Plainfield Art League

2012 "Best of the Best" Exhibit at Plainfield Library - January 11, 2012

2012-01-12T12:16:00.001-06:00

A big PAL thank you to all of you that brought your beautiful artwork to and voted at the "Best of the Best" exhibit at the Plainfield Library last night! A good time was had by all at our member meeting as everyone enjoyed quite a spread of nibbles (as our overseas members would say) and wonderful company. The top 7 finalists in the voting will be moving on to the AFA "Best of the Best" exhibit at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois, in April / May. To view all the entries in our show, please click on the "2012 Best of the Best" picture on our main page and the same title in our Picasa photo album. Thank you again everyone for helping to make our show at the Library a success...our members are the BEST!!!

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Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

December's Member Meeting & Demo

2011-11-28T15:29:00.001-06:00

The Plainfield Art League December Member Meeting and Demo will be held at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95^th Street in Naperville, on December 14^th from 7pm to 9pm. Art instructor Carol Kinast will demonstrate the art of hand-blown glass ornaments and other bonus projects. Refreshments will be served. When entering the main entrance of Neuqua Valley H.S., take a left and follow the door signs to door #11. Hope to see you there and bring a friend!

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Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
http://www.plainfieldartleague.org/
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

November's Demo & Member Meeting:

2011-11-04T13:50:00.001-05:00

We will be holding our November Demo & Meeting at the Panera Bread located on the southeast corner of Caton Farm Rd. and Rt. 59 (entrance off of Caton Farm) on Wednesday, November 9th, from 7pm – 9pm.

This month's demo will be a Works-In-Progress Problem Solving Workshop. All members are invited to bring in their artwork, finished or in-progress. We will discuss and suggest ways to help with problem spots, techniques, composition, and other aspects of design to help you power past any artists blocks you may have. Come join us for a laid-back evening of art and camaraderie and bring a friend!

Hope to see you there!!!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

It's Membership Renewal Time Again!

2011-10-06T18:29:00.001-05:00

October is PAL Membership Renewal Month. Everyone should have received an email on this with a Membership Application attachment, but if you didn't receive yours or accidentally deleted it, you can go to the PAL website and download a copy from the membership area. The deadline for renewal has been extended to November 15^th to give everyone a bit more time.

You can send your application and check to our address at the bottom of this email, or you can bring them with you to our October Member Meeting & Demo. You may also pay online at our website as well. There is, however, an additional $2.00 PayPal transaction fee to do this. However you slice it, we're glad you're back! Here's to a creative prosperous new year for the PAL family!

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Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
http://www.plainfieldartleague.org/
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

October 2011 Member Meeting & Demo

2011-10-06T18:21:00.001-05:00

We will be holding our October Demo & Meeting at the Panera Bread located on the southeast corner of Caton Farm Rd. and Rt. 59 (entrance off of Caton Farm) on Wednesday, October 12^th, from 7pm – 9pm.

This month's demo will be a discussion on "Law and the Arts" with Douglas Tibble, law partner at the Naperville law firm of Brooks, Tarulis & Tibble LLC. Topics discussed will include copyright law, tax law and business laws pertaining to today's artist. It will be a terrific chance to ask questions and gain some valuable knowledge on navigating the legal waters when creating and selling art.

Hope to see you there!!!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
http://www.plainfieldartleague.org/
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

PAL Looking For New Home

2011-09-30T15:53:00.001-05:00

As many of you may know, the Plainfield Art League has been in search of a new permanent home for the past few months. We had been meeting, holding demos and had hosted an art show at the Limestone Brewery in Plainfield during the summer but, unfortunately, that venue was no longer available to us.

Currently (as of September), we are holding our Board Meetings (1st Wednesday of every month - 7pm to 9pm) and our Member Meetings/Demos (2nd Wednesday of every month - 7pm to 9pm) at the Panera Bread located on the southeast corner of Caton Farm Rd. and Rt. 59 (entrance off of Caton Farm). So far this has worked out well, but we are hoping to quickly find some donated space so we can resume our gallery shows and classes in a more permanent situation. If you any information or leads on individuals, businesses, corporations or real estate agents willing to donate available space to a non-profit group such as ours, we would appreciate it if you could contact us!

We will continue to keep everyone informed as to our progress. In the mean time, come and join us on Wednesday, Oct. 12th, from 7pm - 9pm, for our next Member Meeting and Demo and bring a friend. Our topic will be "Law and the Arts" with Douglas Tibble of the law firm of Brooks, Tarulis & Tibble, LLC in Naperville. Subjects such as copyright laws, tax info and business law will be discussed. It should be interesting and very informative! Hope to see you there!

~ Amy S. Turner, PAL Secretary

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Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
http://www.plainfieldartleague.org/
PO Box 1543, Plainfield, Il 60544

Plainfield Art League Upcoming Events - July, 2011

2011-06-29T17:26:00.001-05:00

Plainfield Art League
Upcoming Events For July – 2011

July Member Meeting/Demo:
Our July Demo will be on Fused Glass & Glass Bead Making by Carol Kinast and will be held on July 13th from 7pm – 9pm at Limestone Brewery.
Our next Member Exhibit, "Wild Things," will be held on July 16th from 12pm to 4pm at Limestone Brewery. Each artist is responsible for their work and none can be left after 4pm at Limestone, so if you cannot stay for the show or pick up your work by 4pm, please make arrangements with someone to take your work for you. The Board and Limestone management cannot be responsible for artwork left after the show at Limestone Brewery. Also, you will need to supply your own table or large format easels to display your work, so please make sure to mark your easels with your name for identification. Tables will be provided for smaller pieces and a stage area will be used to display large pieces on large, standing easels you provide. This will be a learning experience for all, so let's give it a try and have some fun!

***We do want to encourage you to bring in any of your own, original artwork you would like to exhibit, regardless of what the "theme" of the show may be. The themes are only intended as possible inspiration, not as a restriction of any kind...so please don't hesitate to show off your work!

Call For Artists – AFA Mayslake Peabody Estate Fine Art Fair
PAL has been invited to participate in the AFA Mayslake Peabody Estate Fine Art Fair at the Peabody Estate in Oak Brook on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011. PAL would be given a 10' x 10' tent space for those PAL members who wish to participate. There is no entry fee for those Art League members displaying in their League's tent space. Individuals may exhibit by purchasing a 10' x 10' space for $175. The deadline for this is July 1st, so if you would like to participate, please let us know ASAP!

***See PAL website for details

Call For Artists – Plainfield River Days 2011
We invite you to participate in the 2nd Annual Plainfield River Days Art Fair sponsored by the Plainfield Art League, Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 10am to 6pm. . The fair will be held along the West side of DuPage River in downtown Plainfield. - In addition to the visual arts there will be live music, food, a beer tent and community activities. Plainfield River Days will be well publicized and attended by an enthusiastic crowd.
Set up time starts at 7 - 9am on Saturday, September 10th. Dismantle time is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. No cars will be allowed after 9am or before 6pm. Artists are expected to maintain their booths for the duration event.
Only one Artist is allowed per booth and the exhibiting Artist is expected to be present. Each artist will be assigned a booth location and exhibit must stay within the assigned 10' x 10' area. Artist may pay for two booth spaces, if a larger area is needed. Artists are responsible for their own tents, display tables materials; set-up and dismantling of booths are the responsibility of the artist. A supply of 20 postcards invitations will be provided to each artist.

***See PAL website for details

Questions? Call us at 815-556-9278 or email us at info@plainfieldartleague.org .

Call for Artists – Friends of the Plainfield Public Library Art & Craft Fair
Friends of the Plainfield Public Library are hosting an Art & Craft Fair on September 24, from 9am to 3pm.
This is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Library, a not for profit organization, which donates the monies reaised to the Plainfield Public Library. The library uses the monies to cover programming and equipment replacement needs.
What: One day, outdoor Art & Craft Fair
Note: This is NOT a juried fair
When: Sept. 24, 2011 – 9am to 3pm
Where: Plainfield Public Library parking lot and lawn, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield, Illinois.
Set Up Time: 7:30am to 9am
Exhibit Site Size: 10ft x 10ft
Exhibitor Site Fee: $20 for the day

Note: Exhibitors must supply their own display equipment and canopy. Canopy must be able to be staked or weighted to provide stability.

Application: Applications can be obtained by calling Barbara Ebeling at 815-439-8184 or email her at CbarbaraL@aol.com

Note: Barbara will send out a complete packet of info detailing other pertinent information.

Note: Artist and crafter applications and fees received by Sept. 1, 2011, will result in the artist or crafter being listed in the following Friends of the Plainfield

- Library Art & Craft Fair advertising:
- Facebook The Friends of the Plainfield Library
- Plainfield Patch
- Grapevine: grpvine.com
- Event and Craft Lister
- Illinois Art Fair Directory
- Illinois Fairs and Fun

***Specific guidelines will be posted at: www.plainfieldartleague.org

Painting Classes at PAL:
Painting classes with Debbie Hart have resumed on Tuesdays, starting June 14th, out of her home. Kids classes will run from 3:30pm – 5:30pm and adult classes will run from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. For more information and directions, please call PAL at 815-556-9278 or email us at info@plainfieldartleague.org

Pick Up Artwork from Dist. 202 Admin. Bldg Show:
If you brought artwork to show at the School District 202 Administration Building in the beginning of June, it's now time to pick up your work. Remember to bring ID with you and check in at the second floor desk and ask for Ryan Boyce before attempting to remove any artwork. Any artwork left on the premisis after June 30th will be stored. It was a terrific success with a beautiful assortment of member artwork. Thank you for participating!

As always, if you have any questions about the above topics/events, classes, exhibits or other PAL related info, please feel free to contact us via email or call the PAL number below. We will be updating everyone as we go. Thanks for being a part of the PAL family and have a wonderfully creative month!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Current and Upcoming PAL Exhibitions - Spring/Summer

2011-06-20T13:25:00.001-05:00

Call For Artists – Plainfield River Days 2011
Space is still available for artists interested in showcasing their artwork during the Plainfield River Days celebration in September. Please go online to www.plainfieldartleague.com for printable entry form and further show guidelines.

Plainfield Art League and Plainfield School District 202 are showcasing the artwork of PAL members in the second floor gallery of the District 202 Administation Building, 15732 Howard Street, Plainfield. Public is welcome but must show ID to view the show. Artwork will be on display until the end of June.

Plainfield Art League is also partnering with the Plainfield Township Park District in showcasing the talents of local area artists. Select artwork from PAL members is on display throughout the year at the Plainfield Township Administration Building located east of Downtown Plainfield on Lockport Street, by 4 Seasons Park. Public is welcome.

To all those interested in joining our community of local artisans, we encourage you to come and join us at our member meeting & demo, held from 7pm to 9pm, every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Limestone Brewery, 12337 S Route 59 in Plainfield. Our meetings and demos are free and open to artists and the public. Bring a friend! For more information contact P.A.L. at 815-556-9278, info@plainfieldartleague.org or www.plainfieldartleague.org.
--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL June 2011 Events

2011-06-06T12:25:00.001-05:00

PAL Needs a New Treasurer....
We are sad to announce that our Treasurer, Alison Saunders, will be leaving us for the U.K. in August. Although she will still be a member and come and visit during holidays, she will no longer be able to take on the tasks of Treasurer. So we are asking you, our members, for your help. If you are willing to volunteer in this capacity, please let us know as we only have a month or so to fill this position. Please call or email us with any questions.

No June Member meeting/Demo:
Due to our recent loss of storefront & gallery space, we are still in the process of working with our new partners at Limestone Brewery to set the details of how and when to hold our first show within their business. Due to this, we have postponed both our June Demo/Member meeting and our next Member Exhibit until July. Our next Demo will be on July 13th from 7pm – 9pm. We will announce the date of our next Member Exhibit, "Wild Things," when the date has been finalized. Thank you for your patience during these transitions!

We do want to encourage you to bring in any of your own, original artwork you would like to exhibit, regardless of what the "theme" of the show may be. The themes are only intended as possible inspiration, not as a restriction of any kind...so please don't hesitate to show off your work!

Call For Artists – Plainfield River Days 2011
We invite you to participate in the 2nd Annual Plainfield River Days Art Fair, Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 10am to 6pm. . The fair will be held along the West side of DuPage River in downtown Plainfield. - In addition to the visual arts there will be live music, food, a beer tent and community activities. Plainfield River Days will be well publicized and attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

Set up time starts at 7 - 9am on Saturday, September 10th. Dismantle time is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. No cars will be allowed after 9am or before 6pm. Artists are expected to maintain their booths for the duration event.

Only one Artist is allowed per booth and the exhibiting Artist is expected to be present. Each artist will be assigned a booth location and exhibit must stay within the assigned 10' x 10' area. Artist may pay for two booth spaces, if a larger area is needed. Artists are responsible for their own tents, display tables materials; set-up and dismantling of booths are the responsibility of the artist. A supply of 20 postcards invitations will be provided to each artist.

Entry Form Attached.

Questions? Call us at 815-556-9278 or email us at info@plainfieldartleague.org .

Painting Classes:

Painting classes with Debbie Hart will resume on Tuesdays, starting June 14th, out of her home. Kids classes will run from 3:30pm – 5:30pm and adult classes will run from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. For more information and directions, please call PAL at 815-556-9278 or email us at info@plainfieldartleague.org

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With all the changes taking place at PAL, we realize it will take some time to settle into a new routine where everyone feels comfortable. Please bear with us!

As always, if you have any questions about the above topics/events, classes, exhibits or other PAL related info, please feel free to contact us via email or call the PAL number below. We will be updating everyone as we go. Thanks for being a part of the PAL family and have a wonderfully creative month!

Riverdays

2011-06-04T14:39:00.001-05:00

Good News – the Riverday’s Call for Artists press release began appearing this week in local papers! I’ll work this week on getting it online.

