I was talking to someone at the March PAL meeting and they wanted a reasonable priced art projector so they could use existing art as the basis for their new art. They didn't want to have to draw the existing art. Well I was at Hobby Lobby yesterday and found that they have many art projectors. They start at $20 and go up through $250.
--
Thanks
Mike Bessler
630-667-5174 cell
Mike@BesPhoto.com
www.BesPhoto.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Alliance of Fine Art Best of the Best 2008
Art exhibit showcases local talent
By Submitted photo
More than 100 pieces of local watercolor, oil, photography, pottery, jewelry and mixed media will be showcased during the Alliance of Fine Art's Best of the Best Fine Art Exhibit.
By Jessica Young, jyoung@mysuburbanlife.com
Suburban Life
Tue Feb 26, 2008, 04:46 PM CST
Western suburbs, IL -
Martia has done a series of mixed-media canvasses exploring the intersection of past and present. And the gamble paid off with her piece "Exhumation of the Ring." Her work will be featured in the prestigious 16th Annual Best of the Best Fine Art Exhibit, a show sponsored by the Alliance of Fine Art for the creme de la creme of local artists guilds and leagues.
Dianne Martia has found herself mesmerized with exhumation lately.
"I'm not sure why. I've only been on archeological digs in my dreams, but it has been occupying my imagination," the Darien resident said. "I'm fascinated with finding things that belonged to another era or culture."
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Local artists featured... • Bill Baykan for the watercolor "Illusion"
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Martia has done a series of mixed-media canvasses exploring the intersection of past and present. And the gamble paid off with her piece "Exhumation of the Ring." Her work will be featured in the prestigious 16th Annual Best of the Best Fine Art Exhibit, a show sponsored by the Alliance of Fine Art for the creme de la creme of local artists guilds and leagues.
The exhibit, which will appear at the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, will run from Friday, March 21, through Sunday, May 18, when it will culminate with a reception and award presentation. Artists, special guests and local dignitaries are invited to a special sneak preview gala Thursday, March 20.
The Alliance of Fine Art is a nonprofit professional association comprised of local artists groups including the Downers Grove Artists' Guild, Elmhurst Artists' Guild, Addison Art Guild, LaGrange Art League, Lemont Artists' Guild, Naperville Art League, West Suburban Artists' Guild and Midwest Collage Society. More than 100 pieces of watercolor, oil, photography, pottery, jewelry and mixed media will be showcased. Entries were chosen among award winners at the guild or league level, so organizers call the selections stellar.
"My piece is a composite mixed media collage," Martia said. "There's a combination of images that represent artifacts that might be found during an exhumation. There's a picture of a ring, a landscape that shows where the site might have been and a partial writing from a notebook that describes what a person found."
The ring is displayed against a ruler to appear like a specimen being measured.
"Exhumation of the Ring" received recognition at the Naperville Art League show, and a second piece, a mixed media waterscape called "The Passage," won second place at the Downers Grove Artists' Guild contest.
"None of my pieces are very literal, and I try to allow the viewer to come to their own conclusion," Martia said. "I use symbolism and ambiguity to evoke a sense of timelessness. It often raises more questions than it answers."
Nancy D'Agostino, "Best of the Best" chairperson, said the show highlights prominent notable local artists and promotes art in the suburbs.
"Generally you'd have to go to Chicago for something of this quality, so there's quite a buzz," she said. "The caliber of artists out here is phenomenal, and exhibits like this show people how much talent is in their own backyard. I think the public will really enjoy this, and all the artwork will be for sale, so it's a good chance to get something more unique than a mass-produced print."
The Alliance of Fine Art has secured Rolf Achilles, curator of the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at Navy Pier and art history and theory professor, to judge the show.
"He's top-notch," D'Agostino said. "Critique for an artist is an important thing, and it'll be nice to have feedback from someone at his level."
According to Martia, the exhibit is a huge honor for featured artists.
"This is a big deal. It's such an opportunity," she said. "And the chances for networking are endless."
The Alliance of Fine Art supports cultural events which stress awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of quality art and contribute to community enrichment. The organization is staffed entirely of volunteer artists.
