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Paul Verburg and Jack Demuth

On view: January 10 - February 18, 2024

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 14, 2024, 1-4 pm RSVP

Paul Verburg

Paul VerBurg is a full time artist and painter, trained in drawing and painting at The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA), and Art Center College of Design. A recent transplant from Arizona, he now lives in Okemos, Michigan.

Nina Weiss Studio Show

On View September 23- October 22, 2023

Students from Nina Weiss's Monday night Color Exploration Painting Studio incorporate ideas about color theory including optical mixing; color contrast, layering and paint application to produce exciting and luminous compositions in oil, acrylic and gouache. Enjoy!  

 

INTERPOLATIONS: FEATURING NEW, LARGE-SCALE WORK BY MICHAEL K. PAXTON

ON VIEW: February 27 - April 4, 2021

Interpolations #11 by Michael K. Paxton

Meet the Artist: Sunday, February 28, 2021 | Registration is required.

Virtual Artist Talk: Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Registration is required. 

Michael K. Paxton is a sixth generation West Virginian and Chicago based artist with awards that include a grant from the Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation, Inc., New York; Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in Visual Art Award and two Professional Development Grants; Fellowships with both Air le Parc, Project and Research Center, Pampelonne, France and Jentel Artist Residency Program, Banner, Wyoming; a Marshall University Alumni Award of Distinction; six Professional Development Grants from Columbia College, Chicago; two CAAP Grants,. Chicago, IL; Open Studio Residency, Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago, IL and a Purchase Prize, Union Images: 100 Years of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Chicago, IL.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: THE GREAT LAKES (OFFSITE)

LOCATED AT THE LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER (2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201)

February 17 - April 12, 2020

Immerse yourself in artwork depicting one of the greatest natural features of the world - The Great Lakes! This exhibition is in collaboration with the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, and features artwork inspired by the Great Lakes. Each artist is a member of the Evanston Art CenterÔÇÖs (EAC) Painting & Drawing and Printmaking Departments.

ART: PROCESS, PRACTICE, PRESENTATION

Studio Exhibition: Students of Michelle Kogan

February 15 - March 15, 2020

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 16 from 1 - 4pm

IÔÇÖve had the great privilege to work with many talented students over the ten plus years IÔÇÖve been at the Evanston Art Center. Curiosity, perseverance, dedication, and challenge are all qualities that come to mind when I reflect back on my students and their art pursuits. 

LOYOLA ACADEMY AP SHOW

Loyola AP Postcard

February 20 - 23, 2020

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 20 from 6:30 - 8pm

The EAC is excited to host Loyola Academy's AP and Honors art students in our galleries for the ninth year! The Loyola Academy students work together to curate, install, and publicize the event, as well as speak publicly about their artwork and inspirations. The artwork is beautifully executed and offers audiences a window into what is on the minds of our younger artists.

AZADEH HUSSAINI: ArchiWalls

January 15 - February 16, 2020

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 19, 1-4pm

Panel Discussion: Sunday, January 26, 1:30-3pm
Join us for a panel discussion with Azadeh Hussaini and Leili Adibfar. Leili Adibfar holds an MA in English from Loyola University Chicago and is currently a PhD candidate in the Art History program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her primary research is on Iranian modern art after 1945.  

EAC FACULTY EXHIBITION

January 11 - February 16, 2020

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 19 from 1-4pm

The Evanston Art Center boasts over 90 accomplished artists as faculty members teaching in ten visual art departments. This January, we spotlight over 60 of our talented instructors in this biennial exhibition displaying the breadth and depth of our faculty's artistic abilities.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: INDEPENDENT STUDY, FIGURE SCULPTURE

January 11 - February 9, 2020

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 19, 1-4pm

In this independent study class, Figure Sculpture students work informally from a nude model holding one pose per session. 

The ongoing Studio Exhibition series highlights the variety of exceptional artwork made in our EAC classrooms by featuring student work in our galleries. Each Studio Exhibition is coordinated by the instructor, who curates contemporary and thought provoking exhibitions of their studentsÔÇÖ artwork.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: THE ART OF TRAVEL (OFFSITE)

LOCATED AT THE LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER (2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201)

November 23, 2019 - January 19, 2020

Travel the world without leaving Evanston! This exhibition is in collaboration with the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, and features artwork inspired by the artistsÔÇÖ travels. Each artist is a member of the Evanston Art CenterÔÇÖs (EAC) Painting & Drawing and Printmaking Departments.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF LINNY FREEMAN

October 12 - November 10, 2019

Artist Reception: Sunday, November 10 from 1-4pm

Students of Linny Freeman's Watercolors: Beginning / Intermediate and Watercolor Pencils classes will display their work in our Second Floor Hallway Gallery. In these classes, students learn traditional watercolor techniques including wet-into-wet, dry brush, lifting, glazing, color mixing and much more. Students work with watercolor paints and watercolor pencils to learn skills and techniques in order to produce finished artworks.