Tina

Call For Artists - Plainfield River Days

2011-05-27T11:38:00.001-05:00

Dear PAL Members and friends ~

On September 10, 2011, Plainfield Art League will host the 2nd Annual River Days Fine Art Fair from 10am to 6pm, in conjuction with Plainfield River Days in downtown Plainfield. In addition to the visual arts there will be live music, food, beer tent and community activities. All artists interested in participating, please go online to www.plainfieldartleague.org for more details or see attached Entry Form (also available on our website). Entry fee is $50 for per 10' x 10' space. We hope you'll join us!

Please contact us with any questions, 815-556-9278 or info@plainfieldartleague.org

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL Moving This Saturday

2011-05-18T13:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Members ~

If you have an hour to spare this coming Saturday, May 21st, we could use a hand as PAL moves out of our current store-front space @ 16108 Route 59. We will start around 10am. If anyone has a larger truck that we could use to help move some of the larger items PAL has collected, we'd really appreciate it!

Thanks everyone!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL - Meeting/Demo Tonight!

2011-05-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

Please join us for our quick meeting & demo TONIGHT , May 11, 2011 - 7pm at Limestone Brewery, 12337 S Route 59 (on the east side of Rt. 59, one block North of WalMart), in Plainfield. In addition to the demo, we will also be electing our new board. We will be holding our meeting & demos at Limestone Brewery until PAL finds a new, permanent home, so come check it out. This event is free and open to the public - bring a friend!

"The Business of Art: It Is About People" - A mini seminar on effective marketing for today's artist by entrepreneur and art marketing speaker, Ed Hart. - Ed Hart, husband and manager of professional artist, Pamela Hart, will speak on diverse ways for artists to market their artwork to the public and what it takes to "take your art sales to the next level."

Hope to see you there!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL May Upcoming Events

2011-05-06T11:28:00.001-05:00

Plainfield Art League

Upcoming Events For May – 2011

A Big Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to PAL members Al Tampa, who won "Best of Show" for his oil painting entitled "Helping Hands," and to Gloria Moses, who won "Honorable Mention" for her oil painting entitled "Dancer in Red," at the Alliance of Fine Art "Best of the Best" show at Mayslake, Oak Brook! Also congratulations to PAL members Mike Bessler and Courtney Weed who both sold their pieces at the show! Way to go!

PAL is Moving in May!

In March, we were notified by our current landlord that a paying tenant was found for PAL's space. Through some discussion, it was decided that we would vacate the space May 21^St. Although we do not have a new permanent residence for PAL, there is good news! The very nice people at Limestone Brewery, north on Rt 59, have graciously agreed to allow us to hold our meetings, demos, workshops and occasional open studios there and are encouraging us to also hold our exhibits there as "Saturday Art Shows" (from noon to 4pm with artwork for sale) where members could then vote on "Best of Theme," etc. Limestone has wonderful meeting rooms and a stage area for our shows, all with easy access. Further opportunities for showing art at Limestone are also being discussed and more details will be forthcoming. We are very optimistic that the benefits of this collaboration will be fruitful for PAL's artists.

We are still looking for a permanent, longer-term home for PAL. If you know of any available space that might be donated or rented at a reduced rate to our organization, please let the Board know.

ON THE MOVE.... If anyone is available to volunteer to help pack up and clean out our old space, please let us know. We would appreciate the help! We will be doing some clean up at the studio starting Saturday, May 14^th and will be officially moving out starting May 21 around 10am. We will also be needing a couple trucks to haul larger items. If you can, stop by and lend a hand. Thanks!

PAL Board Elections:

Annual elections for PAL's Board will be held at Limestone Brewery during next week's member's meeting on Wednesday, May 11th. The following positions are still in need of filling: Vice President and Exhibit Coordinator. We need the gift of your time and talents to help PAL to continue to survive and thrive. The jobs are not time-intensive but FUN. Please consider volunteering in any way you can...PAL needs YOU!

Current "Burst of Color" Exhibit Pick-up:

Because of the imminent move, pick-up for the current "Burst of Color" exhibit at the gallery will be from Friday, May 13 - noon to 4pm & Saturday, May 14^th – 10:00am – 1pm. If you are unable to pick up your artwork at these times, please call to make other arrangements.

May Demo Info:

In our May demo, speaker Ed Hart will discuss and entertain questions on the topic - "The Business of Art: It Is About People." This demo will be held at Limestone Brewery on May 11, 2011.

***Ed Hart, husband and manager of professional artist, Pamela Hart, will speak on diverse ways for artists to market their artwork to the public and what it takes to "take your art sales to the next level." Discussion will include how to put today's technology to use, showing at art fairs, approaching galleries and other practical advice for marketing your artwork. For those artists who want to sell a few pieces or for those who aspire to make art their full time job, this is a terrific opportunity to learn the secrets to successful art marketing from a full-time art entrepreneur. You can visit their website here: www.HartsArt.com

Call for Artists – Gallery At Plainfield School District 202:

If you are interested in showing off your framed, ready-to-hang artwork in a local venue, PAL has been asked to show their work at the Plainfield District 202 building from now, May, until the end of June/beginning of July. You can drop off your ready-to-hang artwork [NO sawtooth hangers] any time between 7am and 3pm this week and next. Please ask for Ryan Boyce who will assist you.

The gallery is located on Howard Street in Plainfield, on the second floor. Cross streets are Rt. 30 and Renwick, located near Pioneer Lanes and Central Elementary. The building is pale yellow.

Each member may bring 3 – 5 pieces, there is plenty of room. Please remember that all PAL exhibit rules still apply for this show and they have the same display system as we have.

Dist. 202 offices:

15732 Howard Street

Plainfield IL 60544

(815) 577-4014

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With all the changes taking place at PAL, we realize it will take some time to settle into a new routine where everyone feels comfortable. Please bear with us!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL May Meetings & Demo Reminder

2011-05-03T12:17:00.001-05:00

Dear Members,

Annual elections for PAL's Board will be held at Limestone Brewery during our May member's meeting on Wednesday, May 11th (12337 S Route 59, on the east side of Rt. 59, one block North of WalMart). The following positions are still in need of filling: Vice President and Exhibit Coordinator. The jobs are not time-intensive but FUN. We need the gift of your time and talents to help PAL to continue to survive and thrive. Please consider volunteering in any way you can...PAL needs YOU! If you are interested in helping in any way, join us this Wednesday, May 5th - 7:00pm at the gallery (last time before we vacate our space), for our board meeting.

Also, don't forget about our May demo at Limestone Brewery after our Board elections on May 11, 2011 - 7pm. This event (see below) is free and open to the public. Should be very informative and a terrific time! Hope to see your there!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

"The Business of Art: It Is About People" - A mini seminar on effective marketing for today's artist by entrepreneur and art marketing speaker, Ed Hart.

Ed Hart, husband and manager of professional artist, Pamela Hart, will speak on diverse ways for artists to market their artwork to the public and what it takes to "take your art sales to the next level." Discussion will include how to put today's technology to use, showing at art fairs, approaching galleries and other practical advice for marketing your artwork. For those artists who want to sell a few pieces or for those who aspire to make art their full time job, this is a terrific opportunity to learn the secrets to successful art marketing from a full-time art entrepreneur.

Speaker Information:

Ed Hart was born and raised in the Midwest. He received a degree in Marketing and Public Relations from Ball State University but finds his true education has been earned by working with customers over the past thirty years. He worked in the Electrical Supply Industry as District Manager for Rome Cable and founded Heartland Electrical Representatives.

Married to Pamela Hart, a professional artist, for over 30, Ed has acted as her adviser and business partner, marketing and growing Pamela's thriving art sales.

Ed is involved in every aspect of Pamela's business except actual painting. He maintains the website, digitally photographs finished works, maintains an Access data base of clients and inventory, handles most of the contacts with gallery partners, stretches canvas, fills out show applications, and even orders supplies. This allows Pamela the freedom to create unhindered and is an important factor in their collaborative success.

________________________________________________________________________________________

One more thing.... If anyone is available to volunteer to help pack up and clean out our old space, please let us

know. We would appreciate the help! We will be doing some clean up at the studio starting Saturday, May 14^th and will be officially moving out starting May 21 around 10am. We will also be needing a couple trucks to haul larger items. If you can, stop by and lend a hand. Thanks!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL - May Demo on Art Marketing at LImestone Brewery

2011-04-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

Dear Members,

Our demonstration on May 11, 2011 - 7pm will be held at Limestone Brewery, 12337 S Route 59 (on the east side of Rt. 59, one block North of WalMart), in Plainfield. This event is free and open to the public.

"The Business of Art: It Is About People" - A mini seminar on effective marketing for today's artist by entrepreneur and art marketing speaker, Ed Hart.

Do you want to sell your artwork or make your art into a full-time business?

Ed will take questions and discuss the following:

- What is an Artist? What is a professional Artist? And what are the differences?

- So You want to go Pro. Are you Sure?

- What will you sell? What makes your heart sing? Does anyone want to buy it?

- Where will you sell it? Gift shops, Galleries, Street Fairs?

- Where will you produce it?

- Where will you store it, and how will you transport it.?

- How will you price it?

- Art Fairs

- Websites, Computer stuff

- Galleries

- Network Groups

Speaker Information:

Married to Pamela Hart, a professional artist, for over 30, Ed has acted as her adviser and business partner, marketing and growing Pamela's thriving art sales.

Should be very informative and a terrific time! Hope to see your there!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Call for AFA Member Artists - Application for AFA Fine Art Fair

2011-04-15T15:06:00.001-05:00

Dear PAL Members:

Here is an opportunity to show and/or sell your work at Alliance of Fine Art's Mayslake Fine art Fair. Please use the links provided for more information, if you are interested.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: G Hoffman <ghoffman12003@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Subject: Call for AFA Member Artists - Application for AFA Fine Art Fair
To: Glen Hoffman <ghoffman12003@yahoo.com>

Dear Delegates and Presidents,

Please help publicize the 2011 AFA Mayslake Peabody Estate Fine
Art Fair to your membership. The AFA is encouraging, all art fair ready
artists, to apply for this year's fine art fair. It will be held
Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th at the Mayslake Peabody
Estate in Oak Brook. Additional details can be found in the attached
application and on the web at www.allianceoffineart.org. We at the
Alliance of Fine Art would love for this fine art fair to be a local showcase
for artists belonging to AFA member organizations. The application
deadline is June 1st.

Thank you and please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Glen Hoffman - Director
Alliance of Fine Art
www.allianceoffineart.org

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Opportunity for Pastel Artists

2011-04-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

DESMOND O'HAGAN
MASTER PASTELIST
WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2011

*******************

The Chicago Pastel Painters are proud to present Master Pastelist & Internationally distinguished artist Desmond O'Hagan in a three day Presentation & Worshop September 16, 17th & 18th, 2011.

Mr. O'Hagan will give a slide presentation, demo and workshop commencing Friday evening 7-9:30.

The presentation will be followed by a two day Workshop for pastel artists of all levels, from 9:30-4:30 both Saturday & Sunday September 17th & 18th.

This popular Workshop will be limited. We suggested all interested artists send a deposit of $150 as soon as possible, to hold your attendance.

Contact person & email address below for further information & inquires.

Workshop Fee: $295
Location: Northeastern University, Chicago, IL (studio room TBA)
Dates: September 16, 17 & 18, 2011

Contact: Randie Hope LeVan, Chicago Pastel Painters Workshop Coordinator
Email: www.sixgablesart@aol.com

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL April Events

2011-04-10T15:53:00.001-05:00

Plainfield Art League

Upcoming Events For April – 2011

Welcome New Members!

Pal would like to welcome the Butlers, Alex Ocala, Connie Simons, Judy Irwin and Paige Hval. We hope you will enjoy your participation within our network of art professionals, patrons and life-long learners. We're glad you're here!

PAL is Moving!

In March, we were notified by our current landlord that a paying tenant was found for PAL's space. Through some discussion, it was decided that we would vacate the space May 21^St. Good news though! The very nice people at Limestone Brewery, north on Rt 59, have graciously agreed to allow us to hold our meetings, demos, workshops and occasional open studios there and are encouraging us to also hold our exhibits there as "Saturday Art Shows" (from noon to 4pm with artwork for sale) where members could then vote on "Best of Theme," etc. Limestone has wonderful meeting rooms and a stage area for our shows, all with easy access. Further opportunities for showing art at Limestone are also being discussed and more details will be forthcoming. We are very optimistic that the benefits of this collaboration will be fruitful for PAL's artists.

We are still looking for a permanent, longer-term home for PAL. If you know of any available space that might be donated or rented at a reduced rate to our organization, please let the Board know.

ON THE MOVE.... If anyone is available to volunteer to help pack up and clean out our old space, please let us know. We would appreciate the help! We will be doing some clean up at the studio starting Saturday, May 14^th and will be officially moving out starting May 21 around 10am. We will also be needing a couple trucks to haul larger items. If you can, stop by and lend a hand. Thanks!

PAL Board Elections:

Annual elections for PAL's Board will be held at Limestone Brewery during our May member's meeting on Wednesday, May 11th. The following positions are still in need of filling: Vice President and Exhibit Coordinator. We need the gift of your time and talents to help PAL to continue to survive and thrive. The jobs are not time-intensive but FUN. Please consider volunteering in any way you can...PAL needs YOU!

Current "Burst of Color" Exhibit Pick-up:

April Demo Info:

Our next demo on plein air style/ palette knife oil painting will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 13, by Debbie Hart at the PAL Gallery. She will discuss and demonstrate blocking in solid color, color choice, composition, technique and proper tool use for painting on location.

Debbie's Bio:

Debbie's art career initially started after receiving an AAS in Graphic Design. She has held various art-related positions ranging from publishing to design of ornamental pewter jewelry.

