Sketches

FREEPORT ART MUSEUM

Quarterly Newsletter

Summer 2011

Letter from the Director FREEPORT ART MUSEUM

Sketches Summer 2011 Board of Directors Vanessa Hughes, President Carolyn Mitchell, Vice President John Graff, Past President Gerald Polley, Treasurer Heather McPherson, Secretary Jim Lee, Exec. Committee Carolyn Mastroianni, Exec. Com. Aaron Mercier Ellen Bartels Deb DiGvonni Richard Lamm Susan Nordstrom Marilyn Smit Sharon Summers Denise Wubbena

Staff Jennifer Kirker Priest, Director Jessica Caddell, Collections/Exhibitions Manager Ashley Mokros, Education Coordinator Carrie Baxter, Business and Visitor Services Manager Maureen Gasek, Marketing Manager Randy Marks, Maintenance

Front cover from left: March Daisies by Dave Menard, On the Road to Dumb Ask Us! by Darren Houser, Three Puffins by Peter Olson, Brought to Light by Starlight by Barry Carlsen

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This summer, change is in the air. Change in life is inevitable. Sometimes change is good and sometimes it can be downright scary. The changes I am thinking of are all positive. And we at the Art Museum look forward to sharing our change with you. Announced in our last newsletter, the FAM took a leap of faith in the economy and hired two new part-time employees. Carrie Baxter has assumed the responsibilities of the Visitor and Business Services Manager. You can’t miss her smiling welcome as you enter the museum. She has been a breath of fresh air, providing support for all staff so we can devote more time to planning high quality exhibitions and educational programs for our community. Maureen Gasek also joined our staff as the first ever Marketing Manager. In addition to her wealth of experience in marketing and the arts, Maureen brings a bundle of energy and ideas that are inspiring and exciting. Marketing is one of the areas where you will see some change at the Museum. The Marketing Manager is working with a Marketing Committee to update our logo and establish consistency in our marketing materials. So the first thing you might notice is our logo. It received a facelift and new colors. Consistent with most major art museums, red will be one of our primary colors. Orange will be the other primary color. For me, the orange represents Freeport, the Pretzel City, and proudly symbolizes our place in this community. Which brings me to the other major change in our community- the hard work of many individuals from across the Freeport community who are together developing a vision for the future of Freeport. I am very proud to

be a part of this movement, as is the President of our Board, representing the arts and culture of our community. As many of you know, W.T. Rawleigh established the first art museum in the area back in 1920. Since then, Stephenson County has become the home for over a dozen different museums. We also have the oldest continuously operating community theater in the country, Winneshiek Theater. As one of the historic sites of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, we have strong historical societies and statewide recognition. Not to mention our amazing high school and college programs in theater, music and the arts! Since the arts have played such a vital role in our community in the past, I am thrilled that our community leaders and planners are including the arts in their vision for the future. For me personally, there are some big changes in store as well. My husband and I are expecting twin girls in July. I can’t imagine a bigger change for our lives, or one that we look more forward to. What a wonderful childhood they will have, growing up with a museum as their second home! I hope you will welcome the girls into our museum FAMily as you have so graciously done with me and all the museum staff. May many wonderful changes be in store for you and yours this summer. We appreciate being a part of your lives! -Jennifer Kirker Priest

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS Print Invitational

July 22—Sept 17

Printmaking, in the traditional sense, is an ancient process that involves creating an image by transferring ink to paper from a variety of materials such as a block of wood, a metal plate or even a stone. Contemporary printmaking has evolved to include several aspects of these techniques combined with other artistic media. This exhibition provides a diverse anthology of prints that utilize a wide range of techniques, subjects, materials and perspectives. Some of the works show an adherence to more traditional techniques while others push the boundaries of the medium by including elements of drawing, painting, photography and mixed media. Trapped IV (detail) Darren Houser

Barry Carlsen includes works from a series of lithographic prints that mix formal and emotional choices. They represent small moments in time, emotional vignettes, or homage to a place, person or memory. Bringing together appropriated content from different sources combined with lithography, Darren Houser will present works from a recent series that express a struggle to reconcile the altruistic foundations and malevolent complicities of religion. Dave Menard’s work explores the veneer of the American Dream through the use of nostalgic imagery culled from pop-culture in ways that expose a more dystopian narrative. For Peter Olson, what began as an appreciation for nature grew into an interest in expressing the beauty, movement and unique character of birds. Some examples of Pete’s woodblock prints will be included as well as several works that incorporate other media. Opening reception: Friday, July 22, 5-7 pm Several programs are offered in August and September in conjunction with this show including artist talks and a special two-day workshop co-hosted by Highland Community College with Barry Carlsen and Darren Houser. Check the museum website at www.freeportartmuseum.org and our Facebook page for upcoming details!