"We're running around making badges and tags, measuring the room and figuring out how to hang the show," D'Agostino said. "It's a really exciting time backstage to see this all come together."
For more information, visit www.AllianceOfFineArt.com.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Creativity has a new home
March 1, 2008
As art lovers gathered at a reception celebrating the opening of a new gallery and workshop for the Plainfield Art League, artists mused over what it is that drives them to paint.
Their secret pleasures can be hard to put into words, some said.
From left, Sheryl Jones, treasurer of the Plainfield Art League, and Mindy Donahue, secretary for the group, watch as artist Marjorie Schlekeway demonstrates painting with watercolors at the opening of the Plainfield Art League's new facility in downtown Plainfield.
Robyn Sheldon / Special to The Sun
Robyn Sheldon / Special to The Sun
Others know exactly what drives their desire to create. A blank canvas seems to beg to be transformed with colors and shapes, the artists said.
At the Feb. 22 reception at the new gallery at 24114 W. Chicago St. in downtown Plainfield, Marjorie Schlekeway demonstrated her artistic talents. Using watercolors, she created three different views of the Chicago skyline. Other artists in attendance at the opening understood the drive to put paint on canvas.
Art League member Cheryl Carman said she paints because the activity brings a great sense of satisfaction.
"It makes you feel better about yourself and to be able to express what you are feeling," she said.
Carman, who paints with oils, said she joined the Art League to be with other artists who understand her passion.
"I haven't sold anything yet, but I am looking forward to it," she said.
New gallery praised
Stained glass artist John Plucinski Jr. said the Art League's new gallery, with its wide windows, is an excellent place to create and display art.
He said his inspiration for his works comes from just looking around. If an artist doesn't stop to look at the world, they may never truly see what is out there, he said.
"You are more aware of that stuff if you look for it," he said. "It's hard to explain. You see it. You've got an idea, and you are off to the races."
Plucinski also makes decorative stained glass pieces to reflect the designs his wife, Colleen, has developed for the many quilts and comforters she makes. The method is an artistic collaboration that enhances their marriage, she said.
A true calling
Tina Storey, a homemaker, said she feels blessed to have the time to create works of art.
"I can stay home and paint," she said.
She often gives her graphite drawings and watercolors to family members as birthday gifts.
"The last picture I did I probably spent four hours on," she said. "It was a watercolor of my sister's guinea pigs for her birthday."
Former Bolingbrook teacher Tita Recometa-Brady said painting is her life. She will be exhibiting about 20 paintings at the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., this spring. She creates large abstract paintings on round canvases, filling them with colorful, swirling shapes.
After retiring from Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook in 2002, she set up a studio in her Joliet home.
"A lot inspires me," she said. "You can't describe the feeling of accomplishment."
Judi Deszed, an illustrator and librarian, uses a rare, old technique of drawing with rods of silver.
"It's kind of what they used before graphite pencils," she said.
Belonging to the Plainfield Art League means she can make all sorts of connections with other artists, she said.
The group offers demonstrations on a regular basis and sponsors special workshops as well. On the walls of the new gallery are dozens of paintings and drawings by Art League members. Included are pieces of art created by students who have won scholarships from the group.
Being a painter and belonging to a league means having friendships with others who understand the burning desire to create art, she said. It means sharing a common goal with others in the pursuit of something noble.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the artists, and the people of Plainfield, to have this type of gallery," she said.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Despite road construction, Plainfield fests to take place
February 22, 2008 - By JANET LUNDQUIST The Herald News
Two things are certain this summer: There will be downtown road construction in Plainfield and there will be downtown festivals.
Despite, and also because of, planned construction on Lockport Street that's scheduled to last all summer, MainStreet Plainfield is looking to hold its annual events as usual, including Spring Fest.
The festival is planned from 10 a.m. to midnight May 17 and noon to 6 p.m. May 18 in downtown Plainfield, and will include vendor booths, rides and food.
Village officials have approved closing portions of Lockport, Des Plaines and Chicago streets from Friday night, May 16, through Sunday evening, May 18.
Since half of Lockport Street will be under construction at a time, the festival will be set up on the other half, as well as in parking lots off Lockport Street.