Debbie's interest changed to Scientific Illustration where she received a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree in illustration from Northern Illinois University. Her accomplishments include being chosen as a finalist in the International Exhibit for the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators in Denver, Colorado where her work was on display for six months. She has also displayed at an open studio in conjunction with a National Geographic Exhibit held in Kenosha, Wisconsin, showcasing Peter Bianchi's work.

May Demo Info:

Our May demo will be held at Limestone Brewery on May 11, 2011. Ed Hart from www.HartsArt.com will give a talk on marketing and promoting your artwork and preparation for art shows. Ed is the husband of Pamela J. Hart, who is represented in various galleries across the country – from Caramel, CA, Illinois, and Door County, WI, to name a few.

Call for Artists – Plainfield Riverdays:

Plainfield Riverdays will be a 2 day event this year – September 10^th & 11^th. Entrants must participate for both days and the space requirements will be the same at last year. The entry fee will be $100 per tent (or for those registering before June 1^st, only $75). Overnight security will be provided and a secure building for storage will be available. The entrant's application must be approved by the Riverdays Committee. Applications should be available later this week. More information to come....

Just a Reminder – Exhibit Rules:

PAL wants to remind our members that only original art (art created from your own photographs...concept, design and execution) are allowed in PAL exhibits. Workshop/class artwork created as a group from instructor supplied photos will not be eligible for shows, however class/workshop projects using your own photos are eligible. After much discussion, we are trying to make a distinction between "practice" work and original artwork in our shows. If you have any questions regarding eligibility of a piece of your artwork, please ask/call and we will try to help.

Because of our new situation at Limestone Brewery, future shows will have different parameters – namely single day, 4 hour shows on specified Saturdays. This will require artists to be available in that 4 hour period to not only deliver your artwork, but also to set up AND pick-up their work afterward. Artwork will need to be set up by each artist on their own easels (depending on size, either table-top or free-standing easels are acceptable – PAL does not supply the easels). If you are unable to do so, you should either arrange to have someone bring in / set up / pick up your work for you or simply wait until the next show.

Although we try to accommodate busy schedules, we depend on volunteers' limited time to make our exhibits happen. So since this will be a new approach for all of us, adhering to drop-off and pick-up times will be especially important as we will have no space or leeway to leave any artwork behind. PAL and Limestone Brewery cannot be responsible for your artwork. We will include more details once we have the date for our first show.

With all the changes taking place at PAL, we realize it will take some time to settle into a new routine where everyone feels comfortable. Please bear with us!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

PAL Board Meeting - All Invited

2011-04-05T14:36:00.001-05:00

Members ~

Just a reminder that we would like you to please consider volunteering to join the Plainfield Art League's Board! If you are interested in helping, please come to our board meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 6th, 7:00 pm at the gallery...we'd love to see you there, answer any questions you might have and get your input!

Have a terrific day and hope to see you tomorrow night....

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

2011-04-04T18:04:00.001-05:00

Members ~

Here are several opportunities brought to our attention, if you are interested. Have a good week!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DuPage Art League

Presents Winter/Spring WORKSHOPS

(630) 653-7090

www.dupageartleague.org

Watercolors with Tom Lynch

Tom will show the vast range and flexibility of watercolor.

Learn to put emotion and conviction into painting by

pushing the limits of color, contrast and light. Tom has an

organized program that sets a goal for each day and sees

that each student has an example and understanding of

that day's lesson. Daily demonstrations with explanations

of all the hows and whys.

Date:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 14 - 16 from

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $225.00 Number: W/S

302

Wax Encaustic Painting WITH Sarah

Rehmer

Encaustic, a painting medium dating back to the Ancient

Greeks and Egyptians, is a mixture of beeswax, dammar

resin, and pigment, heated on a palette and fused with

heat. Workshop provides an understanding of technique,

safe studio practices, making encaustic and setting up a

home

studio. Covers topics of supports, preparation, fusing, and

demos on painting, layering, collage, solvent free image

transfer, and mixed media techniques. Most materials

included. All levels.

Date:Saturday, June 4 and Sunday,

June 5, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost $240

Number: W/S

303

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

RE: Come See the AFA Best of the Best show

2011-03-25T19:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Members ~

Sorry all for the double note - noticed the info did not show. Here are the specifics for the AFA Best of the Best Exhibit:

Exhibition will be held at the

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook, IL 60523

March 29 through May 5

Gallery Hours:

Fridays, 9am - 3pm

Saturdays, 9am - 1pm

Closing Reception:

Thursday, May 5th, 6pm - 8pm

(630)206-9988
www.mayslakepeabody.com

www.allianceoffineart.org

Thanks for your patience and hope you get a chance to come to the Exhibit!

Have a terrific weekend!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Come see AFA Best of the Best Show

2011-03-25T18:49:00.001-05:00

Dear Members,

We invite you to come visit the Alliance of Fine Art's 2011 Best of the Best show at Mayslake, Peabody Estate, Oak Brook IL. from March 29th through May 5th, 2011. PAL has the top eight members from our Best of the Best exhibit in the show. Further information and directions are available on the websites provided below. It's a wonderful way to spend a few hours viewing some of our area's best art. Hope you can come!

Have a terrific weekend everyone!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Best of the Best Reminder

2011-03-23T16:18:00.001-05:00

Dear Members,

Just a quick reminder that drop-off of PAL "Best of the Best" artwork for the Alliance of Fine Arts "Best of the Best" show at Mayslake in Oak Brook is this Saturday, March 26, from 9am to 11am ONLY. Don't forget to bring your filled-in registration form and check for $20 entry fee! If you are unable to drop off your work or have any questions, please give us a call - we may be able to make other arrangements to get your work there and checked in on time.

Thanks and have a great week!

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: hskibbens@juno.com <hskibbens@juno.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 22, 2011 at 7:05 PM
Subject: Best of the Best
To: car5elder@att.net, info@plainfieldartleague.org, Naperartleague@aol.com, jlucht@wideopenwest.com, marjplacz@comcast.net, Dhl127@comcast.net, eyeboutz@me.com, bjaswith@aol.com, toeknee3@yahoo.com, ip1439@yahoo.com, nanbiluz@hotmail.com

Just a reminder to all who submitted names for the Best of the Best. This Saturday is the day to receive artwork at Mayslake from 9:00am to 11:00am. This is the only time artwork will be received. If you get a chance to remind artists it would be great. Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and hope for a great show for all.

Hugh Skibbens
(630) 393 -0545
hskibbens@juno.com

____________________________________________________________
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Mixed Media/Open Mic Nite

2010-07-22T07:58:00.001-05:00

Join us July 30 at the Plainfield Art League from 7-9 pm for Mixed Media/Open Mic Nite! Bring your best poetry, short story, songs, or comedy to perform, and enjoy artwork by local artists. The artwork will also be available for purchase. Adults and teens only. Acoustic/appropriate material only. No need to register for this great evening. Refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6:30 pm for open mic sign-up. The Plainfield Art League is located at 16108 S. Route 59, Suite 104, Plainfield, Illinois 60586 - Vintage Harvest Plaza - in Plainfield on Rt 59 south of Renwick, west side behind Light Source Lighting and between El Burrito and Hot Tandoori in the back left of the parking lot.

Plainfield Fine Art Gallery

2010-05-24T15:36:00.001-05:00

May 24, 3:14 PMPlainfield ExaminerAnn Ilibasic

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The Plainfield Art League formed in 2003 to promote interest, knowledge, support and participation in the cultural and fine arts for the greater Plainfield area. So when they were told they were cut-off from Village funding in November of 2009, the organization was unsure of its future. Without these funds, they could no longer afford the space costs of their fairly new location on Chicago Street. Ready to close the gallery all together, Theresa Schulz of Schulz Properties and Michael Guinta stepped in and donated space in the Vintage Harvest Plaza strip mall at 16108 S Route 59, Suite 104.

Since their Grand Opening event in January of 2010, the Plainfield Art League's new space is home to a spacious Members' Art Gallery and also houses room for classes, workshops and monthly artist demonstrations. The members' gallery has themed exhibits, rotating on a bi-monthly basis.

The remaining 2010 Exhibit Calendar is:

"Local Images" Now through July 14th
"Reflections" July 17th – September 9th
"Summers End" September 11th – November 10th
"Best of the Best" Through Year End

Currently there are 26 pieces of various mediums hanging in the gallery. Stop in to purchase or simply admire the various works of art. Gallery hours are Friday, 12pm – 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Additionally, the Plainfield Art League hosts several public art exhibits. Join them for:

"Art in the Garden" at the Fields on Caton Farm on July 11th,
"Ida's Garden Art Show" at Ida's Garden Paradise on June 12th, and
"Plainfield River Days Art Fair" In conjunction with Plainfield River Days
on September 11th

Stuff to know: Annual membership fees are: Individual Membership $40; Family Membership $50; Student Membership $20; and Lifetime Membership $350. You can also become a sponsor at the following levels and tiered benefits: Picasso ($50); Rembrandt ($100) plus business card add in newsletter; Da Vinci ($250) plus promotion for your business at one art show; Monet ($500) plus business card add in newsletter; Van Gogh ($1,000) plus event/project recognition; Yeats ($2,500) plus logo on website, event/project sponsor, and included in mass media; Rockwell ($5,000) plus major event recognition; Corporate ($12,000).

Mega Art Supplies

2010-03-15T21:38:00.001-05:00

Hello One and All,

Had a chance to check this out on Sunday. She has a ton of stuff she is clearing out. If you are looking for a studio easel she has a beautiful one. If you are a oil painter you will be in heaven. I am just helping her out by spreading the word. If you need more information let me know.

Take Care
Joe Hadamik

PAX

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My name is Jane Lagerstrom. My grandmother was Katrina Boothe. She was the president of the art league in Joliet for many years. She passed away Christmas morning. I am in charge of her physical estate, part of which is a very extensive art studio. She has just about every medium imaginable, including oils, pastels, pencils, chalks, textures and more. There are loads of stretched canvases and rolls of canvas, water, drawing and tracing paper, countless brushes, pallet knives, grumbacher, oils, acrylics and more. She has a hand crafted working easel, as well as travelling and display easels. There is an extensive library of books, lighting and props, projectors and screens, reference and more. There are also 85 frames, ranging in size from small to very large and ornate. There are paintings and sketches as well.

I would like to see these things go to folks who might appreciate it as much as she did. I am having an estate sale this coming weekend (the 19th, 20th and 21st).

Thanks for your time and consideration.

~ Jane

--
Plainfield Art League
815-556-9278
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
16108 Route 59, Suite 104
Plainfield, IL 60586

Junius Allen (1898 – 1962)

2010-01-23T16:31:00.003-06:00

Known for his realistic and moody paintings depicting coastal landscapes and harbors of New Jersey, New York and New England, Junius Allen was one of New Jersey's most promising artists of the twentieth century.

Junius Allen was born in Summit, New Jersey, in 1898. While a student at Kingsley Preparatory School, he was mentored by national academician, Arthur Woelfle, who encouraged him to hone his artistic skills. After many close calls in the First World War, Allen returned and took a job with a lithography firm in New York. While there, he studied at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art. At Woelfle's urging, he decided to enroll at the National Academy of Design. He also studied under Charles Hawthorne, Francis Jones, George Maynard, Ivan Olinsky and George Elmer Browne. Woelf1e also encouraged Allen to become active in the Salmagundi Club where he eventually played a distinguished role.

He was an academician of the National Academy of Design (vice president and chairman of the School Committee), and a member of the Salmagundi Club (vice president, corresponding secretary and chairman of the Art Committee).

He exhibited at the New York World's Fair (1939), the Audubon Artists, the New Rochelle Art Association (1952 prize), the American Artists Professional League, the Plainfield Art Association (1951 prize), the Montclair Art Association (1951 medal), the National Academy of Design (1933 prize, 1955 purchase award), the New Jersey Gallery in Newark (1934 prize), Allied Artists of America (1943,1949 prize) and the Salmagundi Club (1939, 1941, 1944), among others.

His work is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Montclair Art Museum, the Art Museum of the New Britain Institute, the State Teachers College of Trenton, New Jersey and in many private and institutional collections.

From article: http://dart.fine-art.com/aqd-asp-im_124547-buy-m.htm

1966 - MILDRED PONZIO...SERIGRAPHER

2010-01-13T16:47:00.001-06:00

20...SCOTCH PLAINS TIMES, January 6, 1966

MILDRED PONZIO...SERIGRAPHER

A God Given Talent And A Love Of Art

Mildred Ponzio at work in her studio, (Photo by James E, Brooks)

By RUTH B. GILBERT - Staff Writer

Today, many of us are apt to"ground-hog it" when we see our own shadow,...somehow refusing to see ourselves or the day we live in. How often an artist stirs us out of ourselves and through his eyes we find laughter In what we thought dull and joy in what we thought gloomy.

In a makeshift garage studio,Scotch Plains resident Mildred Ponzio, produces artistic gems in oil, water colors, casein, etchings,black and white sketches and silk screening. It is with the latter medium that this story primarily concerns itself, and with Mrs, Ponzio1 s ability to bring pleasure to the eyes of the beholder through her God given talents.

Her love of art was evident even as a child, though it was then financially Impossible fop her to receive any instruction.After marriage to Scotch Plains native, Carl Ponzio, she took lessons in color and design from the famous muralist, Joachim Loeber, and these lessons were actually inspired when she received a first prize award for an oil painting at the Plainfield Art Association Show.

The next year, another oil,"New York Night", took first place again, followed by a series of awards at both plainfield and Westfield shows. She was in a three women show at the "Silo"in Morris Plains several year sago, and In 1961, had her own one woman show at Swain's In Plainfield,This past September, an exhibit of Mrs. Ponzio's works enhanced the interior of ScotchPlains' First National Bank.Curious as to how she became involved in the process of silkscreening, I was told her lessons with Seymour Lansman commenced soon after she saw, and became fascinated by, an exhibition at the Newark Library.