Art of Devotion

Sept 24—Nov 12

The use of visual art for the purpose of devotion has taken place throughout history. Often created to illustrate complex spiritual beliefs or to aide in prayer, these works of art can vary from a simple string of prayer beads to an elaborately adorned and painted icon. Personal devotional objects can provide an individual with a means to focus their commitment and piety to their religion while those displayed in churches and temples can relate stories from religious texts in one picture what would normally take volumes of text to express.

St. Catherine of the Wheel

This unique exhibition brings together devotional artifacts from the Freeport Art Museum’s permanent collections shown with over 15 painted icons executed in the Byzantine style by Freeport native, Athena Mosxona.

Born in Freeport of Greek immigrants, Athena Natalie Jean Mosxona (Moshonas) grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church and icons have been an important presence in her life. As a teenager, Athena showed a propensity for art and she painted her first icons of Jesus Christ that were used on clerical vestments. Although she later became known for her watercolor paintings of wildlife, she would return to iconography about fifteen years ago when approached by an Orthodox priest who re-introduced her to the practice. Since then she has studied with Russian Master Iconographer, Vladimir Blagonadezkin and with the monks of the St. Isaac of Syria Skete Monastery located in Wisconsin. Mark your calendars for the opening reception on Friday, September 23, 5-7 pm Page 3

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Mini Masterpieces

until July 9

The Mini Masterpiece exhibition opened to a great audience on May 6, 2011. Over one hundred visitors admired and competed to buy the 108 works of original art. Seventy pieces sold on the opening night for an average price of $38 resulting in more than $2500 raised on opening night alone! This was more than just a great fundraiser to support the Freeport Art Museum, it provided an opportunity for many amateur artists to exhibit alongside professional artists. Many of the artists had never exhibited at the museum before. Others had not exhibited in the museum for a few decades, and it was nice to have them back. More than 50 artists from across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin created original art measuring no more than six by six inches and donated it to the Freeport Art Museum fundraiser. There is an amazing variety of mediums represented; from pastel and acrylic to glass, metal and even gourd. Due to the overwhelming success of this exhibition, we plan to offer it again in 2013. Plenty of time for all of you to break out your paintbrushes, take a class, and prepare to enter a piece yourself! Thank you to all the participating artists and all the proud owners of a Mini Masterpiece. Your support of the Freeport Art Museum is greatly appreciated.

Paperworks: Art by Roland Poska An exhibition of prints and paper pulp art by nationally acclaimed artist, Roland Poska will be featured in the Contemporary Gallery until December. Poska, who resides in Rockford, is best known for his works using paper pulp as seen in “Rain Drops” (below). During Poska’s career, he founded a lithography studio, the “Fishy Whale Press” that attracted artists from around the country including Emil Weddige, Sandra Hall and John Doyle. An opening reception for Paperworks will be held in conjunction with the printmaking invitational on Friday, July 22 from 5-7 pm

Rain Drops, Paper Pulp,1994

RECENT ACQUISITION The museum welcomes an addition to the permanent collection of contemporary art. Titled Glowcake, this work by Rockford artist, Norm Knott was featured in the exhibition In Excess last September. Exhibiting his iconic style for bejeweled and painted surfaces, this work is a complex message of tongue-in-cheek humor, witty observation and social criticism. Thank you to Norm for his generosity in donating his work to further our holdings of regional art.

