior movements of color. A grid system is created and becomes not a playground but a safe house for the exchanges of color. These movements of color are visually controlled experiences that allow the viewer to absorb a continuum of color within a designed space.

Color spectrums are methodically placed to create a reaction in the mind of the viewer. The variations of color develop into patterns themselves and perform a visual rhythm within the grid system. The movements of color work in sync to create synergy. This synergy allows the colors to move freely along the grid and allows the viewer to explore these visual interactions within the confinements of their spaces.

Ways of Making: Work on paper

2011-11-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

Michelle Grabner - Zach Mory

Allison Svoboda - Matthew Woodward

Guest Curator Elizabeth Whiting, Curator for the Union League Club of Chicago

Reception and Artists' talk: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Remarks at 7 p.m.

The "Ways of Making" exhibitions are a series of invitational art shows that focus on art making disciplines taught in the art program at GSU. By inviting professional artists to exhibit their work in our campus gallery, classroom instruction and conversations with students can be energized in new ways, and our GSU community can enjoy interacting with excellent art.

Janice Pratt "Nature Orchestrated" Graduate exhibition

2011-11-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Janice Pratt

Graduate Exhibition

Nature Orchestrated

October 3, - November 11, 2011

The Art on Campus program is activating wall spaces on campus with student, alumni, and community artwork. During Fall Semester 2011,
A graduate thesis exhibition will be featured: Janice Pratt “Nature Orchestrated”. Exhibit will occupy across campus to enjoy the full effect of this artists’ work. Because this gallery is located in the public areas at GSU, the exhibit can be viewed any time the campus is open.

“Essence of Us…Beyond Human Consciousness”-Veronica Cook

2011-10-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 30-October 5, 2011

Cook uses the world of reality blended with abstract brushwork to portray images of overlapping dreams and emotions. Veronica Cook creates photographic composites and collages. Her work is painted on board and overlaid with strange and familiar photographs that have been cut to create the desired effect. Veronica works with restored and collected family photographs and her collection of 35mm and digital photographs. The final collages have a swirling or circular pattern that draws you to the image evoking a sense of timelessness. These images are depictions of blended and imbedded human activity in constantly changing traditional and popular culture.

Standing before the works of Veronica Cook, the viewer is overcome by mystery and allure. There is a strange sense of “familiarity with the unknown” combined into a journey of the senses; pleasure, pain, light and dark, seen and unseen events.

Impressions of reality

2011-09-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Sept. 23rd – Sept. 28th

Brooke Nicholson

Artist Statement

My work represents the experience of creating a work of art and its correlation to human life. For me, the process of painting is similar to the way individuals develop over time. Throughout life, we are continuously evolving; events and occurrences are placed in our lives that affect the path of our development in good ways and in bad. My watercolor paintings depict the change, growth, metamorphosis, duality and balance that exist in life. I am interested in finding order among the chaos of everyday living. The delicate point at which opposing forces meet to create balance is what fascinates me.

As I begin a painting, I have no preconceived notion of what it will look like when it is completed. It is an intuitive process as I pour, drip or splash the paint onto the paper. There is a sense of directional control, but I allow the paint to find it’s own path. Going through life, we are not shown the obstacles that are ahead of us, or the blessings that will be given. We simply walk blindly, relying on our faith to drive us and guide our path.

My visual inspiration comes from seeds and the way they parallel human growth and development. Their delicate forms provide an environment in which new life begins to sprout and acquire an identity of its own. The seed itself is a necessary component, although what is protected inside is really most important. In order to portray this idea, my seed-like vessels are delicately drawn with graphite and appear to blend into the white background. The sprout of the seed contrasts with the rest of the composition through its bold color and distinctive form, creating an emphasis on growth, change and evolution.

Rick Edwards "Urban Decay"

2011-09-15T18:06:00.001-07:00

September 16th- September 21st

Rick Edwards seeks out images found in neighborhoods that strongly depict society’s general lack of empathy, which has resulted in an overwhelming representation of urban decay. The distressing yet rich depictions found in the work go beyond a superficial representation; they connect on a political, economic and societal self-loathing prospective of reality. Each shot seeks
to connect on an emotional level through choice of landscape, composition
and lighting.
Edwards subject as a photographer is primarily processed in black and white. He ask viewers to consider taking responsibility for their own actions and the effect it has on humanity. With change comes progress and new opportunities but that realization in some of these forgotten communities has not become
a reality. He select imagery of what was once beautiful and full of life and
although life still remains on some level, it is now hard to appreciate its beauty.
Edwards typically show prints in medium to large formats sizes, (8” x10” to
|16” x 24”) to invite viewers to interact and come out of their comfort zones
to see the potential and lost beauty in these neighborhoods.
Edwards uses a digital VR Nikon SRL camera to capture the rich texture of black and white imagery. Edwards preferred media for printing is Epson
Premium Photo Paper Glossy or a variety of matt finishes. Although completing the majority of his education away from Chicago’s South Side neighborhood, he currently resides in a quite middle class community in the suburbs.
His parents still lives in the continuously changing community where he grow up, he prefers to come back to shoot its lost beauty.

Lori White "A Visual Meditation"

2011-09-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 9-SEPTMEBER 15, 2011

Gallery is pleased to present Lori White with her newest body of oil paintings, “A Visual Meditation.” This series explores the idea of one’s mind in a meditative state. The exhibition will be on view from SEPTEMBER 9-SEPTMEBER 15, 2011. The opening reception will be on SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 from 5:30-8p.m. This exhibit will be free and open to the public.

“A Visual Meditation” explores organic forms that reflect the meditative power of the nature. Her mind sees the environment as a place that mirrors a sense of peace and harmony. Miss White’s hope is that each painting inspires a person to visually meditate and become lost within his or her thoughts.

White is a graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN and is also a graduate of Governors State University with a Master in Arts in painting. She has displayed her artwork locally throughout the Chicago area. White is a teacher of art at Tyler and Bentley Elementary Schools and currently lives in Frankfort, Illinois.

Impromptu: Show Us What You Got September 1 – September 8

2011-09-06T16:48:00.001-07:00

Artist Reception

Wednesday, September 7th

5:30-8:30 p.m

Visual Arts Gallery

2011 Art Student Exhibition

September 1- September 8

Water Pollution- an exhibition by Jaclyn Reidy

2011-08-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Opening Reception:
Friday August 19, 2011
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
free and open to the public

Exhibition Dates:
Friday August 19th - Wednesday August 31st
www.govst.edu/gallery
regular gallery hours:
Monday and Wednesday 1-5 p.m.
Tuesday 1-9 p.m.
Thursday and Friday 5-9 p.m.

Artist Statement

Water Pollution

The images I create evolve from littered waste and debris that I have witnessed in waterways. Being drawn to water and its pristine blue hues in lakes and oceans, I chose to focus on water pollution because it is harmful to the natural resource itself as well as marine organisms and humans that consume those affected organisms as food. Water pollution also contaminates drinking water, which is essential for humans to thrive.

From my observation of polluted waterways, I researched more in-depth information on water pollution as well as images of polluted water and marine organisms, both healthy and infected, from books and the internet. I use those images as references, and draw an original composition from memory onto the canvas. The primary medium in my art is oil paint, for the purpose of bringing out the color and image to attract a person’s eye. In my paintings, I incorporate a great deal of texture to add tactility, which in turn, adds a realistic effect to the painting.

The central theme behind my paintings is that water is essential for the proliferation of life, but it is adversely affected by water pollution, which in turn, harms marine organisms and human health. Water pollution needs to be prevented in some measures, but in many instances, it is beyond human control. It is a global environmental concern due to the fact that water is the foundation of life.

Once Upon a Time an exhibition by Heidi Stachulak

2011-08-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Heidi Stachulak "Once Upon a Time"
Graduate Thesis Exhibition, Governors State University
Aug 12-17
reception Friday August 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

FINDING THE LINE

2011-06-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

JULY 15 TO JULY 30, 2011

Reception and open house

Sunday, July 17

1 - 5 p.m.

a tour of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will be available at 2 p.m.

free and open to the public

FINDING THE LINE - Artwork by Jeff Stevenson made during and inspired by the Ragdale Residency.

As a thank you to GSU for support that made the Ragdale Residency possible, this exhibition features the 42" x 360" (3.5 foot x 30 foot) mixed media work on paper titled Finding the Line, and additional pieces made by artist Jeff Stevenson during and since the April residency.

DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER - Wayon Collins

2011-06-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

JULY 5 - JULY 12, 2011

Graduate thesis exhibition by Wayon Collins, "Don't Shoot the Messenger" will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University from July 5, 2011 to July 12, 2011. The exhibit and the closing reception on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. are free and open to the public.

Collins' work explores current events and crisis through comic inspired screen printed posters and intaglio printed portraits of real life characters he thinks you should know.

Gallery Hours:
M/W 2-4:30
T/Th/F 5-9
Saturday Noon-5
by appointment 708.534.4021, email artsgrad@govst.edu

Brainstorm 2011

2011-06-23T16:51:00.001-07:00

BRAINSTORM 2011
CLOSING RECEPTION Saturday, June 25, 2011
4:30 - 7
(awards at 6)
free and open to the public

48 works of art by 28 artists from 13 states were selected by the distinguished jurors Allison Peters Quinn (Hyde Park Art Center, Director of Exhibitions) and Whitney Tassie (Monique Meloche Gallery Director) to fit the show's theme: artwork that documents,
analyzes and/or is inspired by intellectual activity, thought processes, dysfunction, and/or problem solving of the human mind.

Paul Stephenson

2011-06-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

"People, Places, and Cars"
May 11-18
Reception on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 6-9pm
Gallery Hours:
Tues, Thurs, Fri - 5-9pm
Sat - noon-5pm
by appointment

Le Nouveau Cirque- Diana Lynch

2011-04-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Le Nouveau Cirque

University Park, Illinois - The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University is pleased to present new printmaking work from “Le Nouveau Cirque” the thesis exhibition of Graduate student, Diana Lynch. The exhibit will be on display from May 1st through May 7th 2011 with a public reception on May, 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.

In “Le Nouveau Cirque,” a series of hand made prints primarily done through woodcut, lithograph and screen print Diana Lynch explores the female performers of traditional and contemporary circus. In a character driven approach, she shows the strong nature of sisterhood, performance outlet and beauty.

A South Suburban Chicago artist who had shown both locally and internationally, Diana Lynch holds a Bachelor of Art Degree from Northern Illinois University and Master of Art Degree from Governors State University. As an intern at Fugscreen Studios in Wicker Park, IL she has worked along side many Chicago printmakers giving her experience working in a print shop. Diana Lynch is a resident of Orland Park and the oil painting instructor at the Orland Park Cultural Center she is the Art School Coordinator at Tall Grass Art Associations and is actively involved in the South Suburban art community.

B.S Farris- A Face in the Crowd

2011-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

A Face in the Crowd

University Park, Illinois - The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University is pleased to present new ceramic sculptures the thesis exhibition of Graduate student, B.S. Farris. The exhibit will be on display from April 25 through April 29, 2011 with a public reception on April 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

“A Face in the Crowd” is a visual diary of ceramic busts portraits both of famous and lesser know artists. Most of the greatest artists that B.S Farris looks up to are no longer living, so she is doing this series to bring herself closer to them. She finds that people tend to separate the artists from the artwork and in her series she is trying to find out who they are.

An award winning artist from Indiana who had shown locally, B.S Farris holds a Bachelor of Art Degree and a minor in Art History from Indiana University and holds a Master of Art Degree from Governors State University. She is the gallery coordinator and a board member for two years at 119th Street Gallery in Whiting, IN. B.S Farris is currently a board member for the group 18 Artist an online art gallery.