MainStreet officials have said they want to maintain the organization's schedule of events, including summertime Cruise Nights and Hawg Nights.
"We are not sad (the Lockport Streetscape project) is happening; we are excited," said Jen Protrawski, MainStreet Plainfield's vice president. "It does take a lot of coordination. But it's possible."
Artists, food and entertainment will fill Settlers Park, located near Village Hall, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7 and 8 during an art fair planned by the Plainfield Art League and Kiwanis Club.
Plainfield Park District officials are planning to replace the district's annual weekend Plainfield Fest with a one-day family-oriented event this year. The traditional festival set-up wouldn't fit on Lockport Street while it's under construction.
Park staff members are planning the event in Village Green park and have reached out to area nonprofit organizations, hoping some will agree to be joint sponsors.
Local organizations that regularly hold events downtown had been looking for ways to avoid closing Lockport Street, which can snarl traffic and hurt some downtown businesses, the owners say.
Last fall MainStreet Plainfield changed its annual Harvest Fest from a weekend event to a one-day promotion that did not close Lockport Street.
But village officials are looking for ways to draw people downtown during the construction project and have encouraged groups to continue planning their events as usual.
MainStreet is also planning two shopping events this month, including "Girls Night Out" from 4 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 and a Leap Day Sale on Feb. 29.
For more information about the Lockport Streetscape project, visit www.plainfield streetscape.com.
Sun-Times News Group
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mike Bessler appointed as webmaster for Plainfield Art League
Mike is succeeding Sandy Shuck as webmaster. Sandy found a free hosting site from a friend for the past few years. That really helped the Plainfield Art League. She diligently kept the site up to date and recently created a new look. Thanks Sandy.
The URL has now been changed to PlainfieldArtLeague.org and any previous blog entries will have to be updated. The previous URL will have a "please change your favorite's" message added after the new site has gone thru it's riggers.
Plainfield Art League's grand opening
PAL - February 22, 2008 is the grand opening of the Plainfield Art League at their new location at 24114 W Chicago St, Plainfield, Illinois, on the Village Green Park, in downtown Plainfield.
Sunday, February 6, 2005
Plainfield woman learns art around the world
Joliet Herald News
Herald News, The (Joliet, IL)
February 6, 2005
Plainfield woman learns art around the world
Author: Denise M. Baran-Unland
Section: local
Page: f1
Index Terms:
NEWS
Estimated printed pages: 4
Article Text:
For the past 35 years, Shuck and her family have lived in five states and once abroad, moves that have developed her as an artist. They allowed Shuck to take classes at a variety of places and learn a variety of mediums, visit world famous museums in Europe, belong to seven art leagues and participate in numerous art shows. Shuck also has won awards in watercolor, oil and pencil drawing. All of her travels notwithstanding, it is familiar scenes that inspire most of her work. "It is what I know and love," said Shuck. "I want to paint scenes that I feel connected to, and then incorporate that feeling into my art. I would describe my paintings as being impressionistic in nature that is, not defining every last detail. "People have told me that I paint from my heart rather than interpret everything I see. I leave room for the viewer's imagination and interpretation."
Within the stone building in her recent oil painting, "Sanctuary," sits an old water fountain that bubbles up when one presses down on the pedal. It's a place where Shuck and her friends spent many days after long bike rides or walks through Hanover College in Indiana.
"One of my childhood friends recently said that his grandfather would line up the kids, step on the pedal and ask them what flavor they wanted," said Shuck. "If they said, `strawberry,' he said, `Strawberry, it is.' "It was magical. Each child left the fountain gratified that they had received something special. When people see this painting, their special memories come flooding back." Last summer, Shuck was thrilled to work under the direction of Renaissance master painter Patrick Betaudier of France through the Friends of Community Public Art in Joliet. She said Betaudier influenced the bold colors in "Sanctuary," but it was her own artist's eye that was drawn to the continuing shadow patterns and strong sunlight. Shuck is working on a commissioned piece for her son-in-law, an oil scene of his favorite fishing dock in Canada.