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Blues, Beer and Brats

August 5

The Freeport Art Museum will host its 8th Annual Blues, Beer and Brats Event on Friday, August 6, 2011 on the grounds of the Freeport Art Museum from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. This fundraising event is open to the public, members and sponsors. Participants will sample three different styles of beer and enjoy freshly cooked brats donated this year by Harbach Meats. Returning for a second year, we are pleased to feature blues music by the Barstool Bob Blues Band. In addition to the blues, beer and brats the Art of the Car exhibit will feature classic and specialty cars by car collectors from the Midwest area. This event is sponsored by Harbach Meats, Royal Liquor & Royal Pub West, Inc., Mrs. Mike’s Potato Chips, and Alber’s Ice Cream Parlor. “We look forward to this event as an opportunity to celebrate summer with the community. There Is nothing like a good brat and some great blues, except maybe for the cool cars and beer!,” says Jennifer Kirker Priest, Director of the Museum. Tickets are $15 for FAM members, $18 for nonmembers, and $5.00 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be $20 at the door. To purchase tickets, stop by the Freeport Art Museum at 121 North Harlem Ave., Freeport, IL. *Become a member of the Freeport Art Museum and receive the discounted member price for this event and other member benefits all year long.*

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SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 15, 2011 Annual Paint the Town Dinner Celebrate the 21st anniversary of this artful fundraising event with the Museum. Witness the creation of original works of art as you enjoy cocktails and music at the Freeport Country Club. A gourmet meal will be served amidst decadent decorations that evoke this year’s theme: Carnevale! A live art auction and $3000 cash raffle drawing will follow dinner. Tickets on sale September 1, 2011. Sponsorships now available.

Regional Juried Exhibition: CALL TO ARTISTS Entry Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2011 Open to artists living in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa Now in its eighth year, the annual Regional Juried Exhibition features work by contemporary artists living in the tri-state region of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Created to encourage new work by both established and emerging artists, this show has grown to include over 160 submissions each year. A wide variety of media is accepted from traditional materials such as painting and sculpture to conceptual and new media techniques including video, interactive media, performance and installation art. Cash awards are given to first, second and third place and are announced at the opening reception. The 2011 show opens November 19, 2011 and is on display through February 4, 2012. A downloadable application is available on the FAM website at www.freeportartmuseum.org

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ADULT WORKSHOPS Watercolor Workshop Series September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6 Instructor: Roger Goodspeed Cost: $90/members, $120/nonmembers

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This series starts with subject selection ideas, basic composition skills and color theory. Tips on how to paint subjects such as rocks, trees, grass, sky and water will be given. Each participant will be able to complete two watercolor paintings by the end of the series.

Easy Prints September Dates TBA Location: Highland Community College, Ferguson Fine Arts Center Instructors: Barry Carlsen and Darren Houser Cost: TBA Two exhibiting artists from the Print Invitational will lead a fun, easy class

featuring lithography on polyester plate and relief printing. If you have ever wanted to know how printmaking is done—now is your chance to find out!

FHN Exhibition of Local Artists The Freeport Art Museum organizes local artists to display their work at the Freeport Health Network building on S. Burchard Avenue. The gallery wall is located on the lower level of the building, and new displays are shown every six weeks. Barbara Berney, of Rockford Illinois, will be featured from July 1st through August 15th. One of her many media is digital art. Her images contain a plethora of subjects on which she uses a technique that layers a wide variety of elements including color, texture, light effects, drawing and photography. The strength of her color pallet also gives a vibrancy to the images that enhances the details of each subject. Each image is a one of a kind created with twenty or more layers. Where some works take just a few hours to complete, others may take several days. Sean Halcom, of Rockford Illinois, will be featured from August 16th through October 3rd. “I think the idea of capturing the world, along with everyone and everything in it, in still moments in time, is a beautiful thing. I want to capture the world in small moments, one day at a time.” Halcom engages in portraiture, wedding photography, nature-scapes and graffiti art. The series displayed will reveal scenes and city-scapes at night.

My Cool Sneakers by Barbara Berney

Untitled by Sean Halcom Page 7

Adult Summer 2011

A….. is for ART The abc’s of creating art Art Camp 2011 July 25-29 Ages: 7-11 9:30am - 1:30 pm $80/members, $100/nonmembers Starting with A abstract through Z Zip paintings, campers will experience multiple art making techniques, field trips, guest artist instruction and performance art each day in this week long camp!

Summer Open Studio June 14 & 18, July 12 & 16, August 9 & 13 2-4 p.m. Ages: 7-11 Cost: $5/class, $25 for Series Each Open Studio session will begin with an instructor taught print making project. The remainder of the session will be open studio time, where students will be given creative freedom to further develop their artistic voice and create artwork on their own.