2011 GSU ALL STUDENT SHOW WINNERS

2011-04-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the award winners at the GSU All Student Show:
Peoples Choice Award: Nicole Dudik- Growth
Honorable Mention: Abdullah Fadhli „Eman Al-Obaidi‚s Struggle and „The Disposable
3rd Place: Becki Moffett-Moore, „Block Heads and „Tea Pot With Legs
2nd Place: Allen Moore, „St. Whiskey Walker and „The Halcyon Epilogue
1st Place: Jason Knade, „Cyclicity (see the trailer for this film here: http://www.jasonknade.com/cyclicity/ )

2011 GSU STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

2011-03-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Photo Provided by Paul D. Stephenson
Holga Car Series
2010

All Student Art Exhibit at GSU
University Park, Illinois, March 17, 2011 Art Forum, the Governors State University art student organization, and the GSU Visual Arts Gallery are hosting the annual All Student Exhibition, from March 30, to April 15. A reception and awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 30, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Distinguished juror Joyce Owens will judge the student
work and award the monetary prizes, which include $300 for best-in-show. Refreshments will be served. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The juried competition is open to all students enrolled in GSU art courses
during the Spring/Summer 2010, Fall 2010, and Spring 2011. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase the best work of GSU graduate and undergraduate students from all disciplines. including at least one film student who submitted a short video piece in the exhibit. "Interacting with this kind of work is stimulating to students creativity and exciting for visitors to the gallery," says gallery director Jeff Stevenson. Gallery graduate assistant Diana Lynch of Orland Park is exhibiting work in the show as well as curating the exhibition.

Regard Resist React

2011-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Wafaa Bilal and Major Chicago Artists to Exhibit at GSU

University Park, IL, February 15, 2011– The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery will host “Regard – Resist – React,” a major exhibit of artists’ creative reactions to the issues that affect them personally, emotionally, and/or intellectually.
“One of our goals for this exhibit is to give artists and the public an opportunity for discourse around otherwise avoided issues like war, politics, religion, immigration, and sex,” said Jeff Stevenson, Gallery Director and co-curator of the exhibit. Stevenson is also a university lecturer in the GSU art department. “We hope the show will tour to other campuses and venues when it leaves GSU.”
Artists contributing work to this exhibit are some of the most prominent developing voices in the artistic world. Most of the artists are based in Chicago but draw from international roots and influences.
Chief among the exhibitors is Wafaa Bilal, Iraqi born artist noted for his unique forms of expression. Bilal is assistant arts professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He has a camera mounted in the back of his head capturing images of where he has been. He also has an intricate tattoo on his back honoring the U.S. and Iraqi war dead. Bilal’s video “4th of July” will be shown at the exhibit.
Additional exhibitors include Jane Fulton Alt, Nick Azzaro, Lynn Basa, Holly Cahill, Alexander Bruehl, Cleveland Dean, Frederick Holland, Riley Henderson, Salvador Jimnez, Jessica Munguia, Yva Neal, Roland Oria, Jennifer Traff, and Monica Wulfers. Susan Aurinko is co-curator of the exhibit.
The exhibit runs from March 4 through 25 with an opening reception on Saturday, March 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m. or by appointment. It is located adjacent to E Lounge, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. For more information, please visit gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com or call (708) 534-4021.

2011 Illinois Community College Juried Exhibition

2011-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2011 – February 26, 2011
Juror: Douglas Morris Stapleton (Associate Curator, Illinois State Museum, Chicago Gallery) will be selecting this year’s artwork and awarding the prizes.

50 Illinois Community and Junior Colleges have been invited to participate. Student artists currently enrolled in an Illinois Community or Junior College and their artwork that was completed from August 2009 to present are eligible to participate.

Winning artists will be announced at the closing reception and awards ceremony on Saturday February 26, 2011 from 1pm to 4pm with juror’s remarks at 3pm. The Art Department at GSU will also host an Open House during this time that will include portfolio reviews for any art student, not just the ones in the exhibit.

GSU Art Department Open House- Showcasing programs in film, Digital Imaging, Photography, Printmaking, Painting, Ceramics, Art History, and the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.

Portfolio Reviews- for any art student (not just those in the exhibition) Walk-ins welcome or make an appointment with the faculty in your area of interest. Contact with Questions or to schedule your portfolio review 708-534-4021

We congratulate the award winners:

Juror's Choice Award / Best in Show $300

Jeff Kolak - Elgin Community College

Masks of Mortality

Oil Paint

2010

36 x 36

2011 Merit Awards 7 Merit Awards, $100 each:

Alissa Baker - Kankakee Community College - "Mirror" painting

Jessica Chadwick - Joliet Junior College - "Lion Pot" ceramics

Claudia Frost - Elgin Community College - "Aged" photography

Zach Howerton - Heartland Community College - "Open Doors"

Jason McDowell - Joliet Junior College - "Marshland"

Rachel Long & Rodrigo Montoya - Joliet Junior College - "The Scouts" (Collaboration)

Timothy Schad - Joliet Junior College - "Mind Control" work on paper

2011 People's Choice Awards

1st: Jeff Kolak - Elgin Community College - "Masks of Mortality" painting

Daniel Stetzinger - no school listed - "Dragon"

2nd: Nick Morland - Elgin Community College - "In The Valley of Dreams" painting

Timothy Schad - Joliet Junior College - "Joliet Junior College" work on paper

3rd: Jacee Coelho - Illinois Central College - "Like a Bird from Prison" mixed media

Jenny Darby - Joliet Junior College - "Horse Hair Pot" - ceramics

Special Thanks to Juror:

Douglas Morris Stapleton, Associate Curator, Illinois State Museum, Chicago Gallery.

“Minority Art: Inspiration, Obligation”

2011-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Art Exhibit Reflects Inspiration and Obligation

University Park, Illinois, February 9, 2011 - “Minority Art: Inspiration, Obligation” is the featured exhibit, discussion, and reception at Governors State University in celebration of African American History Month. The event will be held on February 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m.
This art exhibition will feature the work of world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. The artwork is on loan from the Rhona Hoffman Gallery in Chicago. Wiley’s portraits were initially based on photographs taken of young men on the streets of Harlem. The models, dressed in their everyday clothing, are asked to assume poses depicted in paintings or sculptures found in Western Art History. Wiley’s art also includes an international view with models found in urban landscapes throughout the world – such as Mumbai, Dakar, and Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to Wiley, “Minority Art: Inspiration, Obligation” also includes the works of regional artists who are African American, or who are doing artwork about the African American experience.
An informal discussion will address issues faced by minority artists, from finding inspiration in their minority status and culture to the pitfalls of feeling creatively stuck or obligated to produce art on limited subjects.
Although African American art is the focus of this event, the discussion topics are relevant to other minority groups and pertinent to the experience of many. Everyone is welcome and the event and reception are free and open to the public.
The Visual Arts Gallery and Student Affairs and Academic Services are sponsors of the event, which will be held at the Visual Arts Gallery of Governors State University

Luise Renner (1946-2009) The Girl in the Wicker Suitcase

2011-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Visual Arts Gallery would like to wish you a Happy New Year and remind you to stop in and see our current exhibit “The Girl in The Wicker Suitcase”, a retrospective of Luise Renner’s artwork. Luise Renner (1946-2009) was a former student in the art department at GSU.

January 10 – 28, 2011
Closing Reception, free and open to the public
Wednesday January 26, 2011
5:30-8:30pm

www.govst.edu/gallery

"The Girl in The Wicker Suitcase", 2003 (acrylic on paper, 30x22) was inspired by a dream experienced in childhood by Luise Renner in which the devil was carrying her away in a wicker suitcase. The swaying motion and the swishing sound in the dream awakened her.

In this retrospective exhibition we are given an opportunity to experience the highly personal, wonderfully fanciful and colorful paintings of this remarkable artist who was taken from us too soon.

The exhibition features 30 narrative paintings and drawings inspired by dreams, fairy tales, fables and other stories. Luise Renner looked to the Bible, Grimm's Fairy Tales, Dreams, and childhood memories of her hometown in Germany for the imagery in her work.

Richard Shipps- Long Night Dark to Light

2010-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with the astounding cut paper artwork of Richard Shipps which encourages the viewer to explore negative and positive form, shadow and light, through signs and symbols-a visual feast. Through the long night we pass, and find our way from dark to light.

December 1, 2010-December 23, 2010
Artist Reception Wednesday December 8
4-5pm Paper Cutting Demo- make a snowflake
5-8pm reception- free and open to the public

Welcoming our south side art partners: Monkey Mind Studio, Tall Grass Art Association, Union Street gallery

Rebecca L. Heide- Hyperreality

2010-11-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hyperreality
Digital Composites by Rebecca L. Heide

Hyperreality is about the manipulation of time and space through digital imagery. A personal narrative has been created from the dissection and reassembling of images that reflect the life of the artist. Photographs of landscape, the human form, and sculpture are manipulated to create memory vignettes. The images are a simulation of the mental state at various times through life. Feelings of happiness, loss, fear, isolation and complacency are reconstructed in a visual form for the viewer. Rebecca’s work depicts a heightened sense of reality that blurs the line of what is real and what is fantasy.

Hyperreality is a solo exhibition at Governors State University, Visual Arts Gallery E-1580. The exhibition will open on November 15, 2010 and run through November 23rd. Opening reception is Tuesday, November 16th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Rebecca received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is currently working towards a Master of Fine Arts from Governors State University. Rebecca currently resides in Homewood, IL.

Joe Baltz

2010-11-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Governors State University is pleased to present Narratives of the Secret Darkroom by Joe Baltz. The exhibit explores the relationship between the language of visual reality recorded by Black & White film and the language of inner emotional experience. He uses the silver gelatin process to produce B&W postcards which are sent through the US Postal Service. The Postcard and text amplifies the connection of his personal world through photos and text. Baltz believes that images often call forth a secret story and stories often hold a secret image. Narratives of the Secret Darkroom is a two year photo project that allowed him to present 30 individual post card recipients a unique collection of personal observations and reminiscences captured on film and in text.

Joe Baltz’s photos and cards will be exhibited in a solo show at Governors State University, Visual Arts Gallery E-1580. The exhibition will open on November 2, 2010 and run through November 10. The opening reception is Thursday, November 4th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Baltz is a teacher of Photography at Joliet Central High School and lives in Joliet, IL.

2010-10-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for their favorite piece in the Regional Faculty Invitational Exhibition. As the show comes to a close we are happy to announce that the People’s Choice Award goes to Carrie Ohm for “Cloud Circles:Impossibly Large Scaled Down #2”. 2010 Porcelain, Paper

The 2010 Regional Art Faculty Invitational is a biennial event for Universities and Colleges in the Chicago Southland and is hosted by the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University. This year invitations were sent to Governors State University, Trinity College, Lewis University, Prairie State College, Saint Xavier University, Joliet Junior College, The College of Dupage, South Suburban College, The University of Saint Francis, Olivet Nazarene University, and Kankakee Community College.

The artists exhibiting in this year’s show are: Javier Chavira, Christopher Clark, Michael Costanza, Daniel Falco, Eric Gorder, Michael D. Hart, Jane Rhodes Hudak, Jean Janssen, Elise Kendrot, Erik LaGattuta, Joe Milosevich, Carrie Ohm, Heather Page, Beth Parin, Gary Schirmer, Lou Shields, Chelise Slowik, Jerry Slowik, Michael E. Smith, Jeff Stevenson, Jessica Van Swol,

The Invitational promises a random cross section of working styles, subjects and media and this year is no exception. Ceramic, wax sculpture, mixed media collage, graphic novel, pastel, photography, oil painting and assemblage are represented. This year we also have an art history project from Dr. Arthur Bourgeois from his African Art collection that is integrated with contemporary images to activate the exhibit and provide opportunity for reflection.

Craig R. West

2010-08-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Mr. West is cordially inviting the public to view his newest body of photographs, “God’s Covenant Community,” a sacred documentary that explores the spiritual and sacred connections of Midwest Baptist Church members and their Christian Faith. Mr. West is a founding member of that church, and actively serves as a Deacon there. Midwest Baptist Church is a small to mid-sized church with a membership role that averages around 90-100 members. In “God’s Covenant Community”, Mr. West has focused on special moments that show the deepest kinds of Christian bonds that believers share in both formal and informal church settings. As Mr. West states, “my photographs attempt to visually show why the relationships and ties that exist between believers in a small church community are so strong. Put simply, God’s Love and Grace are the lifeblood and glue that holds this church [Midwest Baptist Church] together.”