Silk Screen, or "Serigraph",is a perfection of the early type of stencil printing used by the ancients. It is based on the fundamental principle of the stencil that if paint or any other colored fluid is rubbed over a stencil,it will readily penetrate the unprotected portions and will be unable to pass through the masked portions. The stencil is place don a silk screen which acts as its support (made from stretching a piece of stencil silk across a wooden frame), A squeegee, simulator the kind used for cleaning windows, is used to force the ink or paint through the open areas of the stencil. Because of the versatility of the process, silkscreen printing may be used on almost any surface including cloth, metal, wood, glass, plastic and paper,

A semi-abstract design entitled"Ivy Castle" was Mrs.Ponzio's first attempt at silkscreening. While many artists use a different stencil for each color, she uses a different stencil to emphasize the design. "I like to work with the whole colorscale in one operation", she noted, "and my paintings reflect what I feel not necessarily what I see," In some instances, the picture is completed before she decides what it looks like and names it,

A series of three scenes depicting the "Story of Christ"hangs in the Sycamore Street living room. In free form black and white, the story of the Annunciation,the Birth of Christand St. John foretelling the coming of the Messiah, testifies tothe depth of feeling created in Mrs. Ponzio's religious works.Her "The Cathedral" took a Plainfield Art Show award and"The Madonna" hanging nearby,is a remarkable example of an abstract form, for you can see something different in it each time you look at it.

Her oil paintings, all of which are encased in frames made byher husband, include "The Lord's Supper" (magnificent!), "The Scourging of Christ" and "Madonna".My favorite is entitled"Flowerpiece",.,.done in polntilistic style in which every stroke is applied separately with a knife to o b t a i n a tapestry effect,"Flowerplece" was exhibited several years ago at the Library of Congress in Washington, D,C,Daughter, Linda, a Senior atScotch Plains - Fanwood High School, is following closely in her mother's footsteps and has already won awards at Girl Scout exhibitions and in St. Bartholomew Christmas card design contests.Some of her works were shown with Mrs, Ponzio's in the Swain Art Store exhibition in Plainfield, Aspiring to become a caricaturist, Linda is active in high school art activities and won first prize for her car decorations for the pre-football game motorcade before the Hillside game,

Mildred Ponzio devotes every spare moment to her hobby and has taught classes of Girl Scouts,C.Y.O, groups and offered some private Instruction as well. She firmly believes that anyone with enough drive and ambition can achieve a degree of success in art work.

She particularly enjoys silkscreening because one step can be done' at a time, and for a busy homemaker and mother of four children, this is a definite advantage.Exhibiting at the Montclair Art Museum, the Hunterton County Art Show, the Art Show of the Oranges, The American Artists*Professional League andBambergers' Show of the Year,has resulted in awards which fill several scrapbooks.

The lives of countless friend shave been enriched by her generous gifts of art. Even this lucky writer is now the proud possessor of a lovely silk screen abstract.My crystal ball predicts Mildred Ponzio's name will appear high on the list of New Jersey's foremost artists!

BOARD NOTES - SEPTEMBER 2009

2009-09-14T00:21:00.001-05:00

AFA 2009 BEST OF THE BEST Exhibit at Mayslake/Peabody Estate. PAL's Best of the Best entries will be on their way to Mayslake / Peabody in Oak Brook, IL on September 19th and will be on exhibit through Sunday, November 8, 2009. For gallery hours call (630) 850-2363.

MEMBERSHIP - ANNUAL RENEWAL. PAL is streamlining its membership renewal procedures. All members will renew on October 1st of every year beginning 2009. Letters will be mailed to all members this month explaining the change and enclosing a new and improved membership application. Membership dues will not be increased.

PAL's NEXT BEST OF THE BEST exhibit to select its 2010 entries will be November 14 through Saturday, December 5, 2009. Members will be able to vote for the 10 BEST during gallery open hours or at the December 5th reception before final votes are tallied and the winners are announced. The reception will be held on a Saturday evening to make it a gala event. This exhibit will replace the currently scheduled "Celebrate Art" exhibit. Art on exhibit for BEST OF THE BEST will be taken home from the gallery after the December 5th reception or as may be arranged during the week following. This will leave the walls empty for the holiday art show/bazaar.

HOLIDAY ART SHOW & BAZAAR on Saturday, December 12th (Noon to 6 pm) will be limited to 10 artists (PAL members only). A $20 fee is required and must be paid before a space is considered "reserved." No bake sale. No admission fee for visitors. A second show may be scheduled for December 19th depending on interest.

NO DECEMBER DEMO will be scheduled.

PAL GALLERY WILL GO DARK for January and early February, followed by the high school exhibits in February and into early March. Member exhibits will resume in March. Classes and other activities will continue as announced during these months.

Plainfield group sets art auction

2009-09-04T00:56:00.001-05:00

September 3, 2009

From Submitted Reports

PLAINFIELD -- Members of the Plainfield Art League donated works in watercolor, pastels, oil, pottery and textiles to be auctioned off during the group's Art in the Park event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Village Green Park, Chicago and Fox River streets.

Plainfield School District students will display their art, too, and children's groups will perform throughout the day.

As part of the event, members' donated work will be auctioned off in a silent auction at the gallery, 24114 W. Chicago St., across the street from the park.

The auction items can be previewed from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the gallery.

During the auction, bids will start at 50 percent of the estimated value of the work. Each item will also have a "buy it now" price set at 20 percent above the estimated value. Winning bidders will be notified by phone after the auction closes at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The league's members from throughout the area donated their work as a fundraiser for the nonprofit group.

"I am so grateful to our members for their generous donations," league President Sheryl Jones said. "I hope every wonderful piece finds a new home this weekend."

For information about Art in the Park or the auction, visit www.plainfieldartleague.org. For more information, call 815-436-4351 or e-mail info@plainfieldartleague.org.

Culture hits the great outdoors with Plainfield art show

2009-09-01T00:28:00.001-05:00

By: LRogers
08/24/09 11:41 PM 77 hits
Artists transform simple materials, like paint and canvas, into stunning masterpieces. On Sept. 5, Plainfield Art League's members will transform Village Green Park into a free outdoor gallery. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, artists will display and sell their work in the park, at Chicago and Fox River streets near downtown Plainfield.
The league's dozens of members come from throughout Will County and work in many media, creating everything from photos and paintings to pottery and prints. Plus, other community artists have been invited to take part in the fine arts show.
Visitors can stroll through the park, take part in a silent auction of works donated by league members or view a show by Plainfield School District artists.
At the show, you can enjoy culture without the long drive or the hefty museum admission fee and see local sites in a new way through the eyes of local artists.
Visit www.plainfieldartleague.org for more information. For questions, call 815-436-4351 or e-mail info@plainfieldartleague.org.

Pastel Demo at Plainfield Art League by Barbara Lipkin

2009-07-14T11:05:00.001-05:00

In May, I was invited to do a demonstration of pastel technique at the Plainfield Art League. I prepared for it by doing a drawing first, and then an underpainting using oils on Wallis sanded paper. Here are some pix -

You can see that I did a thumbnail sketch, followed by a pencil drawing on the paper. Then I painted in, very loosely, an oil underpainting, using opposite (complementary) colors.

Plainfield Art League - ARTWORKS

2009-07-13T17:26:00.001-05:00

July 12, 2009

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND For The Herald News

The Plainfield Art League is moving beyond the confines of its gallery to bring high-quality art programs and exhibits to the surroundings communities.

At the same time, the group is offering an ever-changing flow of exhibits at its gallery to spur more involvement.

"By encouraging our artists to set up these high-quality public exhibits, I think we are starting to see a visible art community," said Sheryl Jones, president of the Plainfield Art League (PAL). "This has the potential to draw people into our community from a large geographical area."

From July to September, the league has scheduled several events and invites art lovers of all ages to attend.

For instance, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, PAL will resurrect the "Art in the Garden" show at The Fields on Caton Farm, 1850 Caton Farm Road, Crest Hill. Artists from Plainfield and the surrounding suburbs will sell their works in many mediums (drawings, glass, mixed media, paintings, photography, pottery and sculpture) in the landscaping company's display gardens. The Fields' annual day lily sale will occur, too.

Added to the ambience from 1 to 4 p.m., instrumentalists will perform live, acoustic music.

"This is a small show that gives artists who normally don't participate in the big shows (an opportunity) to showcase their work," Jones said. "Our artists love that show because the setting is beautiful and we make it very artist friendly. Parking for the artists is nearby and they receive help setting up."

Beginning July 13, PAL will begin a new exhibit at the Plainfield Township Building, 1025 E. Lockport Road in Plainfield. This exhibit, Jones said, is part of a new, ongoing project to showcase eight to 10 artists for three months at a time. That building is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

At the PAL gallery and school in downtown Plainfield, 24114 W. Chicago St., members participate in two-months- long themed exhibits.

The summer-related exhibit, "Sizzling," begins July 18 with an artist reception from noon to 5 p.m. That exhibit runs through Sept. 9.

Beginning July 13, PAL gallery hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Another outdoor show is slated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1. A small group of artists will display their work, as well as paint or draw on-site, at Ida's Garden Paradise/Dahl Landscaping, 14960 W. 159th St., Lockport. Admission and parking are free.

On Sept. 5, PAL will host an Art at the Park event at the Village Green in Plainfield.

The group is working with Plainfield School District's art teachers to set up a student art exhibit at the Art in the Park exhibit, too. Jones said the goal is to continue to grow the relationship that began with a 40-piece exhibit in the district's administration building.

Such community art shows are now feasible because financial assistance from the Village of Plainfield and partly because membership is at an all-time high, Jones said. She said 75 artists currently belong to the Plainfield Art League.

"We have maintained a high level of activity in the past year," Jones said. "We are definitely breaking out. We have some exceptionally talented artists in our community, and as we get out there more, we will make them more visible to the public. From there, the quality of the art we produce here can only go up."

For more information, contact the Plainfield Art League at 815-436-4351, send an e-mail to info@plainfieldartleague.com or visit www.plainfieldartleague.com.

June 18 'Sizzling' art exhibit reception at the Plainfield Art League

2009-07-11T07:46:00.001-05:00

The Plainfield Art League will host "Sizzling," a collection of member artwork. There will be an opening reception from noon to 5 p.m. July 18. The exhibit runs through Sept. 9. Gallery is located at 24114 W. Chicago St., Plainfield. Hours are Fridays, 7 to 8 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and other times by appointment. For more information, call 815-436-4351 or visit www.plainfieldartleague.org.

PAL Board Meeting held April 1, 2009

2009-04-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

Springfest Volunteers/Planning:   Springfest and the Plainfield High School Senor Art Exhibit occurs over the weekend of May 15-17.   Installation of Student Exhibit will be Thursday May 14th.   On Saturday and Sunday, 5/16 and 5/17, PAL will have a tent opposite the kids' rides in the park on Des Plaines Street. Volunteers will be needed for face painting.   Christine Kohn will manage the face painting. A PAL general brochure will be created and produced for hand out at the tent and at the gallery.

Committee Chairs:   Along with PAL officers, more committee chairs are needed to insure PAL growth and leadership. These include:

   Program planning (primarily lining up demo artists)
   Managing classes and instructors (recruiting, scheduling, communicating with Promotions Chair)
   PAL has received requests for classes in pastels, life drawing, and children's drawing classes.
   Promotions and communications
   Fund raising and sponsorship

Nominating Committee presented a slate of proposed officers and directors for the 2009-2010 year. The Executive Board slate of officers is Sheryl Jones - President, Christine Kohn - Secretary, Mike Bessler-Treasurer. The office of Vice President is open.   Continuing board members are Cheryl Carman (Hospitality), Joe Hadamik (Artist at Large), Mike Bessler (Webmaster), and Tina Storey (Exhibits). Board nominees are Al Tampa, Barb Tampa, and Leif Rogers.

A proposal for Handling Institutional Memberships (where several individuals are members of the member institution) was discussed. It was decided that rather than set a new membership fee for institutions in general, PAL will offer teachers from Plainfield's District 202 annual memberships at the Student Rate of $20.

Credit Card / Paypal Use: PAL now accepts credit cards for payment of membership dues and to sign up for classes and workshops and can be paid online on PAL's website.   The issues that were addressed included: (1) calculation of the PayPal transaction fees; (2) approving the forms for members to pay online for PAL membership and for class registrations; (3) procedure for instructors to accept completed credit card information forms to register for classes; (4) method to advise instructors of paid registrations for classes.

AFA Art Show Booth: July 25-26 event at the Peabody Estate will be entered only with volunteers to manage booth. Appeals for volunteers will be made at monthly meetings.

Ottawa Art League Request to exchange and post information regarding art events and opportunities was approved. Both PAL and OAL will post links to the other's websites. After discussion, it was decided that links to other AFA member art leagues would be posted.

Volunteer Hours of service requirement for members. After discussion a resolution was adopted. Resolved, that PAL members are expected to volunteer a total of 6 hours of service to PAL over a year's membership. Note of the requirement will be added to Membership Application and Renewal that "members are expected to volunteer for a total of 6 hours over the membership year. Board membership satisfies the requirement."

A Gallery Clean Up Day will be organized for April 18 to add to wall hanging system, stabilize shelf units, and do general cleaning.

Email "Subscribers" who have attended classes but are not members should have right to "unsubscribe." A note will be added to class registration forms to accept or decline email notices from PAL.

Fundraiser Proposal for a plein aire "Paint Out" in September or October 2009. Sunday of the Labor Day weekend was discussed as a possible event day with the Village Park across from the gallery as the site. To reserve the park for the day, the event would be run in conjunction with the Plainfield Park District.

The Plainfield Art League and Plainfield Township Joint Press Release

2009-03-26T14:57:00.001-05:00

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

The Plainfield Art League and Plainfield Township are proud to announce that the work of eight members of the Plainfield Art League is currently on exhibit at the Plainfield Township building located at 22525 W. Lockport Road in Plainfield.