Drips, Pours, Peels and Splashes: July 9th & 10th This interactive, highly charged 2 day workshop will show how you can create great affects in works of art with dripping, splashing, pouring and peels. Students will learn how to apply and integrate these techniques and create an 18x24’’ work of art. Students will explore the acrylic mediums and the purpose and theory about the abstract expressionists movement and how organic and geometric structure can be integrated. Day 1: 10:30am—3:00pm (45 minute lunch break, bring your own lunch) The area of focus will be on mediums, how to use them, different acrylic paints, how to mix the paint with the medium, the do’s and don'ts and how to create peels. We will also explore a brief history on the abstract expressionists movement. Instructor will demonstrate techniques and students will create peels and begin to explore dripping, splashing and pouring. Day 2: 11:00am—3:00pm (3o minute break, bring a lunch or snack) A demonstration on how to apply peels and any issues will be addressed on drips, splashes and pours. Instructor will work with each student on the direction of their work, students will continue exploring drips, splashes and pours. Supplies: Please bring an 3/4’’ thick 18x24’’ stretched canvas Cost: $90/members,$100 nonmembers Instructor; Maureen Gasek

To register for any or all of these workshops please call the Freeport Art Museum (815) 235-9755 or register by email: [email protected] Page 8

UPCOMING Children’s Workshops Art-4-Tots Ages 3 - 6 with an adult companion. All classes meet on Saturdays from 10-11 AM Cost: $5 member, $10 non-members Call or email the museum to pre-register (815) 235-9755 or [email protected]

July 23 - Alligator Read “Keep Your Mouth Closed, Dear” by Aliki, then make your own textured alligator out of different colored construction paper. After you create your alligator you will create an environment for your alligator to live in. August 20 - Chameleons are Cool! Read the book “Chameleons Are Cool” by Martin Jenkins, after the story you will learn to draw your own chameleon. Your chameleon will then be traced over with crayon and then watercolor paint will be added, in the end you will have your own batik chameleon! September 17 - Colorful Elephant First we will read the book “Elmer” by David McKee, then you will learn to draw an elephant using grid paper. You will also create a home for your elephant made from colored paper and markers.

art.kids Ages: 7 and up All art.kids classes meet on Saturdays from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers Call or email the museum to pre-register (815) 235-9755 or [email protected]

July 23 - Japanese Floating Lanterns On a summer evening in Japan, many cities hold a particularly beautiful event called Toro Nagashi —the festival of Floating Lanterns. Students can make their own lanterns, either to float or to serve as beautiful interior pieces. Lanterns can be as simple as a rolled cylinder or intricately designed. Using a synthetic paper called YUPO will make them more rigid, durable, heat- and water resistant than paper. August 20 - Clay Divisionism Neo-Impressionistic artists of the late 1800s developed a pictorial technique in which they placed specific brushstrokes of pure color directly on their canvas instead of mixing colors first on a palette. Students will create balls of air dry clay and attach them collage-style to a self-adhesive board to recreate the Divisionism approach to painting. September 17 - Starry Night Interpretation Create your own version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. Students will watch a brief video on Van Gogh and look at several artistic interpretations of Starry Night. The students will then use Van Gogh’s style of painting to create a new art work or copy Van Gogh’s Starry Night using their own style of painting.

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Studio 121

Ballet Summer Schedule

Session 4

Class

June 13—July 25, 2011

Day

Time

# of Classes

Cost

Ballet IV

M&W

11:00am-12:30 pm

12

$102 mem; $122 non

Ballet III

Tues

10:00—11:15 AM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Ballet II

Tues

9:00—10:00 AM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Ballet I

M

10:00—10:45 AM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Pointe

M

12:30—1:15 PM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Beg. Dance

W

10:00—11:00 AM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Intermed/Adv Modern

W

12:30—2:00 PM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Dancersize

T

6:30—7:30 PM

6

$51 mem; $61 non

Ballet IV: Ballet III: Ballet II: Ballet 1: Pointe: Dancersize: workout.