JORDAN SCOTT: VORTEX SERIES

September 28 - November 3, 2019

Opening Reception: Sunday, October 6 from 1-4pm

Jordan Scott (b.1968) is an award winning Chicago based artist and photographer. His mixed-media artwork pays homage to his beliefs in the interconnectedness of the universe and inspired by theories of the collective unconscious and ScottÔÇÖs 35 years of martial arts training and teaching. He received a degree in Religious Studies from Indiana University and a Certificate from the Chicago Photography Academy.

YELP NORTH SHORE: TRULY YOURS, NORTH SHORE

October 4 - 6, 2019

On display in our Second Floor Hallway Galleries, dozens of the most stunning local Yelp photos submitted by ÔÇ£YelptographersÔÇØ from across the Chicago area will be on display in an exciting show open to the whole community. Chosen ÔÇ£YelptographersÔÇØ will present their most creative and exciting imagery of the Chicago North Shore. Jurying will be based on technical ability, presentation, creativity, and overall impression of the image. 

8TH INTERNATIONAL ARTIST'S BOOK TRIENNIAL: MEMENTO MORI

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August 23 - September 29, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, August 23 from 5-8pm

Curator Lecture & Special Book Viewing: Sunday, August 25 from 1-4pm

Special Book Viewing, Facilitated by Artist Stephen Murphy: Saturday, September 28 from 1-4pm

At the Special Book Viewing, guests will have the opportunity to handle select artist books while wearing protective white gloves.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: YOUTH FINE ARTS

August 2 - 18, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, August 2, 3:30 - 6pm

It has been an art-filled summer at the Evanston Art Center!

Explore works of art made by our talented Youth Fine Arts (YFA) classes and camps, including highlights from young artists in our mixed media, ceramics, digital photography, filmmaking, drawing and painting, jewelry making, and architecture classes!

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF SARAH KAISER

June 29 - July 28, 2019

Artist Reception: Sunday, July 14, 1-4pm

In the EAC class, Go Figure!, taught by Sarah Kaiser-Amaral, students explore figure drawing and painting while learning about proportions, line, shape and value. Students begin the class learning gesture drawing and how to measure from a live model or casts.  Classical and contemporary examples that range from Durer to Diebenkorn are studied throughout the course.

BRIAN MADONNA

June 8 - 30, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, June 7 from 5-8pm

Brian Madonna received his BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Using heavily-bodied oil paint, BrianÔÇÖs work primarily examines the individual through figurative work, dissecting the human condition.  He has shown work in New York, Philadelphia, Delaware, and Chicago. Brian currently lives and works in New York City. 

ARTIST STATEMENT

EVANSTON MADE

June 1 - 30, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, May 31 from 6 - 9pm

Evanston Made is an annual celebration in June that focuses on showcasing Evanston creatives. Throughout the month of June, studios, galleries, museums, workshops and businesses open their doors to showcase works (artistic, artisanal, etc.) and host events by Evanston creatives.

EVANSTON MADE GROUP SHOW

OLEA NOVA: AIR

April 13 - May 24, 2019

Opening Reception: Sunday, April 14, 1 - 4pm

Live Sound Performance: Sunday, May 19, 1:30 - 2:30pm

Olea Nova will perform the Theremin accompanied by synthesizers in the First Floor Gallery.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: CERAMICS DEPARTMENT

March 30 - April 21, 2019

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 30 from 1-3pm

The Evanston Art Center presents a studio exhibition featuring artworks by current EAC Ceramics Department students. In our EAC classes, Ceramic Students of all levels learn to create pottery and develop a solid understanding of ceramics, learning and using hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Multiple glazing and surface treatments are explored, such as colored slips, terra sigillata, and Majolica glazing and more. 

AESTHETIC OPTIONS 2

March 30 - April 21, 2019

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 30 from 1-3pm

The Evanston Art Center Figurative Sculpture Department presents AESTHETIC OPTIONS 2. This studio exhibition features artwork by students of Barbara Goldsmith and the Independent Study Class.

GENERATION F-STOP

February 16 - March 10, 2019

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 16, 1-4pm

Generation F-Stop combines photography with journal writing as an empowering way for students to identify, examine and visually articulate relevant issues shaping their lives. Using digital cameras, youth participants learned how to evaluate content and creatively express their ideas while keeping journal records of their experience.

LOYOLA ACADEMY AP SHOW

Loyola AP Postcard

February 13 - 17, 2019

Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 13 from 6:30 - 8pm

The EAC is excited to host Loyola Academy's AP and Honors art students in our galleries for the eighth year! The Loyola Academy students work together to curate, install, and publicize the event, as well as speak publicly about their artwork and inspirations. The artwork is beautifully executed and offers audiences a window into what is on the minds of our younger artists.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF DAVID GISTA

January 12 - February 8, 2019

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 13 from 1 - 4pm

The Evanston Art Center Painting and Drawing department presents a studio exhibition featuring artworks by students of David GistaÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Going Abstract,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£The ArtistÔÇÖs Studio,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Mixed-Media Drawing and Painting,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Creativity and Inspiration Seminar,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Night Watch: Oil Painting,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Painting with AcrylicsÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Delacroix ├á Balthus en Fran├ºaisÔÇØ classes.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF YUKO INOUE-DARCY

November 27 - December 1, 2018

In this EAC class, Ikebana Flower Arranging, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, Yuko Inoue-Darcy teaches students to express the beauty and elegance of nature through a transformation of fresh or dried plant materials. Each week, students create new and different styles of arrangements, exploring the discipline and values of Ikebana through the knowledge and application of rules and forms, to appreciate an idealized approach to nature! 