While many of the images in “God’s Covenant Community” feature various age groups, Mr. West’s favorite images involve children at worship and at play. As his Pastor so eloquently states, “our children are the lifeblood of the church.” And the viewer will find all kinds of images of children in this exhibit. Many of these images feature children having fun at Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Easter Service, and Church Picnics.

Mr. West’s photographs originally start off as color photographs, and are then changed to grayscale, and then to a duotone mix of black, orange and green. The resulting image then is imbued with a warm tone that creates an archetypal timeless feel. As Mr. West states, “I want my concentrated body of covenant photographs to bring back the visual essence of that old time religion.”

What gives this documentary stunning universal appeal is the open expressive gesture that the people in each photograph display. Whether in the act of worship or at play, the members of Midwest Baptist Church are bonded by an open love, affection, and humanity that is simply contagious. Mr. West’s main goal and objective behind this body of work is to use these compelling photographs to encourage, uplift, and strengthen his church. A second goal is to provide a timeless authentic look and feel of what a genuine Church would look like on any given day. Mr. West feels that any authentic Christ-led Church should be characterized by love, fellowship, praise, worship, and lots of lively fun. If you get nothing else from this show, the viewer will definitely know that God, Covenant, and Community are highly valued by all Midwest Baptist Church members.

The Hidden Splendor of Color

2010-07-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Hidden Splendor of Color
Photographs by Jeremy Spence

September 13, 2010 and run through September 22
Closing reception is Wednesday, September 22 from 5:00-8:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The Hidden Splendor of Color is about the side of life that is usually passed on a daily basis. Through the usage of artificial light, landscapes at night take on a different persona. Color has been used to turn ordinary landscapes and architectural structures into something that can only exist at night. Spence’s panoramic works turn everyday landscapes into vivid habitats that become eye candy for the viewer. Through the use of richly saturated colors, one can appreciate the beauty of hidden colors that exist only at night.

Jeremy Spence is a graduate of Governors State University and recently received a Master in Fine Arts in Digital imaging/design at Governors State University.

Monique Doyle - Remnants

2010-06-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

GSU graduate student Monique Doyle will be exhibiting her thesis work August 2 – August 12, 2010. Reception on August 12, 2010 from 5-8pm.

Doyle’s series of work “Remnants” captures the remnants of once habited structures and discarded personal possessions. The images are a documentary of neighborhoods, homes and personal possessions that were once a part of a full and functioning life, now left as part of the present landscape. These “Remnants” have become part of the landscape due to our present economic recession, and shows the deprivation of land and life.

Doyle’s collection of images includes businesses and homes whose inhabitants are now just “Remnants” of past time. Doyle’s intent was to document areas such as Harvey, Illinois as well as the southeast side of Chicago. The facades of the buildings no longer have any redeeming qualities; they simply exist as an eyesore to most passer-byes. Doyle’s images are the scars that are left due to the harsh economic times these areas endured.

Monique Doyle is a Graduate from Governors State University with her BA in the Board of Governors and is working towards a Master of Arts from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. Monique Doyle currently resides in Harvey, IL.

Karen Keorpes- FIGURES IN ABSTRACTION

2010-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Governors State University is pleased to present Figures in Abstraction, new work by Karen Keorpes. Figures in abstraction illustrates an abstraction of the figure in taking us away from the reality of what we show the world and pushes the figure into a visual display of our inner self. Karen Keorpes abstract oil paintings will be exhibited in a solo show at Governors State University, Visual Arts Gallery E-1580. The exhibition will open on August 31, 2010 and run through September 8. The opening reception is Friday, September 3 from 5:00-8:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Keorpes’ oil paintings evolve from her large collection of spontaneous sketchbook ink drawings. They are spontaneous drawings that I am compelled to draw these expressive figures as a way of unburdening my thoughts visually as if in a personal diary. Shapes and forms are used instead of words to create a visual story. Of emotions I have felt, seen, and heard on a particular day of events. My work is always about relationships with people I encounter and the daily interaction I have.

Keorpes’ is a graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and recently received a Master in Arts in painting at Governor State University. Keorpes’ is a teacher of art at Thornwood High School and currently lives in Orland Park, Illinois.

A Whole New Mind - Brainstorm

2010-05-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Intellectual Life Committee and the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University present A Whole New Mind 2010 – Brainstorm, a national juried art competition inspired by Daniel Pink’s book "A Whole New Mind – Why Right Brainers will Rule the Future." Art work documenting, analyzing and/or inspired by the intellectual activity, thought processes, dysfunctions, and/or problem solving capabilities of the human mind will be favored.
Please View the Exhibition Catalog at
http://www.govst.edu/brainstorm/

Show Runs- May 24- June 24 2010
Artists Reception and Awards ceremony Saturday, June 19 5-7pm following the "Summer Sol-abration" event from 2-5pm in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU

Reading Group Discussion- Thursday June 24, 2010 7-8pm in Visual Arts Gallery. The first 25 People to sign up will get a free copy of A Whole New Mind. Plus stop in the gallery during regular hours to vote for the "Peoples Choice Award" that will be announced on June 19th at the Artists Reception.

Curator: Jeff Stevenson Jeff Stevenson is a professional artist and educator exhibiting award winning artwork, and teaching Creativity, Studio Art, and Art History.
Jurors:
Susan Aurinko is a photographer, curator and gallerist for Coalition Gallery, Kemper Gallery IIT, and Prudential Plaza. In addition, Aurinko served as owner and curator of Chicago's FLATFILE galleries for ten years. An exhibition exhibition of her photography, entitled STILL POINT, INDIA, will open at Kriti Gallery in Varanasi, in 2010, and will tour India over the next two years. www.aurinkophoto.com

Tricia Van Eck is Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art. This past year she co-curated the Chicago presentation of Buckminster Fuller: Starting with the Universe and coordinated the Jeff Koons retrospective. She has curated and coordinated numerous other exhibitions for the MCA including Mapping the Self and Kerry James Marshall: One True Thing - Meditations on Black Aesthetics.
www.govst.edu/brainstorm.

Christopher Clark - You Never Get a Second Chance

2010-05-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

The GSU Visual Arts Gallery is proudly presenting the graduate thesis exhibition of printmaker, Christopher Clark, from May 13th through 24th, with a reception on Friday, May 21st from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

With You Never Get a Second Chance, a series of elaborate, multi-layered screen prints, Clark conveys a sense of affection for the commonplace sights and everyday people of modern Midwestern America while engaging the viewer in questioning his or her own perception of common, casual nonconformity. As a lifelong resident of the Mid-western society depicted in these prints, Clark has an intimate connection with his subjects. In essence, he is presenting a self-portrait of a community.

Christopher Clark holds both Bachelor and Master of Art Degrees from Governors State University. As the founder of captivewerewolf.com, the co-founder of Feed Art Center, and organizer of the annual Littlest Print Exchange, Clark is actively involved in developing collaborative, real world and web-based projects designed to bring together artists to cooperate toward common creative goals.

goodfeets.com

Sarah Ogren - Follow That Rabbit

2010-04-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

GSU graduate student Sarah Ogren will be exhibiting her thesis work May 3 - May 14.

In the series, “Follow that Rabbit”, Ogren explores the Existential; the every day conversations, lessons learned, and the general exploration of the meaning of life. All depicted through a whimsical, Victorian, lens set in an enchanted-like forest. The rabbit often depicted in many of Ogren’s pieces, acts not only as representation of the artist herself, but as a narrator through Ogren’s life experiences and the work itself. The work is sometimes dark and moody, sometimes light-hearted, but is always meant to be viewed with a sense of humor. Embrace your inner child and follow that rabbit…

Ogren earned a BA in Art from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University. She is currently completing her second Master’s degree in Digital Imaging from Governor’s State University while working full time as an artist.

Sharon Burrink - The Redemption of Brokenness

2010-04-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

“The Redemption of Brokenness”, a photography exhibit by Sharon Burrink will be on display from April 19 through April 26 in the Visual Arts Gallery. An opening reception celebrating Burrink’s work will be held on Friday, April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the gallery.

In this series of photographs, inspired by the courageous stories of abused women, Burrink takes the viewer on a journey from the depths of despair to hope and healing by using stirring images that reflect the sorrows and beauty of life. Burrink’s message reflects her spiritual beliefs that no matter how broken a life might be, God can restore and heal.

Burrink graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA from The International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago with a focus on Interior Design. Burrink has recently been named to The National Scholars Honors Society and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Art from Governors State University. Burrink became the CEO of Artistic Interiors, Inc. in 1997 where she used her creative vision in interior design, custom artwork and murals for many clients throughout the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. Her work has been displayed in several galleries and venues in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. She has five children and resides in South Holland, IL.

Jenni Lake - Interiors

2010-04-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

“Interiors”, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by Jenni Lake, will be on display from April 12th - April 16th in the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University. A closing reception will be held on April 16th from 6 - 8 p.m.

Lake explores the concept of death and survival within her series of oil painting and mixed media drawings. With her use of many canvases create singular interior spaces, she draws attention to architectural details, such as the edges of walls and floorboards, that are often overlooked. These objects act as physical representations of significant aspects of people’s lives which they tend to ignore.

Lake began her graduate studies after the death of her father, which acted as the catalyst for her entire body of work. She emphasizes the mood through the usage of colors within the subject matter, thereby creating a sense of both serenity and isolation.

Tiffany Gholar - Post Consumerism

2010-04-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Governors State University Graduate Candidate will be presenting her thesis work, "Post Consumerism" at Three Peas Art Lounge in Chicago's South Loop. The exhibition runs from April 2 through May 31. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 2010. 6- 9 p.m. Three Peas Art Lounge is located at 75 E. 16th Street. Chicago, IL 60616

Gholar's style is improvisational and intuitive with an emphasis on color and texture. Post-Consumerism takes its title from Gholar's, incorporation of found objects and recycled materials typically associated with consumer culture, such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and grocery bags. These common materials are transformed into works of abstract art. It is not just about salvage. It is about redemption.

Tiffany Gholar is a lifelong resident of Chicago, Illinois. She studied art as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago and interior design at Harrington College of Design and is currently a candidate for a Masters Degree in Painting at Governors State University. Her work has been exhibited with other Chicago area artists, including Prak-Sis, The Galaxie Art Center, and 119th Street Artists in Whiting, Indiana.

tiffanygholar.blogspot.com

2010 Student Show Awards

2010-02-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to our juror, Chris Matusek for providing insightful comments on her choices for prize winners. Congratulations to all the participating artists.

Best in Show:
Jonathan Casserilla
Second Place:
Abdullah Fadhli
Third Place:
Tor Dettwiler
Honorable Mentions:
Quentin Crockett, Erick Garcia, Tiffany Gholar, Sarah Ogren, Russ Laska and Becki Moffet-Moore.

2010 GSU Student Art Exhibition

2010-02-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Governors State University's 2010 Juried Student Exhibition runs from March 30, through April 7.

The exhibit displays the work of GSU graduate and undergraduate art students. Works chosen for the exhibit will include paintings, drawings, photography, digital imagery, sculpture, and printmaking. Best of Show, second and third place cash awards will be chosen by a juror, Chris Matusek, Gallery Director for the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery at Moraine Valley Community College.

Opening reception and awards ceremony: April 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend the exhibit. For more information, contact the Visual Arts Gallery at (708) 534-4021 or artsgrad@govst.edu.

Illinois Community College Exhibition Results

2010-02-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

The Visual Arts Gallery would like to thank everyone that helped to make this year's Illinois Community College Exhibition a success; Governor State University's President, Dr. Elaine Maimon; Dr. Eric V. Martin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. James Howley, Division of Liberal Arts Chairperson; Student Life representative, Sheree Sanderson; and of course our distinguished juror, Kathleen Scarboro who was given the difficult task of choosing the following award recipients.