Advanced level– ages 10 and up or permission from instructor Intermediate level– ages 7 and up with previous training in Ballet II at Studio 121 Advanced beginner level– ages 6-8 with at least one full year of dance training Beginning level—ages 4-6 with no dance experience Advanced level– must have permission from instructor For teens & adults. No experience needed. This class will bring the fun of dance while getting a great

Tuition: Dress Code:

Must be made payable to “Freeport Art Museum” Ballet (all levels)– Any solid color leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black skirts or shorts (optional). *No black tights or big clothing. Modern – Any solid color leotard, footless tights and bare feet Hair– Off face and neck, secured in bun or ponytail.

Dancewear can be bought in Freeport at Heavenly Yours Dancewear, 18 W. Stephenson St, 233-4785 or on-line at www.dance distributors.com and www.discountdancesupply.com Staff Sarah Long holds a BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University. She is the director, administrator, as well as principle teacher. Dr. Julie Smith has 30+ years of teaching, choreographing, and performing various types of dance. She has performed all over Chicago and New York areas. Julie will be teaching the Beginning Dance class for teens and adults. Jessica O’Sullivan has 13 years dance experience and is currently enrolled in advanced classes at Studio 121. Jessica has taken dance from many teachers including Jill Johnson and Sarah Long and has been an assistant teacher for Ballet II and Ballet III.

Questions? Call Sarah Long at 815/275-0643 or email at [email protected] *For students missing a portion of summer dance class because of camp or family vacation, credit will be given during Session 1 in fall.

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Calendar of Events July July 9, 10:30-3pm

August

September

Drips, Pour, Peals and Splashes Workshop, Day 1

July 9, 5 pm

Mini Masterpieces Exhibition closes

July 10, 11-3:30pm

Drips, Pours, Peels and Splashes Workshop, Day 2

July 12, 2-4pm

SOS: Summer Open Studio

July 16, 2-4pm

SOS: Summer Open Studio

July 22, 5-7 PM

Members Opening Reception for Print Invitational Exhibition

July 23, 10-11am

Art 4 Tots

July 23, 2-3:30pm

art.kids

July 25-29, 9-1pm

Art Camp

August 5, 5:30-9pm

Blues, Beer, and Brats Fest

August 9, 2-4pm

SOS: Summer Open Studio

August 13, 2-4pm

SOS: Summer Open Studio

August 20, 10-11am

Art 4 Tots

August 20, 2-3:30pm

art.kids

September 4

ART IN THE PARK

September 8, 15, 22, 29

Watercolor Workshop at FAM

September 10, 11

Print Workshop at HCC

September 17, 10-11am

Art 4 Tots

September 17, 5 pm

Print Invitational Exhibition closes

September 17, 2-3:30

art.kids

September 23, 5-7 pm

Members Opening Reception for Art of Devotion Exhibition

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FREEPORT ART MUSEUM ARTS

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Freeport IL Permit No. 70

Freeport Art Museum 121 N. Harlem Avenue Freeport, IL 61032 815-235-9755 www.freeportartmuseum.org

The Freeport Art Museum is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Freeport Art Museum Memberships Members are the heart of the Freeport Art Museum. Membership offers many valuable benefits, helping you get involved in the arts. We hope you’ll enjoy the variety of activities. Regular membership includes: Free admission to the Freeport Art Museum for 12 months; discounts on all classes, gift shop items, bus trips, and special events; subscription to Sketches; and free admission to the Stephenson County Historical Museum. Join at one of our patron levels, and you’ll receive additional benefits in appreciation of your commitment to the Freeport Art Museum. Yes, I support the arts! Sign me/us up as a member/s of the Freeport Art Museum. Enclosed is my check for $___________ payable to the Freeport Art Museum. Please charge $___________ to my:

___ Visa

___ Mastercard

___ Discover

Account Number ________________________________ Expiration Date ______________________ Membership Level (please check one): _____________________________________ Name—Please Print

___ $20 Senior/Student

___ $100 Rilling

___ $20 Educator

___ $250 Parvin

___ $25 Individual

___ $500 Dedrick

___ $40 Family

___ $1000 121 Club

_____________________________________ City State Zip

___ $70 Supporter

___ $5000 Rawleigh

_____________________________________ Telephone Date

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___other

I am interested in leaving a legacy to the Freeport Art Museum. Please send me information.