Growing up in Hanover, Ind., Shuck's earliest art experiences came from her father, who entertained her in church with his drawings and peppered his conversations with words that made mental images jump to life. "He described things with imagery, so our young minds could grasp, in picture form, the beauty of simple things," said Shuck. "He stimulated our minds to think creatively, so I attribute that and my art abilities to him." Parents and peers alike encouraged the young Shuck to develop her own artistic abilities, and she soon became known as "the artist" among them. "My friends thought I could do everything because I exhibited some talent," said Shuck. "Artists will know what I mean by that." Shuck chose to attend Northwood Institute in West Baden, Ind., (now relocated to Midland, Mich.) because it was close to home. At the time, Shuck decided to use her art in the advertising world instead of attending a fine art school, a decision she later regretted.
During the summer months, Shuck worked in advertising sales and art design at the Madison Courier in Madison, Ind. This experience marked the beginning of her interest in graphic design. Later, Shuck happily worked for a graphic artist, a menu design company.
"It was thrilling to see my art and designs roll off the press," said Shuck. When Shuck moved to Wabash, Ind., she attended her first watercolor class, invited by the friend who taught it. However, Shuck was certain she would not enjoy it because other artists had told her the medium was a difficult one. "I heard other artists describing how difficult the water was to control, but I enjoyed the unpredictability and freshness of it. Plus, I could clean my brushes with water instead of solvent," said Shuck.
She continued to take a variety of classes, join a variety of art leagues and dabble in various expressions of art wherever she lived. A life-long dream arrived when Shuck finally could enroll in classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She was then upset to learn the next move was to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Europe. "I drug my feet all the way to Luxembourg since it meant leaving art school behind," said Shuck. "When I simmered down long enough to think about it, it meant I could see world famous art just hours from my doorstep. So what was the problem?" European art trips included museums and churches in England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy. Art lessons included an oil painting class (in English) with Gustave Alhadeff in his Brussels studio. By far, Shuck's favorite trips were to the Paris museum, l'Orange (with its two oval rooms on the basement level that hosted a continuous, ceiling-to-floor circular Waterlily painting by Monet), and to Monet's home in the small village of Giverny, France, a few miles from the Seine River.
"His famous apple green, Japanese bridge was covered with drooping lavender wisteria," said Shuck. "All day, we seemed to stroll in and out of one of Monet's painting or landscapes. It was a surreal experience." In 2000, Shuck moved to Plainfield and returned to the College of DuPage to learn Web
design. She is the Plainfield Art League's gallery manager, newsletter editor and Webmaster and is thrilled about the league's new home at 519 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Sandy Shuck:
Goal in creating art: "I have learned to use technology to simplify the art process. It is my goal to achieve what I want to say faster using modern technology." How far has one of your pieces traveled? "I have two commissioned works in England." Words of Wisdom: "I would advise young artists to remain faithful to their art. No matter what their circumstances, learn to incorporate your art into everything you do. The world needs art."
For more information on the Plainfield Art League: The league meets from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month in Plainfield. For more information, visit www.plainfieldartleague.org or email info@plainfieldartleague.org,
Caption:
Sandy Shuck of Plainfield is an artist who has won awards in watercolor, oil and pencil drawing. Artwork by Sandy Shuck
Copyright, 2005, The Herald News. All rights reserved. REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED.
Record Number: PFS1471478
Herald News, The (Joliet, IL)
February 6, 2005
Plainfield woman learns art around the world
Author: Denise M. Baran-Unland
Section: local
Page: f1
Index Terms:
NEWS
Estimated printed pages: 4
Article Text:
For the past 35 years, Shuck and her family have lived in five states and once abroad, moves that have developed her as an artist. They allowed Shuck to take classes at a variety of places and learn a variety of mediums, visit world famous museums in Europe, belong to seven art leagues and participate in numerous art shows. Shuck also has won awards in watercolor, oil and pencil drawing. All of her travels notwithstanding, it is familiar scenes that inspire most of her work. "It is what I know and love," said Shuck. "I want to paint scenes that I feel connected to, and then incorporate that feeling into my art. I would describe my paintings as being impressionistic in nature that is, not defining every last detail. "People have told me that I paint from my heart rather than interpret everything I see. I leave room for the viewer's imagination and interpretation."