Merit Awards:
Tube Vase - Candice James
Ceramic - Kankakee Community College

Evidence of a Designer that Cares - Alea N. Shea
Oil on Canvas - Kankakee Community College

Found - Jeff Kolak
Technique Mixte Oil Painting - Elgin Community College

Chicago Flurries - Kathryn A. Budd
Oil - Morton College

Sundamage - Tamatha Francis
Paper and Chalk - Joliet Junior College

In the Floating Alley - Anna Dankova
Oil on Canvas - Joliet Junior College

The Oak Tree - Amy Yoder
Digital Photo - Prairie State College

Best in Show
Desert Flight - Andy Lechner
Ceramics - McHenry County College

Kankakee Community College - Terra Textures Cotta Conceptions

2010-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Research Gallery 12 is again hosting artwork from one of Governor State University's neighboring community College. This exhibition "Terra Textures Cotta Conceptions‏" features artwork from Kankakee Community College's current three-dimensional design students who were each tasked with creating a series of low relief ceramic tiles examining texture and transformation. This exhibition will be available for viewing in the University Library through Wednesday, March 31. For more information, please visit the Art on Campus Blog.

Summer Sol-a-Bration in the Park

2010-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

Bring your family out to the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park to celebrate the summer solstice this June 19th for the Summer Sol-a-Bration 2010. There will be plenty of fun family activities like kite flying and sculpture building. Music will be provided by the Illinois Philharmonic’s Brass Quintet, the Prairie State College Jazz Band, and the South Suburban Dulcimer and Folk Music Society. Visit the Sculpture Park website for more information.

2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition

2010-02-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the creative work of emerging artists and to get a glimpse of the extraordinary talent in the region. Selected works by art students currently enrolled in Illinois community colleges will be on display in the GSU Visual Arts Gallery from March 4 through March 26.

Exhibiting artists include students from Black Hawk College, Elgin Community College, Harold Washington College, Harper College, Heartland Community College, John Wood Community College, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton Community College, Parkland Community College, Prairie State College, Richland Community College, South Suburban College, and Triton College.

A closing reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards is scheduled for Friday, March 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. Juror, Kathleen Scarboro, will announce the award winners at 2 p.m. This exhibition and reception is free and open to the public.

2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition

2010-02-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

March 4 - 26, 2010

Governors State University's Visual Arts Gallery is proud to host the 2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition.

There is no fee to enter this exhibition. Artists may submit up to three original works in any medium. Entry is open to any student currently enrolled in an Illinois community or junior college. Works must have been completed during the last two academic years. Works previously entered into this exhibition are ineligible. Deadline for Entries: February 15, 2010.

Exhibition Dates:
March 4 through 26 with a closing reception on March 26, 1:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Award winners will be announced at 2:00 p.m.

Juror:
Kathleen Scarboro

Awards:
Up to $1000 in awards including $300 for Best of Show.

All accepted entries must be framed/wired/ready for hanging or installation. Artists are responsible for transit of work. Accepted work must be received during normal business hours, no later than March 2. Pick up of work can be made after the March 26 closing reception.

Download Prospectus and Entry Form
For more information:(708) 534-4021 or artsgrad@govst.edu

Call for Entries: 2010 GSU Student Art Exhibition

2010-02-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Eligibility:
Open to all students enrolled in GSU art courses during the Spring/Summer 09, Fall 09, and Winter 10 trimesters. Artwork must have been created in any art course at GSU during those trimesters. Any artwork previously exhibited in the student show is not eligible.

Requirements:
-Maximum TWO entries per student
-COMPLETED entry forms are to be attached to the back of EACH work. Forms are availa ble from art faculty or from the gallery.
-All two-dimensional work MUST BE WIRED and ready to hang. NO SAW TOOTH HANGERS. Work should be framed if the painting does not extend to the sides or if staples are visible on the sides.
-Photography, digital work, prints and drawings must be matted and framed, unless size does not permit and therefore appropriate hanging hardware should be installed.
-Sculpture – check with gallery assistant for available pedestals. If there are no suitable sizes, student must provide their own.
-Work not meeting the above criteria will not be exhibited.

Juror
TBA

Awards:
Best of Show: $300
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
Honorable Mentions: $50 at Juror's discretion

Calendar:
March 22 - March 24: Accepting work in gallery during regular hours
April 7th: Opening Reception 6-9pm /Juror’s critique and awards at 7pm
April 12-13: Work pickup in gallery.

Littlest Prints

2010-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Starting February 16th The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU is presenting an exhibition of small prints culled from 2009's Littlest Print Exchange coordinated by Christopher Clark.

The Littlest Print Exchange is a juried trade of tiny art prints. Fifty printmakers and photographers from around the world were invited to submit an edition of prints. These editions were then collated into portfolios containing one print from each of the fifty artists and sent back out to all of the participants. The exchange was announced in February of 2009 and completed in November of the same year. This exhibit features all 50 prints from seven countries and 22 states and includescexamples of various printmaking techniques such as woodblock, linocut, etching, serigraphy, photography, cyanotype, collagraphy, letterpress, lithography, drypoint, and digital.

Participating Artists include Jennifer D. Anderson from California, Trina Baker from Kansas, Rakesh Bani from India, John Bergmeier from Michigan, Donald Booth from California, Marc Bosworth from Kansas, Brainstorm from New Jersey, Craig Burkhalter from Georgia, Katarzyna Cepek Idaho, Christopher Clark from Illinois, Bonnie Cook from Washington, Michael Costanza from Illinois, D. Wesley Davis from Kentucky, Patricia Delgado from Spain, Daryl DePry from Nevada, Karri A. Dieken from Washington, Erin Dollar from Oregon, Carolina Espinosa from Canada, Kari Garon from Wisconsin, Brett Grunig from California, Mary Hanson from Minnesota, Stephanie Harvey from Pennsylvania, Nancy Jo Haselbacher from California, Robert Howsare from Ohio, Teréz Iacovino from New York, Ashley Kanaley from New York, Mari LaCure from Kansas, Adam Laughlin from China, Amos Leager from Missouri, Melody Knight Leary from Connecticut, Luke Leyden from New Jersey, Big John Lingenfelter from Arizona, B. Love from Idaho, Nichol Markowitz from Hawaii, Jill Marie Mason from Indiana, Casey Neumann from Hawaii, Carrie Ohm from Illinois, Matthew Pazzol from Indiana, Sage Perrott from West Virginia, Diana Phillips from the United Kingdom, Roxanne Phillips from Missouri, Joanne Price from Minnesota, Dennis Raines from Washington, Pete Rangel from Illinois, Lindsay Riley from Kentucky, David Spencer-Pierce from Missouri, Lee Turner from United Kingdom, Lorna Turner from California, Jessica Van Swol from Illinois, and Maggie White from California.

For more information on the exchange and each of the participating artists please visit The Littlest Print Blog.

Commencement Exhibition

2010-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

To coincide with the Governors State 2010 commencement and annual honorary degree ceremonies, the Visual Arts Gallery has invited a selection of of current GSU students and recent alumni to showcase their artwork for a short term exhibit. This exhibition will be open for viewing from February 4th through 11th.

On Friday, February 5th at 3:30 in Engbretson Hall, the 2010 Honorary Degree recipient, Major League Baseball outfielder, author and businessman, Doug Glanille, will be talking about the unique blend of education, business, and baseball in his life.

Research Gallery 12 hosts PSC class artwork

2010-02-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Art on Campus program and Research Gallery 12 in the Governors State University Library are pleased to present a selection of artwork by 3D Design students at Prairie State College. The assignment encouraged students to explore relief sculpture. Twelve of these sculptures will be available for viewing during library hours for the next few months. For more information, please visit the Art on Campus Blog.

Illinois Community College Preview

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

This year’s juror of the Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition, Kathleen Scarboro, was given the difficult task of surveying nearly 250 works of art from 18 colleges throughout Illinois to make her selections. Through their painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital media these artists represent the future of art in Illinois. The following artists have works accepted into the exhibition at Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery. Images of all accepted artwork are available for viewing online. All accepted artists should download and carefully read the acceptance document which includes delivery and pickup requirements.

Black Hawk College
Tabitha DeFrieze - Tentacles U
Tabitha DeFrieze - Tentacles H
Tabitha DeFrieze - Tentacles V

Elgin Community College
Claudia Frost - Cold Pumpkins
Claudia Frost - Bits and Pieces
Claudia Frost - Autumn Gourds
Jeff Kolak - Found
Nick Morland - Deceive

Harold Washington College
Alex Cohen - In My Room

Harper College
Victoria Cacciatore-Claus - Core

Heartland Community College
Teandra M. Fleming - Virtue of Innocence

Joliet Junior College
Carrie B. Barrera - History
Carrie B. Barrera - First Time
Anna Dankova - I Shall Do More
Anna Dankova - In the Floating Alley
Robert Dennis - Bird on a Wire
Christina Donisch - Joy
Tamatha Francis - Helping Hand in Nature
Tamatha Francis - Sundamage
Sherri Kiefner – Epiphany
Vanessa Martinez - Flow
Rodrigo Montoya - While I Draw
Allison Stevens - Shrine Head

John Wood Community College
Amanda Rush - Me

Kankakee Community College
James Basham - Untitled
Christine Hallock - Undersea Dreaming
Lisa Hanley - Untitled
Candice James - Twisted Vase
Candice James - Electric Green Bowl
Candice James - Tube Vase
Bailey Maricle - Fossil
Alea N. Shea - Evidence of a Designer that Cares
Alea N. Shea - Girls Growing Up
Britni Ulrich - Faceted Flower

Kishwaukee College
Natalie Zographos - Cheers!
Natalie Zographos - Room for One More

Lincoln Land Community College
Hallie Hedinger - Nire no Ki
Tierra Reed - A Touch of Innocence

McHenry County College
Katia Chernyavskaya - Reflections in White
Maggie Hay - Disorder
Andy Lechner - Desert Flight
Andy Lechner - Green Dream
Andy Lechner - Black & White

Moraine Valley Community College
Eric Sterling - The Dream of Absolute Aloofness

Morton Community College
Kathryn A. Budd - Fall With Purple Ball
Kathryn A. Budd - Chicago Flurries

Parkland Community College
Rachel Rosenberger - Safety

Prairie State College
Michael Carr - Hinged
Michelle D. Cox - Chicago
Bruce Peerson - Balancing Act
Amy Yoder - The Oak Tree

Richland Community College
Sean Huskey - Joker

South Suburban College
Joe Walton - Eyes Glued to the Television

Triton College
Noel Marungo - Faceted Bottle

Winter Walk in the Park

2010-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

Join Park Curator and Director Geoffrey Bates for the annual winter walk of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park on January 31, 2010, at 2 p.m. The quiet, often snow-covered landscape highlights the presence of each artwork.

The park collection includes 26 pieces by nationally and internationally recognized artists. The walk is along both paved and unpaved paths so appropriate cold weather gear is recommended.

Visitors should meet inside the Hall of Governors near the sculpture Art Ark by Terrence Karpowicz. For more information, email the park or visit the sculpture park website.

Art on Campus

2010-01-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

From January 25, 2010 through March 31, 2010 the campus’ main entrance Atrium Gallery and the Upstairs Gallery at the Center for the Performing Arts will feature the paintings, photography, and poetry of seven members of the Union Street Gallery Collaborative Arts Guild.

The Collaborative Arts Guild based in Chicago Heights provides area artists a platform to develop their creativity, exhibit their art, and conduct business as professional artists. For more information about the Union Street Gallery and the Collaborative Arts Guild visit unionstreetgallery.org

For information of the Art on Campus program and its exhibition opportunities, please visit artoncampus.blogspot.com

Eye Candy - Group Graduate Art Exhibition

2009-10-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

A group exhibition within the university's Gallery F1617 showcases the diversity of the Graduate Art Program at Governors State through a range of media such as collage, drawing, printmaking, painting, and photography. The exhibition will open with an artist's reception on Wednesday, November 18th from 7:30 to 10:20 p.m. in Gallery F1617 and continue with artists presentations and discussions on the following three wednesdays. Exhibitions and lectures are free and open to the public.