The exhibit is comprised of 30 works including pottery, photography and paintings done in watercolor and oil. All of the pieces are available for sale.

"The quality of the artwork is outstanding. There is so much talent right here in Plainfield Township," said Township Administrative Assistant Monika McMillen.

The exhibit will be up through the end of May. At the end of May, new art pieces will be hung throughout the Township's administrative offices. We encourage you to come visit the Township building during our normal business hours of 8am to 4pm to take a look at this fine art.

For more information on the exhibit or the Plainfield Art League, please contact:

Sheryl Jones

President, Plainfield Art League

815-436-4351

Monika McMillen

Administrative Assistant, Plainfield Township

815-436-8308

(Note: Photos of the artwork on exhibit are available from Sheryl or Monika upon request.)

--
Plainfield Art League
815-436-4351
info@plainfieldartleague.org
www.plainfieldartleague.org
24114 W Chicago St
Plainfield, IL 60544

ARTWORKS Gerardo Valerio Trigueros

2009-03-16T17:28:00.001-05:00

March 15, 2009

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND For The Herald News

Imagine the time it would take to paint the hair of 15 lions, strand by strand?

Yet it is time happily spent for Gerardo Valerio Trigueros, winner of multinational honors and awards during his 38-year career. He says he uses his paintbrushes to fight for the preservation of ecology, especially endangered wildlife.

"I work 12 to 18 hours a day and that is still not enough time for me to finish projects," Trigueros said. "I will need another two lives for me to finish the projects in my brain."

On March 28 and 29, Trigueros will host a two-day painting workshop at the Plainfield Art League. There, he will provide his students "recipes" for creating whatever subject matter they desire.

"I don't see myself as a teacher or a professor or a master. I'm a helper," Trigueros said. "Through my experiences I help my students develop many things that they had only dreamed to do. I think it's important for everybody to find their own subject."

Last summer, Trigueros won Best Painting at the Joliet Festival of the Arts.

Trigueros' interest in wildlife was fostered by his grandfather, Dr. Manuel Valerio, biologist, entomologist and naturalistic studies professor, who often sent the young Trigueros and Trigueros' father into the Costa Rican rainforest to collect specimens for his studies.

Then, at age 9, Trigueros officially became recognized as an artist when he won a contest with his drawing of Costa Rican ex-president Jesus Jimenez.

Later, at the University of Costa Rica, Trigueros excelled in art, including drawing, painting, sculpture, xylography (wood engraving) and engraving. He graduated with a bachelor's degree.

"I decided to paint animals in their environment and all my colleagues told me that I would die of starvation," Trigueros said. "At that time, no one in my country talked about the environment. Many times when I was starving I thought about quitting, but through the years I began to understand the passion I had for the work. It's a matter of love and of patience."

Trigueros creates artwork in two styles -- hyperrealistic and abstract -- and employs a variety of mediums to accomplish it. He paints in acrylic, oil and watercolor. He also creates sculpted pieces and pencil drawings and works in pastel.

His paintings are exhibited in the Costa Rican presidential palace and in government collections.

Others are on permanent exhibition at the Ministry of Education, Nature and Energy, Justice and Grace and in the collections of the National Bank of Costa Rica and University for Peace.

For more information, visit www.gerardovaleriotrigueros.com.

Chroma painting event at Plainfield Art League April 15, 2009

2009-03-13T09:12:00.001-05:00

Atelier Interactive Professional Artists' Acrylics offer a truly unique and different acrylic formulation. In 2003, by rethinking the typical acrylic formulation methods, Jim Cobb - Artist, Educator and Paintmaker - designed an acrylic paint so revolutionary it now has a patent pending.

With Atelier Interactive Professional Artists' Acrylics, the artist controls the open time. Work can be done wet-in-wet by adding more moisture with a fine mist spray. Work can be done wet-over-dry by simply not adding moisture. One acrylic paint offers it all . . . . the benefit of a longer open time, and the convenience of rapid drying!

You can experience Atelier Interactive yourself and discover how it can transform your painting process. Be inspired by the ability to double your techniques!

A Chroma artist will introduce the product, speak to its features and benefits, and then get the attendees to begin painting. The Chroma artist facilitating the event will be available for questions and comment. This event is designed to be interactive and fun - giving us the opportunity to introduce the product and get people excited. Support materials include presentation boards and printed collateral. Chroma will supply the paint and mediums necessary. The attendees will supply their own surfaces, brushes, and associated materials.

Summary

Event Type: Workshop
Brands Used: Atelier Interactive.
Painting Styles: Landscape, Portrait, Still Life, Abstract, Nature.
Painting Mediums: Acrylic.
When: from 15-Apr-2009 to 15-Apr-2009, 6:00pm / 9:00pm
Where: Plainfield Art League, 24114 W Chicago St, Plainfield, Illinois 60544 across from the Village Green Park in downtown Plainfield
WEST of Rt 59, not east like it shows on some maps
Price: $0.00
Open to the public

Herald News - Plainfield Briefs: Painting workshop

2009-03-12T08:13:00.001-05:00

March 12, 2009

From Submitted Reports

PLAINFIELD -- Artist Gerardo Valerio Trigueros will host a two-day painting workshop at the Plainfield Art League, 24114 W. Chicago St.

The cost is $250; $50 will go to the art league. Spots must be reserved by Sunday. The balance is due the first day of the workshop.

For more information, call 815-436-4351.

March 2009 Board Meeting Minutes

2009-03-11T16:19:00.001-05:00

The Board of Directors meeting was attended by directors Mike Bessler, Cheryl Carman, Joe Hadamik, Sheryl Jones, Chairman, Tina Storey, Treasurer, and Christine Kohn, Secretary and by Jane Scheutz, a PAL member with experience with exhibiting work of individual artists.

Nominating Committee As required by PAL bylaws, a nominating committee was appointed to select of slate of officers and directors to announced to members at the April demo night. Christine Kohn and Tina Storey will serve on the committee.

Review of application and agreement for Featured Artist Exhibit. Proposed draft s of an application for individual artist s exhibits and the agreement to be signed by the featured artist were circulated to the board members prior to the meeting. Comments and changes were discussed including the following:

1. Title changed from" Individual" to "Featured" artist exhibit to allow for two members to share the allotted exhibit space for an exhibit month if the artists request it.

2. Members may exhibit once per year, unless there is no one on the waiting list for a desired month, in which case a member may have a second featured artist exhibit within the year.

3. Key deposit changed to $25. Fees for prime and non-prime months were confirmed.

4. Featured Artists may donate a portion of the proceeds of sales from his or her Featured Artist Exhibit and, if that is the intent , the featured artist is encouraged to advertise that intention by a sign displayed as part of the exhibit. Artists' donations of a percentage of exhibit proceeds will be acknowledged in the PAL Newsletter.

5. Featured Artist Exhibits will be announced at March demo and opened for applications for the remainder of 2009, with the first Featured Artist Exhibit beginning April 4, 2009. In case more than one artist requests the same month, names will be drawn from a hat to determine the featured artist for that month.

Copies of the revised application and agreement are attached.

Miscellaneous Items.

1. Clock near from door has been replaced. A bulletin board to be mounted over the water cooler will be donated and the monthly calendar of events will be posted.

2. Exhibit judges will continue to be recruited as they have been in the past. There will be only one judge per exhibit. Judges are not paid a fee.

3. The coming Renaissance exhibit will be judged by Gary Schirmer and awards will be made at the March 21 Exhibit Reception .

4. As decided at February meeting, the Exhibit Entry Form has been updated.

5. A list of March announcements was circulated for comments before being published.

Discussion of Credit Card / Paypal Use

The possible acceptance of credit cards for payment of membership dues and to sign up for classes and workshops was discussed. Further discussion will be had pending research into questions.

1. For PayPal, the cost is 3.4% of total or roughly $2 per transaction. There are no monthly fees regardless of usage. (No Paypal account is necessary in order to use any credit card.)

2. Determine how to handle the $2 transaction fee. Investigate how Illinois handles: a "handling fee"?

3. Develop forms for members to pay online for PAL membership and class registrations (for submitting personal info and payment options).

4. Work out procedures for instructors to accept credit cards for class registrations.

5. Need bank account information for PayPal to pay PAL.

6. If payment made on line, figure out how to indicate what payment is for (since payment is made on line and the registrations are sent by mail).

7. Determine how to let instructors know that payment has been received.

PAL Booth at Mayslake Art Fair (Oak Brook) July 25-26 As discussed at the February meeting, each Art League will be allowed to set up one booth free of charge. A brief discussion of the possible uses of such a booth included having members' work on display To proceed we need volunteers to manage this as a project and one person to manage the volunteers. As none of the board members are available to manage the project, a final announcement and call for volunteers will be made at the March 11 demo night.

Submitted by

Christine Kohn, Secretary

March 8, 2009

Artists show off Best of the Best

2009-03-05T09:19:00.001-06:00

March 5, 2009

By DENISE M. BARAN-UNLAND For The Herald News

Twenty Plainfield Art League members selected what they consider to be their best pieces for the first Best of the Best exhibit.

The exhibit, which features a variety of mediums including oil, watercolor and colored pencil, will be available for viewing through March 11 at the Plainfield Art League and Gallery.

Although the league regularly features member shows that are open to the public, this show is also the prelude to the Alliance of Fine Arts Best of the Best Show, which opens Sept. 19 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.

Because each of the 14 leagues that comprise the alliance can only submit 10 pieces of art to the show, PAL president Sheryl Jones said having their own show is a fun way to narrow down those selections.

"Last January we only had 39 members and we're up to over 60 now," Jones said. "Each member was asked to pick their very favorite piece of art for our show and each member could only enter one piece. Members can vote on their 10 favorite pieces."

Although every member had the opportunity to submit artwork for the PAL show, some, such as some of the students at PAL art classes, chose not to do so. One member who did not participate was Jones herself.

Jones usually does glass work, she said, and has just recently started painting. "I just don't feel I'm ready to exhibit yet," she said.

Nevertheless, the artists represented in this show are a mixture of professional artists accustomed to regularly exhibiting and artists who only occasionally publicly display their work, Jones noted.

This show is a means for the public to see the array of artistic talent that exists in the community.

"I'm astonished at the high caliber of art we're getting," Jones said. "The number of high-quality artists and entries has increased with every exhibit. If you have children, this is a great opportunity to introduce them to art in an accessible way."

2/4/09 Board of Directors Meeting Plainfield Art League

2009-02-11T22:44:00.000-06:00

The Board of Directors meeting was attended by Mike Bessler, Cheryl Carman, Joe Hadamik, Sheryl Jones, Chairman, Tina Storey, Treasurer, and Christine Kohn, Secretary.

COMING EVENTS were discussed and information updated or confirmed for the following:

Artist's Swap Event Christine Kohn will organize and draft a communication piece to be circulated to members for a date to be determined. The swap will be for members only, and will include only art related items (art supplies and materials, books, videos, frames etc.).

Art drop-off for the AFA High School Senior's scholarship competition will be Feb 19 from 1pm to 9pm. Entry forms have been circulated. So far, only response has been from PNHS.

Gerardo Valerio Workshop The workshop has been rescheduled for March 28th and 29th. The fee for the two day workshop with be $250. The workshop will be added to the Class Schedule on the PAL website. Press releases have been handled.

Feb 21 - "RU in the Know" Workshop hosted by the AFA; group discount available. Registration encouraged. Sponsorships still available with opportunity to promote artist specific businesses.

Fundraising activities and community events were discussed to determine whether to participate: including St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 8); Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo (March 28); Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo (March 7); Eggstraordinary window painting (April 4 paint date for April 11 event); Springfest (May 15, 16,17) and Plainfield Fest (July 17, 18, 19).

It was decided that PAL would not participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, nor either of the business expos, based on costs and little potential benefit to PAL. Preliminary plans were made to participate in Eggstraordinary window painting, Springfest and Plainfield Fest.

Eggstraordinary window painting will be managed by Sheryl Jones. The "Adventures in Art" class will not meet on paint day (April 4), although the students will be encouraged to participate in painting windows. The art class will meet the following Saturday (April 11) during the Eggstraordinary event.

Springfest (May 15, 16, 17)

Registration fee for NFP's is $25; to participate NFP's may hand out literature, but must host one game or event that can also be a fundraiser. Face painting was suggested as a possible activity (Christine Kohn to price face paints.) Sheryl and Tina will survey contacts for appropriate price to charge. Volunteers will be needed for Friday, 5/15 in the gallery for student AP show opening (1), and for Saturday and Sunday (4 to face paint and 1 for gallery).

Note: Student AP show will be running concurrently in the Gallery. Installation will be May 14. Opening for students and parents will be May 15. Cupcakes and coffee to be served.

Plainfield Fest (July 17, 18, 19)

Registration fee and NFP participation rules same deal as Springfest. Face painting may again be the activity if successful at Springfest. Other suggested activities were tatoos (Oriental Trading Company a possible source), henna art, making coffee filter butterflies.

Art Show at Mayslake Peabody Estate (Oak Brook) (July 25, 26)

Each Art League will be allowed to set up one booth free of charge. A brief discussion of the possible uses of such a booth included having members' work on display (with exhibiting members present); exhibit Best of the Best selections; permit members to exhibit for a fee payable to PAL. To proceed we need volunteers to manage this as a project.

UPDATES ON PRIOR MATTERS

Funding: the Village of Plainfield is working on its budget now; an update on the Village's plan for continued funding of non-profit organizations is expected after the Village's budget meeting on 2/5/09.

Sponsor's Email: a draft proposal for ads to appear in PAL's newsletter was presented by Joe Hadamik. The PAL Newsletter will include a Sponsor's Page which will raise funds by charging fees for ads to appear for one year in a bi-monthly or possibly monthly newsletter. After discussion, the following price structure was decided for an annual fee: full page $1000;

1/2 page ad $500; 1/4 page ad $250; 1/8 page ad $100.

