“… a lot of very intelligent people are very uncomfortable talking about art because they don’t have much background in it. I think that the kind of training that (Art Encounter) gives people- ways to enter into the experience of looking and trusting one’s own thoughts- is invaluable to everyone involved: artists and audience alike.”
Julia Katz, Host Artist, Expanding Visions Fall 2008 program
Get an inside view of how large scale sculptures are made as we visit the studios of three sculptors producing very different works. Sapir works with a variety of processes including welded steel, metal coils and glass to produce abstract and figurative works that often exalt the human condition. Stephenson, a fifth generation artist, welds steel plates to create human forms from abstract geometric shapes. Svenson makes realistic, abstract and fantastical figures in cast bronze. He will demonstrate a “bronze pour” for us and take us through the casting process.
You will not want to miss this special opportunity to see contemporary art, stunning views, and beautiful landscaping. The Kessler’s beautiful North Shore home is situated on a point overlooking Lake Michigan. The collection is eclectic with paintings by modern and contemporary major artists including Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Hans Hoffman and Jean Dubuffet, outdoor sculpture by Virginio Ferrari and Lynn Chadwick as well as art glass by Dale Chihuly, Toots Zinsky and John Kuhn.
In keeping with the season, join us for a double header today as we visit two figurative artists in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village. Jackson rehabbed an Italianate 1889 house to create a second floor gallery and a third floor studio. We’ll discuss how her series of narrative paintings from family photos connect to tell a story. Then, we’ll meet Robinson in his store front studio where he creates large scale figures and faces in drawings and in wood as well as furniture. Tom will demonstrate his unique “wood mosaic” process of laminating organic shapes to portray portraits of individual people.
Discover an amazing variety of art and design in this North Shore home featured in CS Interiors Summer 2008. While the architecture reflects a sense of history, the collectors have placed contemporary furnishings and cutting edge art alongside traditional objects. A partner in a special events home accessories and tablescapes business, and a former MCA docent, the owner brings her eye for serious art and for fun to the collection including a fantastic costume by Nick Cave. With their recent interest in contemporary photography, the couple has works by major international artists including Reneke Dijkstra, Jenny Holzer, Alfredo Jarr, and Candida Hofer.
Meet curator Jane Stevens and exhibiting artists Michelle Stone and James Mesple at the beautiful State of Illinois Building Gallery to explore an unusual multimedia exhibit. Based on “artists as visionaries”, the show examines diverse ways of perceiving, exploring and understanding the world through mythology, science, religion, nature and art portals to the realms of consciousness. “Pathways” features work by 13 very different artists who have created installations, video pieces, sound works, paintings and sculptures to make connections between the physical and mystical worlds.
Enjoy a charming Streeterville apartment that has a view of the lake and a collection of colorful contemporary artworks with several pieces by the same artists. The paintings are mostly abstract with some figurative works. We’ll see artworks by abstract illusionist Stabilito and several works by New Mexican artists including Richard Davis, Steiner, John Nieto, Harold Larson and Kevin Zuckerman, paintings by Jiri Mracek and Alain Gavin, as well as sculpture, glass and a 16th century secretary.
Explore artists’ studios in Chicago’s Ravenswood district. We’ll begin with ceramicist Gale Rattner who creates sculpture and functional porcelain vessels emphasizing microscopic imagery. Printmaker and papermaker Pat O’Neil makes objects out of translucent papers she has made as well as painting and drawing on her own papers. Previously painting botanicals, Mary Ann Grumman is now photographing nature. If time permits, we’ll stop by other studios in the building.
Visit a fascinating art collection in the new Trump Tower. Dalia’s thought-provoking collection includes works by modern and contemporary renowned artists including Jean Metzinger, Karel appel, Jean Dubuffet, a collection of LeWitt prints, Man Ray, Susan Caporeal, Luciano Castelli and studio glass.
Be sure to join us to see a collection of major modern and contemporary artists in this beautiful North Shore home. The house, designed by Tony Grunsfeld, overlooks Lake Michigan and has gardens designed by Doug Hoever. The collection includes sculpture by Nikki de St. Phalle and George Segal, paintings by Hans Hoffman, Roberto Juarez, Ed Pashke and Hans Hoffman as well as some art glass and African sculpture. The Hanig’s recent concentration is on international photography with works by John Baldessari, Wolfgang Tillman, Hannah Starkey and Jeffrey Aaronson.