Participants include Sharon Burrink, Christopher Clark, Veronica Cook, Rick Edwards, Brenda Farris, Tiffany Gholar, Karen Keorpes, Russel Laske, Becki Moffett-Moore, Stephanie Monroe, Gail Pachyn, Craig West and Emmet V. Reeb Jr.

More information on the locations of exhibits and presentations can be found at eyecandy820.blogspot.com.

Catherine M. Ciosek - The Illusion of the Phenomena We Perceive

2009-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University is pleased to present "The Illusion of the Phenomena We Perceive" the thesis exhibition of MFA Candidate, Catherine M. Ciosek. This exhibit of Ciosek's photographic prints will be open to the public from November 19 through November 30. An artist's reception will take place on Monday, November 23, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

With this body of work Ciosek asks the questions "What is the true meaning of life? Are the objects, which surround us a function toward a universal goal, or do they simply relate to a cultural, material purpose? Are there natural realities that precede our mental realities? Is there a difference between our mental realities and natural realities? How do the objects in our reality relate to the meaning/purpose of our lives? Are these objects in our lives acting as the main character and we are simply the audience. Or are these objects a distraction to achieving our true goal in life? But how do we begin to understand what the main purpose of life is based on material objects, as so many of us do?"

Ciosek continues, "This thesis is an attempt at placing some clarity to the inquires and a look at different methods in achieving these goals. We must start to realize that the inner world of mankind is reflected by the world around us. We must try to recognize that to truly be free, to live in peace and happiness, we have to abandon what we have learned to pursue: the truth, the principles of the universe."

Margie Glass-Sula - Organic Beings

2009-08-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Organic Beings, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by Margie Glass-Sula, will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery from November 11 through the 18, 2009. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Glass-Sula’s girlhood fascination with simple nature created an emotional link that has been rediscovered and redefined in her recent work. By evolving imagery from actual individual organic objects, she transforms each into an abstract organic individual of sorts to reveal the intimate link and beauty she finds within it.

Organic Beings is a quiet and seductive look at nature as individuals. Glass-Sula creates serene beings in order to reintroduce nature, and the necessary link to it that often dissipates as life progresses.

Alumni Artforum - Rattle and Drum

2009-08-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 14 beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing on into the evening, the Governors State University Alumni Artforum are sponsoring a Rattle Art and Drumming Percussion Circle. Everyone is invited to attend this event.

The workshop will begin with a presentation on Rattle Art and Percussion instruments followed by a hands-on, make your own instrument session with dried gourds, paint, feathers, etc. In the evening an outdoor, fire-light, drum circle will follow. Refreshments will be provided. Call 708.534.4128 to preregister. There is five dollar fee to cover cost of materials.

Robert Catania - Establishing a Connection

2009-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

The GSU Visual Arts Gallery is proudly presenting "Establishing a Connection," the graduate thesis of photographer, Robert Catania from November 3rd through 10th, with an artist's reception on Friday November 6th, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Working as a photographer since the early 1990's, Catania's approach to the photographic medium has evolved with the technology. Currently working with applied digital technologies, Catania has begun to explore documentary photography in the digital world. While historically a field that relies on the camera's ability to recreate reality, Catania's approach challenges traditional thinking by employing selective focus and desaturation. Shooting in the backyards and side streets of Chicago, Catania has aimed his camera and computer at a slowly vanishing subject, the pay phone. Originally intended as a classroom project, the thesis, "Establishing a Connection" looks at the places, phones, and conditions that surround a way we once communicated, and wonders aloud about how we communicate now. His large format, color prints allow the viewer to explore places that he or she might otherwise have missed.

Patty McWilliams - Faces

2009-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

From October 16 - 31, Governors State University MA candidate, Patty McWilliams, is presenting her thesis exhibition at Union Street Gallery, a not-for-profit gallery whose mission is to encourage and nurture emerging and established artists and be a resource for art appreciation and education to the communities that make up the Chicago Southland. Union Street Gallery will host a public reception on October 16th from 6 to 9 p.m. and we encourage you to attend.

McWilliams' larger than life paintings depict expressively the unique physical appearance of her subjects, as the canvas size forces a close up perspective, which might be unlikely to achieve in real life. Unlike traditional portraiture, these portraits are not meant to flatter, but simply to express that which can be seen, as well as, intuited about the subject, all gathered soley from his or her unique face. While McWilliams subjects vary in age, race and gender, they have one main thing in common. Their ageless spirits shine through in expression and color in these paintings.

Union Street Gallery
1527 Otto Blvd.
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
unionstreetgallery.org

Visiting Artist - Gabriel Villa - Spirituality and Surveillance

2009-08-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with GSU's annual Artsfest, the Visual Arts Gallery will host an exhibition of the work of Chicago artist, Gabriel Villa. The exhibit will remain open to the public from September 30 through October 23 with an artist's reception and lecture on Wednesday, October 14th.

"Like alchemists, academics, graffiti artists, poets, rebels and paratroopers aflame, the art of Gabriel Villa is anything but a stationary traveler; like Ulysses under the double concaveness of a lake and the sky, his gaze is the site of visions: The most beautiful and loneliest woman, the inverse area of the umbra that rises inversely and proportional to the greatness of the city, the modern Metropolis like a Leviathan...Knowing how to carefully place everything, it all fits in a gaze: The light of a candle, a neon light, dust and snow, chalk and ashes; los inabarcable filos de la vida,great heights and the great cavities of the earth: This is what makes the work of Gabriel Villa a search where a discovery is what the classic teachers understood it to be: Thousands of mixtures and hard work fail to transfigure the immutable nature of matter: The Transfiguration, the only true change into another state occurs in the innermost part of nature, the mass of the shadows, titillating lights, a variable fogginess that lives in the heart of the Alchemist." - excerpted from "Gaze as Hunger: The Art of Gabriel Villa" by Alejandro Perez Cervantes

Gabriel Villa received his BFA from the Corpus Christi State University in 1992 and his MFA from the University of Delaware three years later. Since 2005, he has served as an educator at Chicago's National Museum of Mexican Art as well as co-curating exhibitions at that institution's Kraft Foods Gallery.

gabrielvilla.net

Patricia Watkins - Faith Journey

2009-08-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

"Faith Journey" is the solo exhibition of paintings by Patricia Watkins, on display from October 26th to November 2nd, 2009, at the Visual Arts Gallery. The opening reception is Friday, October 30th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Historically, artists have depicted religious subject matter, and with the "Faith Journey" series, Patricia Watkins carries on that tradition from the perspective of her times, her life's journey, and her Catholic faith. Raised on the south side of Chicago, where neighborhoods were better known as "parishes," Watkins returned to her roots after thirty years living and raising her family on east and west coasts. The Catholic Church has undergone sweeping changes in the last half century, and to Watkins it seemed as though something important has been lost. However, the essentials of the faith never change, and it is that faith that gets us through the best and the worst of times. These paintings represent Watkins' tribute to both her roots and her faith.

3rd Annual Artsfest

2009-08-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

The College of Arts and Sciences & Student Life Unit Present Governors State University’s 3rd Annual Artsfest, a celebration of the arts at GSU. All events are free and open to the public. October 14, 2009.

Events planned for this year include:

For more information, please call 708-235-3956 or visit www.gsuartsfest.blogspot.com

Horizons - Steinunn Thorarinsdottir

2009-08-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

An exhibition of sculpture by Icelandic artist, Steinunn Thorarinsdottir, is now open for viewing at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. The work, entitled Horizons, consists of twelve "ungendered" human figures cast in iron. Each sculpture features an insert of highly polished glass. The installation will remain on display at Governors State University through September of 2010.

"Thorarinsdottir's work touches on themes of loneliness and isolation with threads of hope implied by glass inserts that provide an aura of spirituality," says Geoffrey Bates, Director and Curator of the park. "This is the first of what we plan as a series of temorary exhibitions of contemporary sculpture that will change on a regular basis. Horizons will provide yet another reason for the public to explore the path of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park."

Thorarinsdottir has exhibited widely in Europe and the U.K. and has been commissioned by both the Icelandic and English governments for major sculptural installations. Horizons has been seen in New York and Texas and will continue to travel after its stay in University Park. The work is featured in the documentary, Horizons, by independent filmmaker Frank Cantor, which won the CINE Special Jury Award in Washington as the best documentary of 2008.

Plans are underway to bring Thorarinsdottir to the GSU Campus in October for a reception and lecture in conjunction with the University's annual Artsfest.

Steinunn Thorarinsdottir
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

Marc McGowan

2009-07-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

The GSU campus is currently home to a pair of exhibitions of the work of Chicago area, mixed-media photographer, Marc McGowen. The University Atrium serves as a showcase for McGowan's exploration of Japan's public spaces while McGowan created a new series of images, especially for the university library's Research Gallery, commenting on the "screen" of human memory and its connection to the computer screens within the space.

Marc McGowann's work is the product of experimentation with altering photographic images using a series of original, unique processes. The images are printed on handmade paper and a wash is applied before they are transferred onto a surface and re-colored using acrylic paint and oil pastel. This effort results in an eerie effect evoking the feelings of memories and dreams. McGowan uses images representational of everyday life to connect with the viewer and make ordinary, mundane scenes more interesting.

Both of these exhibits are open for viewing by the public and will remain on display at least through the end of the spring/summer semester.

marc-mcgowan.com

Ethnographic Exhibits

2009-06-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Professor of Art History, Dr Arthur Bourgeois, recently updated the display cases in the E-Lounge just outside the Visual Arts Gallery. The three cases now contain small exhibits of artifacts from the Akon People of Ghana, the Ibo People of Southern Nigeria, and the prehispanic, Chimu Empire of Peru.

The E-Lounge also houses a semi-permanent display of Papua New Guinean artifacts, including an impressive pair of heavily decorated house posts from the Iatmul People. These selections from GSU's ethnographic collection are always available for public viewing during campus hours.

2009 Regional Art Faculty Invitational

2009-06-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Visual Arts Gallery is hosting an exhibit of work by local and regional college and university art instructors.

Faculty from the College of DuPage, Governors State University, The Illinois Institute of Art, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Lewis University, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College, Olivet Nazarene University, Prairie State College, Saint Xavier University, South Suburban College, Trinity College, Triton College and the University of Saint Francis have been invited to participate.

This exhibit will be open for viewing from September 7-28 with a reception on Friday, September 11th from 6-9 p.m.

Undergraduate Exhibit

2009-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University is happy to present a group exhibition of three graduating students from July 27 - August 17. There will be a public reception on the evening of Friday, July 31, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This exhibit will features a presentation of the final, senior projects of mixed media artists, Jennifer Lesch-Benedick, Rhiannon Sallas and Kristina Schmitt.

Our House (Divided)

2009-06-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, August 16 the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will host a special event juxtaposing music, commentary, and art to offer alternative interpretative experiences to works in the park.

"Our House (Divided)” is a multi-facetted program, which will touch on history, memory, division, and change, and promises to be both moving and uplifting. It includes music performed by Red Riding Hood, a string quartet comprised of Erica Lessie on cello, Jennifer Lowe and Elise Dalleska on violin, and Nora Williams on viola.

In the presence of Bruce Nauman's House Divided singer, Marshall Titus, will perform vocal selections accompanied by Red Riding Hood, and recite Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 “House Divided” speech, one of the inspirations for Nauman's sculpture.

Magda Brown, a survivor of the Birkenau concentration camp, will provide commentary on her experiences during World War II and subsequent life in the United States.

More information on this unique event can be found on the sculpture park's website.