Status with instructors' W-9's and issuance of 1099's: The Board unanimously approved the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that all instructors of classes or workshops conducted on behalf of Plainfield Art League must submit a complete and signed W-9 (or W-8 for foreign instructors) before a class will be scheduled beginning January 2009.

Exhibit Art Not Picked Up: following review of prior discussions on the problem of artists not picking up exhibited art work on the pickup date or within a reasonable time afterwards, the Board unanimously approved the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the following policy is adopted and shall be noted on all exhibit forms: "Artwork that is not picked up within10 days of the designated pickup date will become the property of Plainfield Art League and may be disposed of at PAL's discretion."

NEW BUSINESS

Individual Member Exhibits: The possibility of individual members exhibiting and selling their work was discussed. Two areas in the gallery could be made available at a relatively small cost. Schedules, fees to be charged, and the responsibilities of the artist and PAL were suggested. Tina Storey and Christine Kohn will begin drafting forms for these exhibits which we may be ready to begin March or April, 2009. Although handling exhibit times will be first come first served, the first schedule will be determined by some fair method like drawing names and months from a hat.

Open House for Exhibits: A member brought up the idea of holding an Open House for the opening a each new exhibit. Members could come and bring guests to show off their artwork. Plainfield TVcould be invited. New volunteers to manage this would be needed.

OTHER BUSINESS

Prices for Artwork: Although PAL does not sell artwork, artists will be contacted on request of an interested buyer. Beginning with the March exhibit, space to enter the price of each piece will be provided on the exhibit entry form, on the card identifying the work in the exhibit, and on the exhibit log.

Expanding Exhibit Area: The price of purchasing moulding to increase the wall exhibit space was discussed and tabled pending outcome of Village's budgeting decisions.

Cleaning and Organizing Studio: Volunteers will be recruited to clean and organize.

Lighting: An electrician provided by the landlord will be working on removing the fans and installing new fixtures to improve the overhead lighting.

Submitted by:

Christine Kohn, Secretary

February 9, 2009

December 10 - Demonstration by Gerardo Valerio

2008-12-03T16:02:00.001-06:00

Mr. Valerio's Artist Profile

Getting an early start at only 9 years old, Gerardo won an art contest in his school with his painting of a past Costa Rican President. He developed an early interest in the rich flora and fauna of his rainforest homeland. Having an eminent biologist grandfather helped Gerardo gain intimate knowledge of the many species of plants and animals in his country, Costa Rica, and the world at large. The artist completed his University degree with studies concentrating in painting, drawing and sculpture skills. As years progressed, he perfected these skills in what is known as the hyper-realistic shcool of painting.

What is hyperrealism - from Louis K. Meisel, published in New York in 1980 - from Photorealsim

The hyperrealist style focuses much more of its emphasis on details and the subjects. Hyperreal paintings and sculptures are not strict interpretations of photographs, nor are they literal illustrations of a particular scene or subject. Instead, they utilize additional, often subtle, pictorial elements to create the illusion of a reality which in fact either does not exist or cannot be seen by the human eye. Furthermore, they may incorporate emotional, social, cultural and political thematic elements as an extension of the painted visual illusion; a distinct departure from the older and considerably more literal school of Photorealism

With his expertise in both physiology and representation of light, Gerardo has become known as a modern pioneer in this style, bringing him acclaim both in his country and in the greater American hemisphere.

Gerardo's paintings permanently hang in the Presidential Palace, museums and public buildings of Costa Rica. He won the First Latin American Duck Stamp Competiton, with the commemorative issued in 1992. He was chosen to represent his homeland at the Ibero-American Embassy Art Exhibition at the State Street Gallery of Robert Morris College last fall in Chicago. He has had several one man art shows in Northern Illinois in the past year.

In February of 2008 Gerardo presented an exhibit at the National Gallery in Costa Rica. After which he was awarded an honorable mention at the Municipal Art League of Chicago, Bienniel Competition. This last summer brought

him more awards; the best of painting at the Catigny Art Festival, the best of painting at the Joliet Masters Art Festival, and the best of show at the Lincolnshire Art Show.

In addition to his teaching schedule, he continues to garner major commissions on a local and international scale.

CALL FOR SCULPTORS

2008-11-20T07:59:00.001-06:00

A SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL SCULPTORS WHO WERE BORN, RESIDE, WORK OR GO TO SCHOOL IN DUPAGE COUNTY

Sculptors with ties from DuPage County are invited to participate in Lombard's first-ever DuPage Invitational Sculpture and 3-D Art Show.

This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, 2009 in the breathtaking setting of Lilacia Park during Lombard's Annual Lilac Time Celebration. Lilacia Park is located at 227 W. Parkside Ave. in Lombard, near Main Street and directly across from the Metra Station. Promotions for the sculpture show will be included in the Lilac Time Celebration brochures.

This project will be presented by the Lombard Arts Coalition in cooperation with various organizations from the Lombard community.

The show is open to sculptors who were born, reside, work, or go to school in DuPage County. Show organizers invite not only established area sculptors, but outstanding emerging student sculptors from county area high schools and colleges, as well. Special participation fees are in place for student artists and Lombard Arts Coalition members.

Each design must be a minimum of 2 feet tall. All works must be finished, and be of original design. Delivery, removal, and safety of the sculptures will be the responsibility of the artist.

Sculptures will be judged and the following prize money will be awarded: $1,000 first place; $500 second place; $250 third place. The most outstanding student artists will be recognized with the following awards: two $500 scholarships for high school artists, and two $1,000 scholarships for college artists under age 25.The Village of Lombard will take entries into consideration for its Public Art Program portfolio, which purchases art through a matching grant process. Dignitaries from surrounding DuPage communities will also be invited to attend the event and may consider the art for purchase.

Detailed information about the event is included in the application and participation packet. To receive a packet, call (630) 415-3656, e-mail info@dupagearts.com, or write the Lombard Arts Coalition at P.O. Box 506, Lombard, IL 60148-0506. Visit www.dupagesculpture.org to download a participation packet or for more information about the event. APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2009.

A new acrylic formulation - 04/15/2009

2008-11-13T09:00:00.001-06:00

Posted By: kbetzchroma

Where:

Plainfield Art League Gallery & School
24114 West Chicago Street
Plainfield Illinois, 60544
United States

Email Contacts:
kbetz@chromaonline.com - Atelier Interactive Professional Artists' Acrylics

info@plainfieldartleague.org - Plainfield Art League

Atelier Interactive Professional Artists' Acrylics offer a
truly unique and different acrylic formulation. In 2003, by rethinking
the typical acrylic formulation methods, Jim Cobb - Artist, Educator and
Paintmaker - designed an acrylic paint so revolutionary it now has a patent
pending.

You can experience Atelier Interactive yourself and discover
how it can transform your painting process. Be inspired by the ability to
double your techniques!

A Chroma artist will introduce the product, speak to its features and
benefits, and then get the attendees to begin painting. The Chroma artist
facilitating the event will be available for questions and comment. This event
is designed to be interactive and fun - giving us the opportunity to introduce
the product and get people excited. Support materials include presentation
boards and printed collateral. Chroma will supply the paint and mediums
necessary. The attendees will supply their own surfaces, brushes, and
associated materials.

modified by webmaster@plainfieldartleague.org

Mike Besslers' Fine arts exhibit at Oakbrook Center over Labor Day weekend

2008-09-02T15:39:00.001-05:00

By Ann Piccininni | Daily Herald Correspondent

A field of brilliant red and yellow tulips dazzles visitors' eyes as they trek across the concourse at Oakbrook Center this weekend.

The image, captured on film by Bolingbrook photographer Mike Bessler, is as striking as the beds of living flowers, fountains and gardens liberally sprinkled throughout the outdoor mall.

"That's 14 exposures that I stitched together," said Bessler. "That's why I can have it all in focus."

Bessler, exhibiting at the 46th Annual Invitational Fine Art Exhibition, a show where he won Best of Show honors in 2005, said he prints many of his digital photos directly onto canvas.

"I have a printer the size of a queen-sized bed," he said.

Several of his works feature fine, detailed close-ups that invite the viewer to see the subject in novel ways. There's an eagle's face, a pink flower, a pond's shoreline turned upside-down, the image suspended inside a raindrop clinging to a dogwood branch.

The vertical motion of a waterfall is juxtaposed with the craggy lines of a cliff and the horizontal sweep of water current below in a photo taken at Starved Rock State Park.

Sometimes, Bessler said, he embellishes his photos.

"I paint on texture," he said, pointing to the purposely broad brush strokes layered onto a photograph.

An artist who also teaches his craft, Bessler said he exhibits at only one show each year.

"This is the only show I do. I like this show. It's local for me," he said.

Plainfield Art League members painted windows for a baseball-themed event to be held downtown Aug. 30.

2008-08-29T15:14:00.001-05:00

Sheryl Jones, president of Plainfield Art League, paints an image of Harry Caray on the window of Wine & Cheese by TCC on the north side of Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield.

Robyn Sheldon / Special to The Sun

PAL Board Meeting 08/06/08

2008-08-11T11:04:00.001-05:00

Treasurer's report

Sheryl reported that there are only enough funds left to pay the rent for September. She will finish the business plan and present it to the Village Board. She is concerned about asking the Village for more money without any membership interest, involvement or support. The board agreed that there needs to be more membership involvement because most of the responsibilities have been falling on the shoulders of the same 2 or 3 people and those individuals do not wish to keep up with all the demands themselves. Tina suggested sending out an email to all the members and explain that unless more members volunteer, the art league may not survive. The most important thing the art league needs help with is community events.

General committee news / planning

Tina and Sam will work together to organize the exhibits and discuss better ways to do them.

Wednesday the 13^th the current exhibits art needs to be picked up by the members between 8 & 9 pm. Sheryl will ask Nancy D'Agostino to judge the exhibit on Wednesday. Nancy will be asked to arrive at 6:00 and the meeting will start at 7:00. Tina will get some ribbons or print out certificates to hand out as awards.

Saturday the 16^th will be the drop off date for the new exhibit which will consist of all students work. Sheryl suggested changing the student exhibits title to "Favorite Project" because some parents have expressed concerns about finding art that their children have done in class that fits with the specific exhibits titles.

Student's exhibits will be hung according to age groups.

Cheryl, Marge, Tina and Sam will hang the art on Saturday the 16^th.

Mindy will be stepping down from her position as Secretary. The board discussed a couple names to fill in until a permanent Secretary could be found. Mindy will continue to handle the membership until someone can be found to take that over.

Saturday the 23^rd Mainstreet has asked the art league to do window painting in downtown Plainfield again from 9:00 am to noon. The theme is baseball. Sheryl said Mainstreet will give PAL sponsorship.

There are five people signed up so far for the William Band watercolor workshop.

Calls are coming in about September classes and about after school classes.

Sheryl said she will get an email out to the members about the William Band workshop, September classes, the upcoming demo, student's exhibit and the window painting.

Mindy Marge and Tina will call all the members that do not have email addresses and inform them of the important points for Sheryl's email.

Business was concluded.

PAL Board Meeting 06/04/08

2008-06-24T15:21:00.001-05:00

General committee news / planning

Sheryl has volunteered to do the June demo. She will demonstrate how to work with fuzzed glass.

The park district is having a public meeting Wednesday June, 11^th at 6:00 regarding the park across the street from the gallery. Sheryl asked if anyone would be interested in attending the meeting to learn about what the park district has in mind for the park. Colleen volunteered to go.

Cruise nights have started up again this summer. They are held every Tuesday night. The board discussed the possibility of having the gallery open during that time, but agreed that we need to see if there is anyone interested in being in the gallery at that time first so we will have a sign up sheet at the June demo to see if there is any interest.

The member's exhibit will be called "In the heat of the art". The exhibit will run from June 15^th thru August 12^th. Drop off will be on Saturday June 14th from 11 to 1:00 at the gallery. All members are welcome and can bring up to two pieces. Pick up will be at the Wednesday demo in August. Our July 9th program will be a member's picnic and pot luck with judging, a critique of the members work and awards handed out. Sheryl will put out an email to all the members about the July 9^th picnic. Tina will update the forms that members will have to fill out for exhibiting in the gallery and she will send the forms out with a reminder of the demo before Wednesday.

The next exhibit that will go up in August will be a student exhibit. Anyone who has taken a class at PAL can exhibit their work in this show. District 202 summer students and JJC students may also be invited. August 16^th will be the drop off day and it will be on display until Sept 10^th. The show will be called "Hazy lazy days of summer student art exhibit". The board agreed that the non-member fee will be waved for the first student show.

Future shows will be:

Fall exhibit, Sep. thru Oct. – members exhibit titled "Fall Forward"

Holiday exhibit, Nov. thru Dec. – members exhibit titled "Celebrate Art"

Winter exhibit, Jan thru Feb. – members exhibit to get ready for AFA Best of Best show titled "PAL Best of Best" This show will consist of all the award winning art from all the previous shows and 10 pieces will be selected by judges to represent PAL in the AFA show.

Business was concluded.

Winners of the Alliance of Fine Art 16th Annual “Best of the Best” Fine Art Exhibit

2008-05-19T15:31:00.002-05:00

Alliance of Fine Art
16th Annual "Best of the Best" Fine Art Exhibit
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st Street, Oak Brook, IL
March 16 - May 18, 2008
Reception, Critique, and Award Presentations, May 18, 2–4 p.m.

Best of the Best Show Judge
Rolf Achilles

Mr. Rolf Achilles, an Art Historian and the Curator of the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at Navy Pier in Chicago, is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He organizes symposia, special exhibits and lectures for many agencies and educational institutions, some of which include: the Newberry Library, the Mayor's Office (Chicago), the British Society of Decorative Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, a number of architectural organizations, and several German museums.

