A Citywide Celebration of Women Artists at seventeen community art galleries, studios, colleges and societies in Peoria, Peoria Heights, Dunlap and Morton. Works by and about contemporary and historical women artists from the Peoria area and around the county will be featured. The works of Notre Dame and Peoria high school students who use their creativity to represent a woman who is important in their lives will be shown online and digitally at the Peoria Heights Library and the Prairie Center of the Arts. Maps and podcasts will guide community members and visitors to the exhibitions. Event calendars will highlight events about women writers and actors as well as visual artists. For more information please contact the participating galleries and look at the Celebration facebook page at www.facebook.com/citywide.celebration.of.women. artists. Here are samples of works from the participating galleries ..
Why I make art… I make art because making art is less painful than not making art. For me it is like oxygen, I can’t live without it. It is what and who I am. Steph Van Doren About the painting… Icarae represents the feminine of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun. However, this strong woman has touched the sun and is returning with it to Earth. Steph Van Doren Icarae Acrylic on canvas, 48x36 in. “Sparks*CIAO Closes the Gap” October 15-November 15 Opening reception: October 18 Prairie Center of the Arts 1506 SW Washington St, Peoria 309-657-6767 www.ciaopeoria.com
About the exhibit… Chicago artist Christine Rojek provides a display of drawings, studies, models and photographs to show how she creates commissioned sculptures. With her work she explores kinetics and viewer interaction. Christine Rojek Umbrella Flower Mixed media “ Christine Rojek Sculpture” September 14-October 25 Contemporary Art Center 305 SW Water Street, Peoria 309-674-6822 http://www.peoriacac.org
Why I make art… I like thinking and imagining. Art helps me shed light on the layers of memory and random ideas collected during a lifetime. Being an artist is both a time consuming and expensive endeavor, so why do I do it? I enjoy the journey, the search, and the challenge. Carol Quell Carol Quell Reminder of Invisible Light Mixed media and collage, 20x20in. “Susan Carson, Carol Quell, Linda Verkler, And Jacqueline Wiillis ” November 2-December 20 Opening reception: November 2, 6:30-8:30pm Contemporary Art Center 305 SW Water Street, Peoria 309-674-6822 http://www.peoriacac.org/
Why I make art… The painting was motivated by a card I have had for years. The colors were all so happy and playful and fun to work with. Any problems or stress I have seems to disappear and another world comes in play. My studio is always filled with music from the 40s and early 50s, memories from my childhood with my family and my paintings come alive. So much fun, yet sometimes disappointments. Dorothy Thornton About the painting… The painting was motivated by a card I have had for years. The colors were all so happy and playful and fun to work with. Dorothy Thornton Color , 2013 Oil , 16x20in. “ In the manner of…” October 15-November 15 Opening reception: October 25, 5-7pm Exhibit A Gallery Junction City, 5901 N. Prospect Road, Peoria 309-693-6180 www.exhibitagallery.net/
Why I make art… I make art because I have to, I always have and always will. It is in my DNA and I come from a long line of creators. Trish Williams Trish Williams Soul Serenade II African wax printed cottons, artist-dyed cotton, cotton fabrics, glass beads. 37x26.5in. “Sapphire and Crystals, A Collective of African- American Women Artists” October 15-November 15 Opening reception: October 20, 2-5pm Gallery Romain 1919 N Sheridan Road, Peoria 309-713-3744 http://www.facebook.com/fiberartisttrish.williams http://www.jromain.com
About the artist… Eleanor Coen was born in 1916 in Normal, Illinois. After studying at Illinois State University, she moved to Chicago to complete her degree at the Art Institute School. She became one of the city’s finest and best-known mid- century printmakers and painters. Coen met her husband, artist Max Kahn, in Peoria soon after he graduated from Bradley University. They went ice-skating together one evening. Max fell through the ice and his pant leg froze stiff. "It doesn't bother me," he shrugged when Eleanor asked. Much later, he told his son Noah, "It was love at first sight. “ For more about Coen, see http://iwa.bradley.edu/lakeviewmuseum. Eleanor Coen (1916-2010) Cityscape Oil , 36x26in. “ Paintings by Eleanor Coen ” October 1-November 15 Reception: November 7, 5pm Heuser Gallery, Bradley University 1400 W Bradley Avenue, Peoria 309-676 — 6711 http://www.slane.bradley.edu/art Symposium at Bradley University MIDWEST WOMEN ARTISTS, 1840-1940, Discovering their work, Telling their stories, Learning from the past. Free. November 7 & 8 http://iwa.bradley.edu/symposium