Joyce Speechley - Eternal Spaces

2009-06-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Governors State University graduate student, Joyce Speechley will present "Eternal Spaces: Studies in Movement and Value," an exhibition of her recent "fumage" drawings in GSU's Gallery 1516 from August 1 through August 11, with an artist's closing reception on August 11th from 6-9 p.m.

Speechley's drawings incorporate graphite, graphite powder, and fumage, a technique created by the artist employing flame and smoke on canvas. Her work focuses on the correlation of atmospheric moisture and the changing light of day within a landscape, incorporating the reflections of diffused sunlight from the surrounding environment. Speechley's drawings place the viewer within the landscape, allowing them to become one with nature and experience a moment of complete silence and solitude.

Born on the west side of Chicago, Speechley found her passion for the arts early in life. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Art at Governors State University. She has received numerous awards and has published books for PCI Publishing in San Antonio Texas, and Schaffer Publishing in Torrance California. Speechley shares her passion for the arts by teaching at the College of DuPage in DuPage county Illinois, where she resides with her three teenagers.

Elizabeth Farnesi - Sinful Serenity

2009-06-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sinful Serenity, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Elizabeth Farnesi, will be on display from July 13th to July 23rd in the Visual Arts Gallery. An artist's opening reception will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the gallery.

Farnesi’s Catholic upbringing made her particularly aware of the presence of the Seven Deadly Sins in life. Although it wasn’t until she personally experienced the sins first hand that she began to look for prime examples of vanity, lust, greed, anger, envy, sloth, and gluttony in everyday life. The constant bombardment of media, pop culture, high end fashion and corrupt role models numbs the public to the sins. Each sin intertwined into one another has seemingly become mainstream, accepted, and forgotten.

Farnesi’s images are a look at human behavior and how she believes an over indulgence of one sin can lead to another sin which, in turn, can result in the destruction of one’s self. This series of work is her journey and exploration into the sins and it’s through her eyes in which the sins are rendered.

Wholly Sheeets - Michael Costanza

2009-06-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Wholly Sheets, an exhibition of the mixed media collages and photography of Michael Costanza, will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery from June 27 through July 9, 2009. An opening reception will be held on June 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The everyday experience produces a physical pile of papers and materials which Costanza uses when creating his work. Gluing layers of receipts, envelopes, classified ads, etc. on found wood and windows directly relates to the idea of the everyday experience told in piles. In addition to this collage work, Costanza also captures the everyday with photographic documents. These photos are used as source material informing the direction of his collage work. Employing techniques such as collage, décollage, digital painting/transfer printing, photography, lithography, drawing and painting, Costanza is constantly shifting the act of creating to match events and influences of any particular day.

Wholly Sheeets is an interpretation of the world seen as entirely comprised of layers. Balance, both in composition and concept, is the unifying thread throughout the body of work. Costanza creates worlds where the many layers of clatter produced by people flow in unison with nature.

spillforward.com

Michael Smith - Natural or Man-Made or One in the Same

2009-05-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Natural or Man-Made or One in the Same, a photo exhibition by Michael E. Smith, will be shown from June 9 to June 24 in the Visual Arts Gallery. A closing reception will be hosted by the artist on Wednesday, June 24th from 6 to 9 p.m. in the gallery.

As a lifelong chronicler of nature and the outdoors, Smith uses his photography as a means to understanding the environment and our role in it. In a series of large format photographs Smith illustrates our effect on the natural world. Subjects range from national parks and golf courses to urban blight. The saturated palette lends a heightened reality to the pieces that gives an altered feel to the landscapes. Each photo shows how humankind has directly impacted the natural world, but each also shows the unremitting strength of Mother Nature. The photographs ask the question: do we recognize what we have wrought in our world?

Natural or Man-Made’s goal is to engage the viewer in a debate about natural versus artificial and wilderness versus civilized. Smith’s photographs show the sometimes messy, sometimes beautiful world we made. Are we a part of nature? Or are we apart from nature?

michaelsmithimages.com

Diaspora - Peter Bosy

2009-05-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

“Diaspora – Dispersing the Light”, a photo exhibition by Peter Bosy, will be on display from May 18 to June 5 in the Visual Arts Gallery. An opening reception celebrating Bosy’s work will be held on Monday, May 18, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the gallery.

In this series of photos, the light is spread and creatively diffused, enabling visual exploration to find a sensitive balance between shadow and light. Featuring the subject matter of flora, translucent items, and the human form, Bosy captures their beauty utilizing sharp angles and soft lines giving viewers the opportunity to blend a combination of color, shapes and forms into focus.

Bosy is the owner of Peter Bosy Photography, Inc. in suburban Chicago, where he works with both commercial and fine art clients. He has served as full-time faculty at Harrington College of Design in Chicago, and is completing his Master of Arts Degree in Photography at Governors State University.

peterbosy.com

Gabriel Villa

2009-05-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

From Chicago Public Radio's City Room:

This week artist Gabriel Villa was putting finishing touches on this mural in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. Now someone has brown-washed the work. Alderman James Balcer (Ward 11) told WBEZ this morning that he called the city’s Streets and Sanitation Department to have it destroyed.

Follow the story here and here. An exhibition of Villa's work here at the GSU Visual Arts Gallery is scheduled for September of this year.

Student Art Show Awards

2009-04-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to our juror, Mark Zlotkowski, for generously giving us his time, and to our Art Forum Co-Presidents, Patty McWilliams and Margie Glass-Sula, for putting so much effort into bringing this show together. Congratulations to all the participating artists, especially to the award winners. This exhibit continues until May 14 and is open to the public Monday-Thursday, 11:00am-4:00pm.

Best in Show: Park Barbecue - Michael Costanza
Second Place: It's a Burl - Jim Tadsen
Third Place: Autumn's Moth - Margie Glass-Sula
Honorable Mentions: Demeter - Patty McWilliams
Honorable Mentions: Mantis - Kristina Schmitt
Honorable Mentions: Honesty is Never a Lie - Diane McGarel

2009 GSU Student Art Exhibition

2009-04-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Governors State University's Visual Arts Gallery's 2009 Juried Student Exhibition runs from Wednesday, April 8, through Thursday, May 14.

The exhibit displays the work of GSU graduate and undergraduate art students. Works chosen for the exhibit will include paintings, drawings, photography, digital imagery, sculpture, and printmaking.

Best of Show, second and third place cash awards will be juried by Mark Zlotkowski of DePaul University.

Opening reception and awards ceremony: April 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend the exhibit. For more information, contact the Visual Arts Gallery at (708) 534-4021.

Illinois Community College Exhibition Awards

2009-04-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

Best in Show:
1, 4, 9, 2 - Steven Stoll
Collage on Canvas
John Wood Community College

Awards of Merit:
Lone Ranger - Brian Sullivan
Oil on Canvas
Parkland College

Snarkey 1.1 - Richard Neubauer
Oil/Mixed Media
McHenry County College

Pot Belly - Andy Lechner
Ceramic
McHenry County College

Baby-Be-Gone - Ashley Dedin
Ceramic/Mixed Media
Joliet Junior College

You Can Call It a Cookie Cutter - Charles Rohrer
Acrylic & Spray Paint
Prairie State College

Widowmaker - Laura Meador
Photography
Heartland Community College

Illuminate My Soul -
Michelle D. Cox
Silver Gelatin Print
Prairie State College

Honorable Mentions:
Untitled - Chasity Logan
Silver Gelatin Print
Heartland Community College

Iceland - Bruce Peerson
Digital Photography
Prairie State College

Surgeon General’s Warning - Brandon Swartz & Mercedes Wagner
Mixed Media
Joliet Junior College

Fishbone - Alena Yakimkova
Wood & Metal
Parkland College

Our sincere thanks to everyone whom helped to make this year's Illinois Community College Exhibition a success; Governor State University's President, Dr. Elaine Maimon; our Provost, Jane Rhoades Hudak, Ph.D; Dr. Eric V. Martin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. James Howley, Division of Liberal Arts Chairperson; Director of Communications, Sheree Sanderson; our great exhibition juror, Jeremy Biles; and many others.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the incredible artists who graciously submitted their work. Thanks to you. We're looking forward to seeing more great work from you in the future.

Puzzled Together - Graduate Exhibition

2009-04-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Governors State University celebrates the visual arts in a series of exhibitions and artist lectures throughout the month of April. Exhibitions placed throughout the University showcase the diversity of the Graduate Art Program at Governors State through a range of media such as collage, drawing, mosaics, painting, and photography. Artists and curators will discuss their works on the first three Mondays in April, from 7:30 to 10:20 p.m. in room F1622. Exhibitions and lectures are free and open to the public.

Participants include Peter Bosy, Michael Costanza, Monique Doyle, Liz Farnesi, Margie Glass-Sula, Patty McWilliams, Silvia Melby with James Crews, Traci Ores, Sarah Ogren, Rachel Prendergast with KLeo, and Joyce Speechley.

More information on the locations of exhibits and presentations can be found at gsuart.blogspot.com.

Call for Entries: 2009 GSU Student Art Exhibition

2009-03-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Eligibility:
Open to all students enrolled in GSU art courses during the Spring/Summer 08, Fall 08, and Winter 09 trimesters. Artwork must have been created in any art course at GSU during those trimesters. Any artwork previously exhibited in the student show is not eligible.

Requirements:
-Maximum TWO entries per student
-COMPLETED entry forms are to be attached to the back of EACH work.
-All two-dimensional work MUST BE WIRED and ready to hang. NO SAW TOOTH HANGERS. Work should be framed if the painting does not extend to the sides or if staples are visible on the sides.
-Photography, digital work, prints and drawings must be matted and framed, unless size does not permit and therefore appropriate hanging hardware should be installed.
-Sculpture – check with gallery assistant for available pedestals. If there are no suitable sizes, student must provide their own.
-Work not meeting the above criteria will not be exhibited.

Juror:
Mark Zlotkowski - Professor, DePaul University, Department of Art & Art History

Awards:
Best of Show: $250
2nd Place: $150
3rd Place: $100
3 Honorable Mentions: $50

Calendar:
March 16 - April 6: Accepting work in gallery
April 8th – Opening Reception 6-9pm /Juror’s critique and awards at 7pm
Friday, May 15, Monday, May 18 & Tuesday, May 19th - Work pickup in gallery.

Download Prospectus and Entry Forms

2009 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition

2009-03-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the creative work of emerging artists and to get a glimpse of the extraordinary talent in the region. Selected works by art students currently enrolled in Illinois community colleges will be on display in the GSU Visual Arts Gallery from March 11 through April 3.

Exhibiting artists include students from Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College, John A. Logan College, John Wood Community College, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Kishwaukee College, Lewis & Clark Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, McHenry County College, Morton Community College, Oakton Community College, Parkland Community College, Prairie State College, South Suburban College, Triton College, and Waubonsee Community College.

A closing reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards is on Friday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., in E-Lounge. Juror Jeremy Biles, of the Chicago Artists' Coalition, will announce the award winners. This exhibition and reception is free and open to the public. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About the Juror
Jeremy Biles is a writer and educator based in Chicago, and holds a PhD from the University of Chicago. He has taught philosophy, religion, and art courses at area institutions, including the University of Chicago and DePaul University. He is currently an instructor and graduate student adviser at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and is also the editor of Prompt, a journal of visual art. His writings have appeared in such places as the Journal of Religion, Janus Head, the Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory, and in exhibition catalogues for the Hyde Park Art Center, where he curated the “Zounds” show in 2003. He is the author of the book Ecce Monstrum: Georges Bataille and the Sacrifice of Form (Fordham University Press, 2007).

Illinois Community College Preview

2009-02-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

This year’s juror of the Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition, Jeremy Biles, surveyed nearly 300 works of art from 17 colleges throughout Illinois to make his selections. Through their painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography and digital media these artists represent the future of art in Illinois. The following artists have works accepted into the exhibition at Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery. Accepted artists should download the acceptance document for details on delivery and retrieval of artwork.