He lectures on art, architecture, preservation, and stained glass windows nationally and internationally, and organizes exhibitions and coordinates symposia relating to historical art movements, as well as on painters and printmakers He has written a number of books, pamphlets, and articles including: "Chicago's Architectural Impact on Vienna, Budapest and Berlin," "Pride of Place – The Streeterville Story," and the ongoing Catalogue for "Smith Museum of Stained Glass." Mr. Achilles earned his PhD in ABD from the University of Chicago, with additional studies abroad in Germany, Rome and the Netherlands.

Congratulations to our
Award Winners
Best of Show     Gaylord Walter              DPAL
1st Place            Dick Shipley                NAL
2nd Place           Tony Armediz              EAG
3rd Place           Diana Nawrocki            WSAG
1st H.M.             Connie Nestler             MCS
2nd H.M.            Jacque France             LGAL
3rd H.M.             Leah Tait                     AAG
4th H.M.             Mike Bessler                PAL       ****

Merit Recognition
Honorable Mentions
Maggie Kruser                           NAL
Carol Baumrucker                         PAL       ****
Mike Thompson                         LAG
Bruce Peterson                         AAG
Heide Parks                              NAL
Helen McLuckie                         PAL       ****
Valerie Lorimre                          NAL
Laura Lein0Svencner                  MCS
Yvonne Thompson                      DPAL
Helen Roeder                             LGAL
Joe Hadamik                              PAL       ****
Gregor Maksyhmiw                    AAG
Marianne McKoveck                   EAG
Darlene Hoekstra                       EAG

Our thanks to all who made this show so outstanding.
Nancy D'Agostino, Chairman
Zaki Knapen, Graphic Design, Exhibit Layout & Installation

Committee
Lee Anderson
Stephanie and Matt Bieniek
Carol Carls
Abhi Ghanju
LuEllen Joy Giera
Sheryl Jones
Karen Magin
Dianne Martia
Lois Martin
Therese Mildice
Mona and Bob Parry
Laura Rivas
Dennis Salaty
Jeanne Sellergren
Nancy and Bill Uznanski
Alice and Gary Wick
Kim and Jon Wilcox

And to the AFA Officers
Zaki Knapen, Executive Director
Bill Uznanski, Ex-officio Emeritus
Diana Nawrocki, Vice Director
Abhi Ganju. Treasurer
Kim Wilcox. Secretary
Therese Mildice. Retiring Secretary

Therese Mildice
tmildice@earthlink.net

JoAnn Deck ARTWORKS

2008-05-16T11:41:00.001-05:00

By Denise M. Baran-Unland Special to the Joliet Herald News

Full Article:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/lifestyles/952336,4_5_JO16_ARTWORKS_S1.article

JoAnn Deck's art quilts are not the heirlooms family members pass down through generations, but brightly colored abstract fiber collages.

"I'm not a person to work on a quilt for years. I like immediate results, to put my colors together and get the thing up on the wall," said Deck, 67, of Plainfield.

"Color excites me, big, bright swashes of color, not little prints and little designs. I'm more into futuristic stuff. I'm not into history and I think it carries over into art."

Having once owned a Harvard, Ill., fabric store, where Deck also taught quilting classes, Deck was familiar with fabrics when she discovered art quilts on the Internet.

Already a collage artist, Deck was excited about the possibilities of creating art on fabric, art that also did not require framing. Deck took a class and was instantly pleased with the results.

"I can create different lines and shapes just by the way I apply the dyes and the paints to the fabric and the way it travels through the fibers," Deck said. "Then there's the tactile nature. If you have a quilt hanging, people want to touch it. But if too many people touch it, they leave oil from their hands on the surface and that's not good for a piece of art."

Deck says she works intuitively, rarely sketching a first design before she begins. Nor is she afraid of experimenting with either color or fabric. She will often just throw paint on cloth just to see what happens. The paint that is available for fabric work is better than ever, she said.

"There are new and wonderful textile paints that do not change the hand of the fabric significantly," Deck said. "The cloth created with these paints, when used according to manufacturers directions, is so soft that you can easily hand-quilt it. For many years, acrylic paints were applied to fabric and, even though marketed specifically for fabric, left it stiff and rubbery."

Although she sometimes melts polyesters using a special gun, Deck nearly always prefers working with 100 percent cotton fabrics. To ensure just the right colors for her projects, she hand dyes and hand paints her work.

"I don't want to limit my choices," Deck said. "I love being able to have the right color I want on hand and not having to run out to the store to find it. I believe God has blessed me with a keen sensitivity to color harmonies, along with the ability to combine many diverse and unusual elements and techniques. My art pieces are built layer upon layer, technique upon technique, with intuitive and spontaneous development fueled by the colors and diversity of materials."

The art experience for Deck does not stop with creating art. Teaching it to others, she said, is a natural consequence of experiencing it.

For the last six years, Deck has taught a number of art-related courses at TLD Designs in Westmont, owned by her daughter and textile artist Tammy Deck.

Deck also accepts commission work; her pieces hang as part of many private and corporate collections, she said. Nearly everything Deck owns is or can be for sale if the right buyer comes along. There is, however, one piece she will not sell.

"It's a collage I did many years ago as a tribute to my stepmother when she died. It helped me get through the grieving," Deck said. "It's not a fabric collage, but a dimensional collage from things that were hers: a piece of her watch, the mirror from inside her lipstick container and her Washburn School graduation paper.

"I've exhibited it on occasion and for awhile I taught classes on how to make one.

"I told people, 'You bring your important stuff and I'll show you how to make a piece of art out of it.' But people want results that are vintage-looking and vintage isn't my thing."

Mike Bessler ARTWORKS

2008-05-10T15:13:00.001-05:00

May 9, 2008

By Denise M. Baran-Unland Special to the Herald News

Full article:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/lifestyles/939459,4_5_JO09_ARTWORKS_S1.article

To fully grasp the immensity of the art pieces fine art photographer Mike Bessler fabricates, click twice on the red and yellow tulips image on his home page online at www.BesPhoto.com. There, Bessler, 57, of Bolingbrook, stands proudly before the 16-by-6-foot tulips photograph that permanently resides at Naperville's Edward Hospital outpatient center in Plainfield. "This is my favorite image right now," Bessler said. "I like to keep going back and looking at it and I bring other people to look at it, too."

To create this wide-angle image, Bessler took 14 different shots of the tulips, cut them into 10 36-inch square images and stitched them together.

He then printed them on canvas and created visible brush strokes on the flowers by painting them with clear acrylic. Because the photograph has so much detail, Bessler said he can print it again in any desired size.

"To me, this brings out the richness of the picture and makes it look more three-dimensional," Bessler said. "Some day -- maybe a long time from now -- I'll be able to print 3-D, but the best I can do right now is to add my texture on the outside."

For other photographs, Bessler "sculpts" them, by photographing many separate pictures of the same object and assembling them into one photograph by layering them. He used this technique with the images he took of his new pink rosebush.

"Sculpture has more depth, more shadows," he said. "Your eye just puts it all together and you don't see the spaces at all."

Bessler has shown his work at the Oak Brook Invitational and he has sold his pieces to both individuals and to corporations. Each year, he teaches photograph workshops at Starved Rock State Park in Utica.

Although both Bessler's father and uncle loved photography, Bessler said his call to the craft came at Lockport West High School (now Romeoville HS) when someone put a camera in his hands and told him to go take pictures.

"I didn't have a clue what I was doing, so I had to learn," Bessler said. "There weren't all those photography classes then." He apparently caught on fairly quickly. "I was the photographer for the 1968 yearbook. Almost all the photographs in there are mine and my friend's and we did all the layouts."

A full-time programmer and a part-time wedding photographer, the nature-loving Bessler evolved into a fine art photographer after he visited and took pictures of the Grand Canyon. He couldn't wait to get those images developed and relive that visual experience. But the resulting pictures disappointed him.

"The awe was just not there and that is when I resolved to learn how to bring home the awe," Bessler said.

He experimented first with enhancing the colors of his realistic pieces and later by creating impressionistic renderings of his images to give the feel of the original scene. Many of those images are quite large and have a sculpted feeling. Bessler now prints those images on either fine art paper or canvas.

Since he retired two years ago, Bessler has limited the number of weddings he will shoot each year to concentrate more on his fine art work. These are mostly nature pieces, especially flowers and waterfalls. The process of creating them gives Bessler immense satisfaction.

"My images are mine from the first look through the viewfinder of my camera, through the enhancing process and the printing," Bessler said. "Now I am feeling the awe."

Naperville Art League Award Winners for “MEMORIES OF THE PAST”

2008-05-01T10:22:00.001-05:00

Best of Show:
Kirk Kerndl —"Portrait of Juan Morales"

Best Theme:
Pat Young —"Past Vacation Memories"

Merit Awards:
Mike Bessler —"Mayan Monkey Pot 400 AD"

Susan R. Wilson — "Iris Gardens"

Marilyn Polivka — "Isabella in the Garden"

Bill Baykan — "Charlie"

Ed Massart — "Mom's Bike"

Judged by George Liebert

PAL Board Meeting 04/30/08

2008-04-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

Treasures Report

The current checking balance is $3,228.79. Dick Splant memorial donations totaled $1,145.00 and Tod Schnowske's Art X2 fundraiser brought in $400.00 for the art league. Tina asked that the board agree on an amount that the board can spend without prior approval. The board agreed on the amount of $50.00. A receipt is required for reimbursement no matter what the amount is.

The board discussed whether a board member could get reimbursed for expenses if that member had to travel far or spend the majority of a day away from home to represent the league. The board agreed that under very unique circumstances and with board approval first they may be able to receive reimbursement for expenses such as gas or lunch.

General committee news / planning

Majorie O'Dowd from Markym Interior Designs was in attendance at the meeting to inform the league about the Cavalcade of Homes that will take place this year in Plainfield June 28^th through July 30^th. There will be 6 builders doing 8 homes. The home that Majorie will be working on will have a casual family feel and they would like original art from the PAL to showcase in the home. Installation of the work will take place in June. Sheryl will put info in the newsletter to let members know about the opportunity. Marjorie will also be able to view some of the members work at the gallery when the first "member's exhibit" goes up in May. Sheryl also told her to look at our website to get an idea of some of the members work.

Tuesday night May 6^th PAL will host the AFA's board meeting. Sheryl invited anyone who is interested in coming to join them. She also mentioned that PAL is still in need of a delegate for the AFA and if anyone is interested in the position they should come Tuesday night to see what their meetings are like and learn more about them.

May 7^th Cindy Egizio's elementary students will be at the gallery for a field trip. The field trip is to introduce them to art in the real world.

Leona Kelly will cover the May 8^th "open gallery". The board agreed to keep promoting the open gallery a few more months to help it get more interest.

May 15^th Sheryl will be meeting with Amy DeBoni and Alex Harris to review PAL's business plan and presentation to the Village Board of Trustees. Sheryl will relay more information later on what time and where.

The current exhibit of instructor's art will be removed some time between the 12^th and the 14^th so that the PNHS student exhibit can be hung and ready for the show opening on the 16^th.

Plainfield Spring Fest starts Friday May 16^th at 5:00 in the evening.

On May 20^th Sheryl will be heading a meeting with Mainstreet Plainfield called "Merchant's Collaboration Meeting". It's about ideas on how to become a better buyer. It will be from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and everyone is invited to attend.

Plainfield Park District is planning an event called "chalk it up" on July 5^th from 5pm to 8pm in the PCHS parking lot. It will be set up for 48 entrants and they would like PAL to provide 3 judges. It is not approved by the high school yet, but plans are in the works. Sheryl will put a note in the newsletter for Volunteers.

Settler's Part Art Fair has been cancelled for this year. Sheryl recommends that we prepare a proposal for what our involvement will be for next year. She plans to meet with the organizers again soon.

Gladys Fox Museum will hold its annual event June 16^th from 1 to 9pm. It will only be a 1 day event this year instead of the 2 days it was held for in the past. Sheryl will follow up on that and get the info in the next newsletter.

The PAL will soon start selling the members art that is on display at the gallery. Each artist would need to complete a W-9 along with a release of liability. We will also need a 3 part receipt book. Joe may have one to donate, and if not, Sheryl will purchase one. 15% of the sale plus sales tax will go to PAL and 85% will go to the artist. Only checks and cash will be accepted. If the check is bad the board agreed that the artist incurs the loss and not the league. All instructors will also be required to fill out a W-9. Marge expressed concern about where the W-9's will be stored. The board agreed to purchase a safety deposit box. A motion was made and seconded to approve the selling of art and the requirement for all artists that have work for sale and all teachers to fill out a W-9.

The board approved the spending of $320.00 for the purchase of a storage unit and a water dispenser.

Sheryl announced that there are 5 people interested in teaching youth art classes. Sheryl and Marge will set up an instructors meeting.

Business was concluded.

In search of beauty

2008-04-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

Published in the Naperville Sun

April 24, 2008

By KATHY MILLEN kmillen@scn1.com

Love at first sight may not always go the distance in a relationship, but it could be a great way to choose a work of art.

The good news is art lovers don't have to look far to find galleries and exhibits in the Western suburbs. In addition to those that sell reproductions of well-known art, local communities often spotlight the creative talents of both professional artists and home-grown amateurs. Organizations like the DuPage, Naperville and Plainfield art leagues operate their own galleries featuring rotating exhibits of members' work. Others, including the Aurora Art League, display their pieces locally in buildings open to the public.

» Click to enlarge image

DePaul student Aileen Decourcery looks at the Michael Piazza exhibit College of DuPage's Gahlberg Gallery.
(Brian Powers/Staff photographer)

» Click to enlarge image

Brian Powers / Staff Photographer Hozhoni Gallery owner Janet Smith talks with James and Annie Chao of Naperville about buying an authentic Native American print. Smith goes to reservations to find authentic pieces of Native American art to bring back to her gallery in downtown Naperville.

» Click to enlarge image

Brian Powers / Staff Photographer Authentic Native American necklaces are shown at the Hozhoni Gallery in downtown Naperville.