Artist statement… As long as I can remember creativity has been my primary aptitude. As a little girl I always drew fashion models wearing long flowing gowns, what fun! My dad had shown me little drawing tricks, such as using the numerals “1”, “2”, and “3” to draw a facial profile. Although art was not his avocation, he was a dreamer of ideas. It was he who bought my first oil painting set when I was in fifth grade. Oil was it for me… While anticipating retirement and wanting to reconnect with the art community I was introduced to the art of colored pencil. It was the fun and varied techniques taught by Kay Bishop that opened up innumerable hours of satisfaction and enjoyment for myself and her loyal students. As an Illinois Art League member, I also have benefited from many member-taught and professional workshops. But, it’s the small group settings that have rendered the close and personal relationships with follow artist. Bev Pullen Bev Pullen Mariner’s Way Colored pencil, 11x14in. “ Illinois Art League Women Artists Past and Present” October 15-November 15 Opening reception: October 25, 3-5pm Peoria Heights Library 816 E Glen Avenue, Peoria Heights 309-682-5578 http://www.peoriaheightslibrary.com/ http://www.illinoisartleague.com
Why I make art… Growing up on thirty acres of prairie land in Central Illinois may seem somewhat boring for some; but, I found beauty in the vast skies and open fields. I loved waking up to the beautiful sunrises and watching, from our front porch, as the sun created stunning skies as it set in the evenings. My mother and grandmother are both landscape painters, and I’ve spent my life watching them work. Inheriting their desire to create inspired me to try my hand at painting, but I was never satisfied with it. Then, while in college, I discovered I had a love for photography. Today, I often rise very early to take photos of the local sunrises near my home. It is peaceful and meditative being alone at that hour, just my camera and I. My photography provides a wonderful way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Emily Jacob Emily Jacob Dark Hedges Photograph, 11x14in. “ Hidden Talents” October 4-November 17 Opening reception: October 4 Jefferson Street Studio and Gallery 206 W Jefferson Street, Morton 309-696-9015 www.facebook.com/JeffersonStreetStudioAndGallery
Why I make art… I make art because I must. It is simply not optional for me. I like to think of it in terms of what the Greeks would call my ‘muse’ – my source of inspiration. In reality it is probably that the artistic centers of my brain are especially developed and active. But ‘my muse’ sounds so much more poetic and acknowledges the idea that, from my perspective, many times it feels as if this inspiration and passion comes from something beyond the mortal world. I would say I have an overactive and demanding muse. She has no concept of the limitations of time, energy, or money. She is the reason my brain is constantly firing off ideas. The typical format for this is something like ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to do this, and it can be like that and I will add this…’ (all said with an air of boundless enthusiasm). I have these conversations with myself pretty much all day. I would be horribly unhappy if I was unable to bring some of these id eas into the real world. Tracey Frugoli Tracey Frugoli Rosie the Riveter Photograph, 18x12in. “ Tracey Frugoli: Deeper Than Skin, Brighter Than Light “ August 13-October 17 Pearce Gallery 202 N 2 nd St, Dunlap 309-265-6094 http://www.pearcegallery.com/pearcegallery
About her artwork… Tremont artist and art teacher Nichole Roller has described her painting style by saying that she enjoys "manipulating the rules of perspective by twisting and distorting the subjects I'm painting ... and looking up close at my brush strokes" so she can examine the underlying layers.” (Steve Stein Feb 5, 2012 Journal Star) About the exhibit… Five women artists describe the subject of private gardens. They are: Katie Beasley, Chris Hutson, Sarah Nesbit, Nichole Roller, and Sarah Anne Williamson. Nichole Roller Family Matters Drawing, 22x18in. “Private Garden , Well-Cultivated Regions Explored by 5 Different Artists” October 22-November 30 Opening reception October 25, 6-8pm Pearce Gallery 202 N 2 nd Street, Dunlap 309-265-6094 http://www.pearcegallery.com/
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