Heartland Community College
Chasity Logan - Untitled
Laura Meador - Widowmaker

Illinois Central College
Zak Harvey - Study for a Reflection of Hunter Gatherer
Danielle Brown - Seaside Landscape

John A. Logan College
Pakaphon Viriratana - Ordained

John Wood Community College
Steven Stoll - 1, 4, 9, 2

Joliet Junior College
Heather Cochrane - Dancers
Heather Cochrane - Tree Rings
Maureen Catterson - From Beneath
Anna Dankova – Untouchable
Anna Dankova - Oh, The Sweetest Thing!
Anna Dankova – Incarnation
Anastasiya Dankova - Window Pane
Anastasiya Dankova – Gost
Anastasiya Dankova - Posledstvie
Ashley Dedin - Baby-Be-Gone
Sam King - Working Towards the Dead
Sam King – The Surface
Sam King - Hip to Be Sad
Marianne Nelson - Lizard Movement
Marianne Nelson - Pauline 1910
Eric M. Rektorski - President Smokes
Steve Sainsbury - Too Early to Evolve
Brandon Swartz – Soluna
Brandon Swartz – Spark
Brandon Swartz & Mercedes Wagner - Surgeon General’s Warning
Amanda Watson - Flight

Kankakee Community College
Patricia Paris Cheffer - Curtis the Artist
Annalea Hooper - My Comfort
Helen Kupferer - McGregor Homestead
Peggy Miller – Iris
Greg Roling – American
Greg Roling - New Millennium
Alea Shea - Mauled by Wolves
Christopher Sheets - Untitled (Game Piece)
Emily Snider - Vintage Love
Emily Snider – Concentration
Mary Weeks - Little Dora & Henry Moore’s Sheep
Shane Wells - Washed Ashore
Erin E. Williams - Devere’s Gears

Kishwaukee College
Peggy S. Klus - Man and a Half
Zaneta Taylor - Nadzieja (Hope)

Lewis & Clark Community College
Sean Williams - Blackout
Sean Williams - Mr. Magoo

Lincoln Land Community College
Jeff Miller – Cthulu
David Murray - Strained Work #1

McHenry County College
Robert Jordan - Utah Winter
Robert Jordan - Railroad Sunrise
Andy Lechner - Pot Belly
Andy Lechner – Shalamar
Richard Neubauer - Snarkey 1.1
Richard Neubauer - Verbatim

Morton Community College
Gini Lange - No Parents to Care
Kathryn A. Budd – Othello

Oakton Community College
Jude Kitts - Cinderella Café
Jude Kitts - Deep Freeze
Andy Harris - Levels of Consciousness
Andy Harris - Reticulation

Parkland College
Anora Johnson - Factory Candelabra
Judy Selen - Jamaican
Siti Mariah Sullivan - Horseshoe Crab
Brian Sullivan - Lone Ranger
Alena Yakimkova - Fishbone

Prairie State College
Kristin Borst - Great Wide Open
Michelle D. Cox - Guide My Footsteps
Michelle D. Cox - Illuminate My Soul
Irene Ganas - A Church Door Welcome
Irene Ganas - Copse of Trees
Diana Gudowski - Consequential Reality
Leonard Ferris - Untitled
Stephanie Specht - Untitled
Lisa Marie Stevens - Untitled
Bruce Peerson - Iceland
Charles Rohrer - You Can Call It a Cookie Cutter
Zachary Sala - Window of the World
Stephanie Specht - Untitled
Kevin Stewart - Bear on Stilts
Margaret Werling - Forest With Small Tree

South Suburban College
Maria Carrillo - I’m Still Here Dreaming
Alix Metcalfe - Anubis Neti Pot
Alix Metcalfe - Slipper Neti Pot

Triton College
Nicole M. Reichel - Typography Individuality

Waubonsee Community College
Emily Joy - Untitled

2009 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition

2009-02-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

March 11 - April 3, 2009

Governor State University's Visual Arts Gallery is proud to host the 2009 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition.

There is no entry fee for this exhibition. Artists may submit up to three original works in any medium. Entry is open to any student currently enrolled in an Illinois community or junior college. Works must have been completed during the last two academic years. Works previously entered into this exhibition are ineligible. Deadline for Entries: February 23, 2009.

Exhibition Dates:
March 11 through April 3 with a closing reception on April 3, 1:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Award winners will be announced at 2:00 p.m. by Juror, Jeremy Biles of the Chicago Artists Coalition.

Awards:
Up to $1000 in awards including $300 for Best of Show.

All accepted entries must be framed/wired/ready for hanging or installation. For framed work, please use plexiglas rather than glass. Artists are responsible for transit of work. Accepted work must be received during normal business hours (11:00a.m to 4:00p.m. Monday through Thursday) no later than March 9. Pick up of work can be made after the April 3 closing reception. Works may not be withdrawn prior to the close of exhibition.

Download Prospectus
For more information:(708) 534-4021 or artsgrad@govst.edu

Art of the Kuba

2008-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

January 20 - February 17, 2009
The Art of the Kuba exhibition at Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery will bring the intricate artwork of the Kuba to the South Suburbs. The Kuba Kingdom is currently part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo although it remains the sole surviving traditional court of the many that once flourished in equatorial Africa. The artwork on display is a combination of rich textiles, intricate beadwork, overpowering masks and photographs.

The exhibition is enhanced by a Distinguished Lecture sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences featuring Prince Ngoloshang Mbecky of the Kuba Royal Family. The prince will present video recordings of Kuba art and ritual in the current social and political setting on February 6 at 6:00 p.m. in Sherman Music Recital Hall. A reception will follow immediately after the presentation. The exhibit will also be open for viewing that evening until 9 p.m.

The Distinguished Lecture, reception, and art exhibit are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is located in the E-Wing at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. The Art of the Kuba Exhibition is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 20 through February 17. For more information, call (708) 534-4021.

Distinguished Lecture Series

Prince Ngoloshang Mbeky of the Kuba

(currently part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo)

February 6, 6:00 p.m. Sherman Recital Hall

Art of the Kuba Exhibit

Visual Arts Gallery

Reception February 6, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

This event is part of a yearlong celebration of Governors State University’s 40th anniversary. GSU was founded in 1969 and continues to be a leader in providing educational opportunity and community service. For more information about GSU’s 40th Anniversary, visit www.govst.edu/40years.

The Kuba People

2008-12-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly, Zaire and the Belgian Congo, live in the fertile lands of equatorial Africa between the Kasai and Sankuru Rivers. They compose a politically and socially complex multi-ethnic Kingdom consisting of 18 distinct sub-groups, each having a history and identity of its own. These groups have been an organized Kingdom since the 17th century but have lived in south central Congo much longer. Their unity is explained by participation in a common culture and by the Bushong's domination of the whole group. The Bushong group has the largest population of the 18. Artistically, the Kuba surround themselves with a sophisticated vocabulary of elaborate decorative patterns which are found in architecture, basketry, carved objects, female body scarification and textiles. Finally, in its political system, pomp of public receptions, and sophistication of its legal procedure, the Kuba Kingdom has remained the lone witness to the stately courts that had once flourished in equatorial Africa.

The Kuba Kingdom has been known to the western world only since the 1880s with the expeditions of Antonio da Silva Porto who led a Luso-African caravan. Subsequent expeditions were led by Paul Pogge and Hermann von Wissmann and finally Ludwig Wolf, who initiated the treaty whereby sovereignty was relinquished to the Congo Independent State in 1899. William Sheppard penetrated the kingdom to its capital, collected and reported on the extensive artistic production in 1892 and was followed by the ethnographic studies of Leo Frobenius in 1905 and Emil Torday in 1908. Under Belgian administration starting in 1910, much more data became available.

Kuba oral narratives are replete with reference to cosmology, creation of the world and man, and genealogies of kings, chiefs, and titled officials. The ncyeem ingesh or “songs of the nature spirits,” praise the monarchy with one song composed to glorify each king. From sources such as this, historians such as E. Torday and Jan Vansina have developed dynastic lists as an outline to a Kuba history. The following is a sample of Kuba time-depth and worldview.

List of Kuba Rulers

Matoon Dynasty

Shyaam aMbul aNgoong (c. 1630)

Mboon aLeeng (c. 1640)

MboMboosh (c. 1650)

Classical Period

Mbakam Mbomancyeel (ruling in 1680) --solar eclipse of 1680Kot aMbweeky ikoongl (c. 1695)

Mishe miSyaang maMbul (c. 1710)

Kot aNce (c. 1740)

MishaaPelyeeng aNce (c. 1760)

Mbo Peleeng aNce with Mbulape (a woman) regent (c. 1765)

Kot aMbul (c. 1785)

Miko miMbul (c. 1800)

Mbop Mabiinc maMbul (ruled c. 1835 to 1885-6)

Colonial Period to Present

Miko Mabiinc maMbul (ruled 1885-86 to before 1892)

Kot aMbweeky II (ruled from before 1892 to 1896)

Mishaape (ruled 1896-1900)Mbop Kyeen (ruled c. three months, 1900)

Miko miKyeen (ruled 1901-1902)

Kot aPe (ruled 1902-1916)Mbop aMbweeky (ruled 1919-1939)

Mbop Mabiinc maMbeky (ruled 1939-1969)

Kot aMbweeky III (ruled 1969 - )

Dynastic Legend of Kuba Origins:

A king’s daughter had two sons, Woot and Nyimi Longa, and two daughters. One day Woot became drunk on palm wine and lay naked; his sons laughed at him, but his daughter covered him up, and after that he decreed that only his daughter would inherit from him.

Woot contracted leprosy and retired from the village to the forest. His sister Mweel accompanied him and cared for him in his illness; they later became intimate and had a number of children. While living in the forest with Mweel, Woot discovered the items which were to become the emblems of kingship among the Kuba—eagle feathers worn by the king and regional chiefs, kolin powder for his enthronement, and the yiing basket covered with cowrie shells upon which he must sit that proves his right of succession. Other items reserved for the king alone are the mboom adady scepter, the mbombaam sword, the bwaanc costume, the mboong pwoonc bow, the cyeem, the mbeynyim mask and anklets of brass worn on his legs. When he recovered from his illness, he returned to the village with Mweel, their children, and the emblems. After his return, the incest was revealed by a Pygmy who had observed the couple in the forest, and the people of the village were outraged. The son of Mweel and Woot was forced to emigrate; he founded the neighboring Lele people. Woot and Mweel also departed the village; she went downstream, and he went upstream.

Before he left, however, Woot decided to hand over the emblems of power which he had discovered. He told his son to come to him at dawn, as Woot was leaving the village, and to ask for the ‘chicken-basket’. But a Pygmy overheard the conversation and told Woot’s brother Nyimi Longa what he should do. In the dim light of the early morning, Nyimi Longa accosted Woot and asked him for the ‘chicken-basket’, and so he, instead of Woot’s son, received the emblems of kingship. Discovering the deception, Woot was furious and caused a fire which destroyed the village; his wife, Ipopa, cursed the crops and the animals so that the millet rotted on the stalk and the animals died. Then Woot and Ipopa vanished up the river.

Nyimi Longa rebuilt the village and sent messengers to Woot, and eventually they acquired new domestic animals and the fertility of the crops was restored. It is also said that on his departure Woot caused night to fall over the village, and day returned only after his brother had sent messengers to plead for the people.

Still later, there was a dispute among the clans over the kingship. The Byeeng and the Bushong clans were rivals and they agreed to a public test of their claims: each pretender would throw a peg-like anvil into the water, and whichever anvil floated would indicate the legitimate claimant. The leader of the Byeeng clan then had his smiths make an anvil of light wood, over which they laid a thin layer of metal. But his sister was married to the leader of the Bushong, and she learned of this artifice; she switched anvils and gave her husband the wooden anvil, which naturally floated on the water when he threw it in. It was a trick but after that, marvelous signs showed that God had approved Bushong leadership. The trees along the river shook at his command, and on his order the lake took on different colors, and finally, he crossed the lake on the back of an immense crocodile and received there the sacred powders, red, white and yellow. Therefore, the Bushong clan took the kingship. Their leader is known as Shyaam aMbul aNgoong, the first great king of the Kuba and the originator of many of their distinctive practices. He gave his people crops and foodstuffs, modes of dress, behavior and customs.