Establishing a showcase for local, original art brings a sense of pride to a community, said artist Fredericka Howard, of West Chicago. She saw that happen in recent years when West Chicago bought and restored the historic Ripley House Hotel, located in the city's downtown, and converted the first floor into an art gallery. Now in its third year of operation, Gallery 200 features the work of some 30 local artists as well as jewelry made by clients of The People's Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that assists DuPage County residents living in poverty.

"I've always thought it was important that neighbors know about (the gallery), that they know what could be done and could be proud of their town because of it," said Howard, a member of West Chicago's cultural arts commission. "For so many years we've been sort of a backwater community of the western suburbs. Now I think people are taking a bit of pride in the idea that we can afford a gallery."

Many local schools have galleries and exhibit areas that showcase visual and cultural arts including College of DuPage, Aurora University, Elmhurst College, Wheaton College, Benedictine University and Marmion Academy. In addition to the gallery at its Oesterle Library, North Central College is including the Gus and Connie Schoenherr Art Gallery as part of its new concert hall and fine arts center currently under construction.

Debbie Egizio, a former designer for decorating magazines and Home and Garden TV, opened The Beat of My Art in August. The Naperville gallery and gift shop features her own artwork as well as that of 20 local artists. Art, she said, does more than decorate a room. It makes life a little bit brighter.

"Design and art and anything creative is important to us psychologically, too," said Egizio, who teaches classes at College of DuPage. "I think it's important for us to have galleries and to be able to appreciate and share (art) with every generation." While Egizio offers a variety of works including paintings, jewelry, soaps, purses and three-dimensional pieces, other galleries have found a niche specializing in a specific type of art. Janet Smith, owner of the Hozhoni Gallery in Naperville, deals exclusively in Native American pieces. A judge for American Indian art shows, she is active in Indian charities and donates a portion of her sales to the Indian community. She travels frequently to the American Southwest and the Northern Plains to hand-select her inventory, which includes carvings, pottery, baskets, drums and her biggest seller - jewelry. Smith said these pieces, especially the jewelry, are more than objects of beauty. Like most art, they have a story to tell.

"More people appreciate the handmade quality of jewelry," she said. "There's not really anything like it. It stands alone in history and design. Many people embrace it as being part of our country's history."

Exhibit at Peabody Estate showcases art guilds’ ‘Best of Best’

2008-04-20T07:11:00.001-05:00

Oak Brook Suburban Life

Thu Apr 03, 2008, 12:38 PM CDT

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Oak Brook, IL -

The Alliance of Fine Art presents "The 16th Annual Best of the Best" fine art exhibition at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, from now through May 18.

It highlights notable local artists who have been recognized for their excellence. The exhibit will close with a public reception and award presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

Established in 1962 in Oak Brook, the Alliance of Fine Art is a nonprofit professional association comprised of art organizations, leagues and guilds. Member organizations include the Addison Art Guild, Downers Grove Artists' Guild, Elmhurst Artists' Guild, LaGrange Art League, Lemont Artists Guild, Midwest Collage Society, Naperville Art League, Plainfield Art League, Ridge Art Association, Town and Country Art League and the West Suburban Artists Guild.

"This is the first year that the 'Best of the Best' will be held at Mayslake, and having 100 works of fine art featured in (its) elegant setting will be a memorable experience," said Nancy D'Agostino, who chairs the exhibit. Visit www.allianceoffineart.com for more information.

Bolingbrook Reporter, 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 100, Downers Grove, IL 60515

PDF Creation for free

2008-04-16T10:47:00.001-05:00

CutePDF Writer (Freeware)
You can create professional quality PDF files from almost any printable document. FREE for personal, commercial, gov or edu use! No watermarks! No popup Web ads! Now supports 64-bit Windows.

Free Download (1.6MB) (Vista Ready) Learn More

Click on the Free Download above and Install CutePDF. To use it, create your document in any software you already use like MS Word. Then print, but instead of choosing your epson or canon printer, choose "CutePDF Writer" and the dialog boxes lead you through where to save your new pdf.

The only issue I've had with it is that if you try to save a second time to the same name, the save says it worked, but doesn't work. You should delete the PDF file before saving a second time.

Mike Bessler

Press release for the Plainfield Art League Gallery & School ribbon cutting to be held at 11:30am April 15, 2008.

2008-04-14T23:34:00.001-05:00

Nourish the artist in you

Members and ambassadors of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Plainfield Art League Gallery & School (PAL), a non-profit educational charity dedicated to inspiring and maintaining a common interest in the Arts throughout Plainfield and surrounding communities. Our current membership includes residents of Plainfield, Naperville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Shorewood, Bridgeview, Romeoville, and Minooka. PAL offers classes in pencil portraits, watercolor, pastel and colored pencil. The current exhibit is comprised of work by all of our current instructors to illustrate their technique. There is a general meeting for the board and committee volunteers the first Wednesday of each month and a demonstration the second Wednesday of each month open to the public. The Gallery is open each Thursday from 1pm to 9pm for Member's Open Studio. The next exhibit will be the PNHS Senior Studio Show. The PNHS exhibit will be open to the public throughout Spring Fest. All exhibits and events are held at 24114 W. Chicago Street, on the north side of the Village Green. For more information on our classes and coming events, please visit our web site at www.plainfieldartleague.org, send an email to info@plainfieldartleague.org or call us at 815-436-4351.

Exhibit at Peabody Estate showcases art guilds’ ‘Best of Best’

2008-04-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

Oak Brook Suburban Life

Thu Apr 03, 2008, 12:38 PM CDT

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Oak Brook, IL -

Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees held on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Village Hall

2008-04-10T12:08:00.001-05:00

Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were: Mayor Waldorf, Trustee
Racich, Trustee Vaupel, Trustee Dement, Trustee Fay, Trustee Lamb, and Trustee Manning. Also
present were: Chris Minick, Administrator; Jim Harvey, Attorney; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk;
Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Jim Testin, Community Development Director; Traci
Pleckham, Management Services Director; Valerie Hastings, GIS Manager; Joan Meyers, Attorney;
and Don Bennett, Chief of Police. There were approximately 7 persons in the audience.
Trustee Fay requested a moment of silence in honor of the NIU shooting victims.
Trustee Fay moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on
January 28, 2008. Seconded by Trustee Lamb. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion
carried.

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Waldorf congratulated the planners of the C.W. Avery YMCA Extravaganza that was on
Saturday.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Lamb commented on the Plainfield Art League's open house.
Trustee Vaupel:
• Asked for a timeline for the Boulevard Project.
• Stated that at the last Committee of the Whole Workshop there was some discussion on
sending the School District a letter regarding the Village's position on a transportation facility
at 143rd and Route 59, and asked if a letter was sent. Administrator Minick stated that he was
not clear that he was supposed to send a letter. Trustee Manning indicated that he too was
under the impression that the Administrator was to send a letter.
Trustee Racich
• Stated that he recently returned from a trip to Slidell, LA, our Sister City. He delivered gift
cards from Target and Walmart. Trustee Racich thanked the Plainfield Quilting Bees for their
generous donation of 25 quilts to help the citizens of Slidell.
• Asked for an update on PEP.
• Stated that he recently asked to have a meeting with the School District. He would like to
have Trustee Vaupel and Administrator Minick meet with some representatives of the School
Board to come up with an agenda for a full board meeting, and asked the Village Attorney for
an interpretation on whether or not that is in violation of the Open Meetings Act. Attorney
Harvey indicated that if it was considered a subcommittee of the Village Board, it would then
be subject to the Open Meetings Act. Mayor Waldorf stated that he would prefer a meeting of
both Boards as a whole and that he has been in communication with Dr. Harper.
• Stated that the Plainfield Art League's Open House was wonderful.

full article: http://www.plainfield-il.org/documents/WS2.25.08.pdf Minutes Committee of the Whole Workshop – February 25, 2008 Page 2 ...
both Boards as a whole and that he has been in communication with Dr. Harper. • Stated that the Plainfield Art League's Open House was wonderful. ...

Plainfield principal's art show to benefit students, Art League

2008-04-05T23:14:00.001-05:00

ThePlainfieldSun.com

April 4, 2008

Sun staff

Plainfield Academy principal and artist Tod Schnowske will show his newest work of art at 4 p.m. April 4 as part of a special event benefiting District 202 students and the Plainfield Art League.

Schnowske will unveil a 120-square-foot painting at the Edward Hospital Medical Office Building, 24600 W. 127th St. The work will be permanently displayed at the facility, which is owned by BremnerDuke Healthcare Real Estate.

In addition, 10 similar pieces, each about 16 inches by 20 inches, will be available for purchase for $100 each. The community is invited to attend the event, called "Public Arts, and Community Service ART x 2." The event will include entertainment and refreshments.

From the proceeds of the sale of the 10 pieces, the Kiwanis Club will receive $500 to be given to District 202 graduating students. The other $500 will go to the Plainfield Art League, which promotes art education and community participation in the fine arts.

After searching for five years for an "ambitious public art opportunity," Schnowske said he settled on Edward Hospital because art is therapeutic.

"Edward Hospital believes in displaying visually therapeutic elements such as fine art and large fish aquariums," Schnowske said. "Art is a healer, and it can be very motivational, inspiring and even act as a catalyst for socialization."

Schnowske joined District 202 in 2001 as a service learning coordinator. In 2004, he was named principal of Plainfield Academy, the district's alternative school.

He has a bachelor's degree in fine art from Northern Illinois University and worked for two years for a Chicago architectural firm before returning to school to pursue a degree in education.

"I have been passionately in love with the visual arts for as long as I can remember. Art is my salvation," Schnowske said.

Schnowske enjoys mixing mediums such as photography, projected light, graphic art, oil paints and found objects. His work features flowing colors and unique textures of paint.

"I paint in a free style that reminds me of flowing water," Schnowske said.

Stop pre-approved credit and insurance offers

2008-04-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

You can stop the pre-approved credit and insurance offers by calling 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688). Or
you can do this online at www.optoutprescreen.com. This will stop most of the offers, the ones
that go through the credit bureaus. It's good for five years or you can make it permanent.

PAL Submissions for Best of Best Show

2008-03-21T15:06:00.001-05:00

The following PAL artists are 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 is now showing at the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook It runs from Friday, March 21, through Sunday, May 18, when it will culminate with a reception and award presentation.

Artist	Name of the Piece	Media	Size	Price
Carol Baumrucker	"Snowy Dune"	Pastel	38 x 28 inches	NFS
Helen McLuckie	"Spring Lilies"	Pastel	17 x 20 inches	$600
Marge Schlekeway	"Pink Horizon"	Pastel	15 x 39 inches	$360
Amy Turner	"Alight On Her Toes"	Colored Pencil	16 x 20 inches	NFS
Joe Hadamik	"Claw"	Clay and Wood	13" diameter*	$1200
Tita Brady	"Yes to Four"	Oil	29" diameter	NFS
Mike Bessler	"Glowing Forest"	Photography	22 x 62 inches	$500
Courtney Weed	"Beach Fun"	Pastel	18 x 24 inches	$450
Mindy Donahue	Untitled	Watercolor	21 x 30 inches	$480
John Plucinski	"Giant Dahlia"	Fused Stained Glass	12" diameter	$225

For more information, visit www.AllianceOfFineArt.com.

Art Projectors

2008-03-19T08:49:00.001-05:00

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

Alliance of Fine Art Best of the Best 2008

2008-03-03T23:25:00.000-06:00

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

Story Tools: Email This | Print This

Western suburbs, IL -

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."

Local artists featured...

• Bill Baykan for the watercolor "Illusion"
• Corrie Tameling for the oil "Looking at You"
• Abhi Ganju for the photograph "Sugary Snow Shadows"
• Zaki Knapen for the acrylic "Summer Breeze"
• Maggie Kruser for wool-needle felt "Ugandan Couple"
• Valerie Lorimer for the graphite "The Witch Wore Hightops"
• Laura Lein-Svencer for the collage "My Darling Doris"
• Dianne Martia for the mixed media "Exhumation of the Ring"
• Dennis Salaty for the mixed media "The Prize"
• Dick Shipley for the watercolor "Splintered Light"

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.

Creativity has a new home

2008-03-01T08:12:00.002-06:00

March 1, 2008

By LOUISE BRASS lbrass@scn1.com

published in the Plainfield Sun

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.

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.

Despite road construction, Plainfield fests to take place

2008-02-23T09:29:00.001-06:00

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

Mike Bessler appointed as webmaster for Plainfield Art League

2008-02-11T15:20:00.001-06:00

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

2008-02-11T00:47:00.001-06:00

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.

Plainfield woman learns art around the world

2005-02-06T18:07:00.002-06:00

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

Winning ornament hangs in White House (2004)

2004-12-01T13:26:00.001-06:00

The Society of Decorative Painters was chosen to paint ornaments for the official White House Blue Room Christmas Tree. "A Season of Merriment and Melody" was the theme chosen by Mrs. Laura Bush where the ornaments could be any brightly painted instrument. A total of 500 ornaments were submitted from all 50 states but only 350 were chosen. The winning artists received a personal invitation to the White House holiday reception as Mrs. Bush's guest on December 1st, 2004.

"This was an awesome experience, everything was so beautiful. They even had a list that let us know exactly where our ornament was on the tree. (I painted a violin). We were honored to meet Mrs. Laura Bush and have our picture taken with her. I had no idea that painting the ornament would turn into such a wonderful experience."

Janice Rouen-Lydon is a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and is currently a member of both the Plainfield Art League and Lemont Art League. Janice currently teaches watercolor and acrylic painting at Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores, in Joliet, Naperville and Bolingbrook. She is a past member of Naperville Art League, Naperville, IL.

Janice's work is represented in the Cameron Gallery, 915 State Street, in Lockport, IL .

j.lydon@sbcglobal.net