Within the stone building in her recent oil painting, "Sanctuary," sits an old water fountain that bubbles up when one presses down on the pedal. It's a place where Shuck and her friends spent many days after long bike rides or walks through Hanover College in Indiana.
"One of my childhood friends recently said that his grandfather would line up the kids, step on the pedal and ask them what flavor they wanted," said Shuck. "If they said, `strawberry,' he said, `Strawberry, it is.' "It was magical. Each child left the fountain gratified that they had received something special. When people see this painting, their special memories come flooding back." Last summer, Shuck was thrilled to work under the direction of Renaissance master painter Patrick Betaudier of France through the Friends of Community Public Art in Joliet. She said Betaudier influenced the bold colors in "Sanctuary," but it was her own artist's eye that was drawn to the continuing shadow patterns and strong sunlight. Shuck is working on a commissioned piece for her son-in-law, an oil scene of his favorite fishing dock in Canada.
Growing up in Hanover, Ind., Shuck's earliest art experiences came from her father, who entertained her in church with his drawings and peppered his conversations with words that made mental images jump to life. "He described things with imagery, so our young minds could grasp, in picture form, the beauty of simple things," said Shuck. "He stimulated our minds to think creatively, so I attribute that and my art abilities to him." Parents and peers alike encouraged the young Shuck to develop her own artistic abilities, and she soon became known as "the artist" among them. "My friends thought I could do everything because I exhibited some talent," said Shuck. "Artists will know what I mean by that." Shuck chose to attend Northwood Institute in West Baden, Ind., (now relocated to Midland, Mich.) because it was close to home. At the time, Shuck decided to use her art in the advertising world instead of attending a fine art school, a decision she later regretted.
During the summer months, Shuck worked in advertising sales and art design at the Madison Courier in Madison, Ind. This experience marked the beginning of her interest in graphic design. Later, Shuck happily worked for a graphic artist, a menu design company.
"It was thrilling to see my art and designs roll off the press," said Shuck. When Shuck moved to Wabash, Ind., she attended her first watercolor class, invited by the friend who taught it. However, Shuck was certain she would not enjoy it because other artists had told her the medium was a difficult one. "I heard other artists describing how difficult the water was to control, but I enjoyed the unpredictability and freshness of it. Plus, I could clean my brushes with water instead of solvent," said Shuck.
She continued to take a variety of classes, join a variety of art leagues and dabble in various expressions of art wherever she lived. A life-long dream arrived when Shuck finally could enroll in classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She was then upset to learn the next move was to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Europe. "I drug my feet all the way to Luxembourg since it meant leaving art school behind," said Shuck. "When I simmered down long enough to think about it, it meant I could see world famous art just hours from my doorstep. So what was the problem?" European art trips included museums and churches in England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy. Art lessons included an oil painting class (in English) with Gustave Alhadeff in his Brussels studio. By far, Shuck's favorite trips were to the Paris museum, l'Orange (with its two oval rooms on the basement level that hosted a continuous, ceiling-to-floor circular Waterlily painting by Monet), and to Monet's home in the small village of Giverny, France, a few miles from the Seine River.
"His famous apple green, Japanese bridge was covered with drooping lavender wisteria," said Shuck. "All day, we seemed to stroll in and out of one of Monet's painting or landscapes. It was a surreal experience." In 2000, Shuck moved to Plainfield and returned to the College of DuPage to learn Web
design. She is the Plainfield Art League's gallery manager, newsletter editor and Webmaster and is thrilled about the league's new home at 519 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Sandy Shuck:
Goal in creating art: "I have learned to use technology to simplify the art process. It is my goal to achieve what I want to say faster using modern technology." How far has one of your pieces traveled? "I have two commissioned works in England." Words of Wisdom: "I would advise young artists to remain faithful to their art. No matter what their circumstances, learn to incorporate your art into everything you do. The world needs art."
For more information on the Plainfield Art League: The league meets from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month in Plainfield. For more information, visit www.plainfieldartleague.org or email info@plainfieldartleague.org,
Caption:
Sandy Shuck of Plainfield is an artist who has won awards in watercolor, oil and pencil drawing. Artwork by Sandy Shuck
Copyright, 2005, The Herald News. All rights reserved. REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED.
Record Number: PFS1471478
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