The Masks:

The bell-shaped Kuba masks are profusely adorned with skins, beads and cowries and are closer to the techniques of weaving and embroider than carved sculpture. Among the Bushong, three basic types of masks are used for general festivities, initiation rites and burial ceremonies. One type of mask, known as mwaash a mbooy, is directly linked with royal power representing the culture-hero, Woot, and is reserved exclusively for certain male members of the royal family. Its female counterpart is the ngaady mwaash, representing Woot's wife-sister. The third Bushong type, but carved of wood, is known as Mboom. Mboom characterizes opposition to the king’s authority in the dance—a contrast between chiefs of the left and chiefs of the right--and represents someone not of royal birth and some think even the Pygmy. Their performance at the capital is viewed on one level as a portrayal of the mythic origin of the Kuba peoples. Not only is there dominance/powerlessness and male/female polarities in the triad of masks but the two male masks struggle over the affections of the female ngaady that together signify the break between adolescence and adulthood, the inevitable awakening of manhood, and social interplay. Less well known are other wooden masking forms such as Nuph with its clusters of cowries at the temples and coiffure of red and white feathers, Mulwalwa with its chameleon eyes and palm wine pot above the head, Mukenga with its elephant trunk and funerary dress of a titleholder and many others that identify more with Kuba subgroups rather than the Bushong.

Tim Ryan - Adventures in DisOrder

2008-12-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery presents Adventures in DisOrder, a show of recent work by Tim Ryan, from December 5 through 15, 2008.

Tim Ryan is an artist working in two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Adventures in DisOrder is an exploration of the graffiti culture using the artist’s personal sense of aesthetic order.

Jessica Van Swol - Ears: The New Fingerprint

2008-11-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Ears: The New Fingerprint,” a show of recent work by ceramic sculptor and installation artist Jessica Van Swol. Her “Ears: The New Fingerprints” installation brings into focus the unique details of ears that show individuality in even such a small part of the human body.
November 21 – December 3, 2008. Reception: Sunday, November 23rd, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Blurring the line between artistic inspiration and scientific investigation, Jessica Van Swol uses the form of the human ear as a metaphor for individuality and identity in the social sphere. Despite being composed of the same 13 elements, when displayed in comparison with one another, subtle distinctions begin to emerge revealing the peaks, valleys, and shadows of the ear unique to the individual.

Jessica Van Swol grew up in the south Chicago suburb, Frankfort Square, where she is completing a Masters program for sculpture at Governor’s State University, University Park, IL.

Artsfest

2008-11-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our annual Artsfest is an all-day celebration of the arts here at GSU. Presented by the College of Arts and Sciences & Student Involvement and Engagement, Artsfest is an opportunity for family members, prospective students, and members of the surrounding communities to see what out art program is all about. Events planned for this year include: Workshops in ceramics, digital imaging, enhancing creativity, film-making, mosaic-making, painting, photography, poetry, and printmaking; Collaborative art happenings; Art history and creativity round table discussions; Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park mini-tours; Alive musical performance; A student art exhibition and reception; and much more. To find out more about what's happening, check out gsuartsfest.blogspot.com

Lenore Lopez - Migration and Immigration

2008-10-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

The artwork of Lenore Lopez of Blue Island, will be presented at the Visual Arts Gallery from October 23 – November 5, 2008.

Migration and Immigration explores the complex issue of immigration and the subsequent problems related to border crossing through a combination of media, from traditional still life to installation pieces. “The message of my work is to create awareness of the complexity, tragedy, and humanity involved in the immigration of both the documented and the undocumented immigrants,” says Lopez.

A public reception with the artist in attendance will take place on October 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Alonzo Balderas - Waiting for a Renaissance

2008-10-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Waiting for a Renaissance: The Southeast Side, an art exhibition by Alonso Balderas, will be on display from October 13 to 22, in the Visual Arts Gallery. A reception celebrating Balderas work will be held on October 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the gallery.

The photomontages and collages on exhibit consist of vintage black and white and contemporary color photographs pieced together to create a provoking, political commentary on Chicago’s southeast side.

Balderas is a native the southeast side who works to bring change to his former community. He is currently in the process of completing his Master’s of Fine Arts degree at GSU. Balderas teaches English and theater arts at J. Sterling Morton High School in Berwyn.

Regional Art Faculty Exhibition

2008-09-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

A group exhibition consisting of the works of Illinois college and university faculty will be open to the public September 8 through October 3, 2008 in the Visual Arts Gallery.

Among many others, exhibiting artists include, Javier Chavira, Carrie Ohm, Cole Robertson, Jean Janssen, Harley McDaniel, Heather Page, Michael Hart, Lou Sheilds, Beth Parin, Paul Rinaldi, Sergio Gomez, William Greiner, Gary Thomas, and Joseph Rejholec.

Visiting Artist: Harley McDaniel - String Theory

2008-07-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

July 14 through July 31, 2008.

McDaniel brings an aesthetic awareness to common, overlooked elements of daily life. His String Theory transforms bailing twine from mundane, utilitarian material into an evocative, tactile art experience. The simple, meditative, and playful installation is informed by a Zen Buddhist concern for mindfulness. McDaniel hopes to draw attention to the richness of daily life and the unexpected beauty of the material world.

Harley McDaniel completed his BFA from Bowling Green State University and his MFA from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He is currently Assistant Professor of Art at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, IL.

Harley McDaniel

Donna Franks-Tapley

2008-06-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Segments of Life, an exhibition of the multi-plane, fragmented self portraits of Donna Franks Tapley will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery from June 24 - July 9, 2008.

Jerry Slowik - The UnHuman Element

2008-06-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

The UnHuman Element, the work of Jerry Slowik of Bourbonnais, will be on display at the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University from June 4 to June 18, 2008. An opening reception will take place on June 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Slowik’s work combines the past with the present by using old toy robots and placing them in settings that are surreal, yet recognizable. Taking the traditional medium of photography and combining it with digital manipulation further combines the past and present.

“Every day, we remember the past, live and experience the present, and wonder what the future will hold,” says Slowik. “This exhibit embraces the future with a sense of trepidation for what is to come.”

Visiting Artists: Lee Bauchsbaum & Daniel Overturf - Working in the Seams

2008-04-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Working In the Seams: An Initial Photographic View into the African-American Coal Culture of Southern Illinois, an exhibition comprised of original photographs and text that discusses the history of Black coal miners in Southern Illinois will be on exhibit in the Visual Arts Gallery April 11-May 9, 2008 with a public reception on Wednesday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m.

Working in several historic African-American coal mining neighborhoods, communities, and towns, the photographers have been attempting to meet with as many contributors to this mining culture as possible. Through these portraits the viewers are able to see into the lives of dozens of individuals across southern Illinois who either worked in the coal industry, or whose brothers, husbands, fathers, or uncles did. Most often, the subjects are part of a long lineage of miners.

"Through these portraits, viewers will be able to see the faces and glimpse into the lives of dozens of African-Americans across Southern Illinois who either worked in the coal industry, or whose brothers, husbands, fathers or uncles did. Their faces provide a graphic link across what has been a largely uncharted history."

The project was funded by a major grant from the Illinois Humanities Council and by the Coal Research Center at Southern Illinois University

9 Variations Graduate Exhibition

2008-04-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University will present 9 Variations, a group exhibit of artwork by GSU graduate students in art, from April 4 through April 18. An opening evening reception will be held on April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibit includes a variety of mediums, including digital photography, painting, and sculpture that give viewers a glimpse into real and abstract worlds. Contributing artists include Alonso Balderas, Joe Baltz, Wes Gonzalez, Janice Pratt, Jody Reno, Tim Ryan, Jessica Van Swol, Ben Ward, and Patricia Watkins.

Jennifer Jackson - At the Seam

2008-04-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

April 2-9, 2008. Public Reception: Friday, April 4, 6-8 p.m.

Utilizing a "toy" camera, alternative photographic processes, and porcelain sculpture, At the Seam investigates iconic funerary art in conjunction with the concepts of time, visual landscape, recognition, and transition. The series taps into the symbol-system embedded within Victorian funerary artifacts. The artifacts are modes of eternal recognition left behind to exemplify lifetime accomplishments, spiritual direction, or to provide solace for the remaining family.

Jennifer Jackson was born and raised in the Chicago area and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, with distinction, in Art Education and Studio Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003. In 2008, she completed her Masters in Photography at Governors State University, summa cum laude. She is an artist/educator who began her photographic endeavors at a very young age, photographing "the stuff of life" and travels with her family.

jenniferjackson.artspan.com

2008 GSU Student Art Exhibtion

2008-03-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

New work from GSU's art students will be on exhibit in the Visual Arts Gallery of Governor's State University from March 18th through the 31st. An open reception will take place on Wednesday, March 26th.

The exhibition is open to all students who have been enrolled in art classes at GSU in the last year. The Juror, DeKalb artist Kimberly Mullarkey, professor of drawing at the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg, will select 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards, as well as honorable mention.

2008 Illinois Community College Juried Art

2008-03-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

The College of Arts and Sciences will host the 2008 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition at Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery on March 14, 1-3 pm.

Public Reception: Friday, March 14, 1-3 pm
Presentation of awards 2 pm
Juror: Harry Sudman

Visiting Artist Lecure - Lenore Thomas

2008-03-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

In honor of Women's History Month, the College of Arts and Sciences is sponsoring a series of three lectures/workshops by noted artist Lenore Thomas. Each workshop will highlight a different aspect of art, the art world, and the business of art.

Lenore Thomas earned her BA in fine arts and religious studies from Lawrence University and her MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a former assistant to the master printers at Tandem Press and currently a member of No Fun artist collaborative and co-director of Red Rocket Gallery. Her recent work is mixed media which includes a variety of digital and traditional print processes as well as painting and drawing. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally. She is represented by M% in Cleveland, Ohio, and at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts in New York City.

Artist Lecture: I Was Born a Cartoon
Wednesday, March 5, 7-8 pm
Sherman Recital Hall

Demonstration:
Digital & Encaustic Monotypes
Thursday, March 6, 6-7:30 pm
Printmaking Studio, E1527

Business Talk:
Getting into Galleries
Friday, March 7, 7-8 pm
Sherman Recital Hall

lenorethomas.com

Faye's Light Benefit

2008-02-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Governors State University student organization, Art Forum, are hosting a fine art silent auction to benefit Faye’s Light, on February 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the GSU Visual Arts Gallery.

Faye’s Light is a non-profit organization that provides free spa services and other holistic therapies to people in treatment for cancer. These services include message, Reiki, facials, manicures, pedicures, therapeutic art, aromatherapy, guided meditation, and other energy work.

The fund raising event includes a gala reception, refreshments, a live jazz band, and extraordinary art. There is a suggested donation at the door of $20, ($15 for students with ID). All artwork has been donated and the proceeds benefit Faye’s Light. The silent auction will include paintings, photographic works, sculpture, textiles, and ceramics.

Mexicans in Chicago: Photographic Footprints

2008-01-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

Mexicans in Chicago: Photographic Footprints will be on exhibit: January 15 - February 6, 2008
Open Reception: January 30, 2008

Consisting of a series of black and white digital panels selected from the 2001 publication, "Images of America, Mexican Chicago, "by Rita Arias Jirasek and Carlos Tortolero, this unique exhibition aims to tell the stories of Mexican Chicago through a montage of old photographs and documents collected throughout the Mexican Community in the Chicago metropolitan area. The main themes are: the Road to Chicago, Community Life, Spiritual Life, Work, Political Activism, Social Activism, and Arts & Culture.

Our appreciation to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the largest Latino cultural institution in the country, for loaning us this exhibit.