JOHN SANTORO: PERPETUAL CHANGE

October 6 - November 11, 2018

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 11 from 5 - 8pm

Closing Reception: Friday, November 9 from 6 - 8pm, Artist Talk at 7pm

Perpetual Change is an exhibition of recent ÔÇ£en plein airÔÇØ and studio landscape paintings by John Santoro. Santoro lives and works in Chicago where he obtained his degree at the University of Chicago.

ARTIST STATEMENT

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF ROBIN SAMILJAN

September 29 - October 21, 2018

Artist Reception: Sunday, October 7, 1 - 4pm

Encaustic Painting taught by Robin Samiljan introduces and covers everything you need to know about painting with encaustic. Students learn about safety, materials, its origins, and explore mixed media wax painting combining with wax: image transfers, collages, pastels, pouring and embedding objects in wax, to impressionistic painting techniques.

FACES NOT FORGOTTEN

September 6 - 30, 2018

Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 5 from 6 - 9pm

ÔÇ£ShootingsÔÇØ take place daily in the US. We seem to accept them as a general public. Certainly weÔÇÖre outraged when we hear the victims are children and young adults under 21. Then time passes. Can we remember the individual names of those children? Can we recall their faces? 

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF KEN MINAMI

August 11 - 31, 2018

Closing Reception: Friday, August 31 from 6 - 8pm

The Evanston Art Center Painting and Drawing department presents a studio exhibition featuring artworks by students of Ken MinamiÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Ensemble of the Portrait,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£From Still Life to Real Life,ÔÇØ ÔÇ£Drawing and Painting the PortraitÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Drawing & Painting the Nude: The Long PoseÔÇØ classes.

CHAOS AND ORDER

July 14 - August 5, 2018

Opening Reception: Sunday, July 15 from 1 - 4pm

Blase Masini is an abstract artist whose work explores a tension between chaos and order.

Cold wax medium lends itself to rich organic (chaotic) surfaces. By using collage and stencils, Blase introduces order to the organic surfaces that cold wax medium affords him. Now the painting process holds a constant tension between chaos and order that mimics tension he experiences in life.

EVANSTON MADE

June 1 - 30, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, June 1 from 6 - 9pm

Evanston Made is an annual celebration in June that focuses on showcasing Evanston creatives. Throughout the month of June, studios, galleries, museums, workshops and businesses open their doors to showcase works (artistic, artisanal, etc.) and host events by Evanston creatives.

STUDIO EXHIBITION: STUDENTS OF LESLIE PERRINO

April 6 - 26, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, April 6 from 5 - 8pm

Enameling is the process of fusing colored glass to a metal base in a hot kiln. This simple definition does not do justice to the beauty of this art form. We are four artists who explore the boundaries of enamels from jewelry to vessels to wall art. We invite you to experience the strength, beauty and versatility of this little-known medium.

STUDIO EXHIBITIONS: STUDENTS OF ANNIE ZIRIN

February 10 - March 2, 2018

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 11 from 1 - 3pm

Many contemporary artists are showing that embroidery can be a radical, transformative and an exciting medium for art making. The students in Annie ZirinÔÇÖs Extreme Embroidery class take an ÔÇ£extremeÔÇØ look at embroidery, beginning with traditional stitched samplers, and moving into an exploration of new materials, concepts and projects.

Faculty Exhibition

JANUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 20, 2016

OPENING RECEPTION
ÔÇïSUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1-4PM

The Evanston Art Center is proud to present the 2016 Faculty Exhibition. This exhibition demonstrates the talents of over 30 Evanston Art Center faculty members comprised of a dedicated group of teaching artists working in a wide array of mediums. Artwork from each EAC department is showcased including ceramics, digital and 3D arts, drawing, painting, fiber, figure sculpture, jewelry, photography, and printmaking. 

 

Works From Around Our State

September 20 – November 11

Universities from around Illinois have selected two faculty members and two students to represent their school in this exhibition, Works From Around Our State, which is designed to showcase Illinois artists. This exhibition will be a unique opportunity to see the collected and varying works of artists from the southern, central and northern part of the state, as well as to come together as a state-wide community in support of the arts. 

 

Works From Around Our State

September 20 – November 11

Universities from around Illinois have selected two faculty members and two students to represent their school in this exhibition, Works From Around Our State, which is designed to showcase Illinois artists. This exhibition will be a unique opportunity to see the collected and varying works of artists from the southern, central and northern part of the state, as well as to come together as a state-wide community in support of the arts. 

Artwork featured here is "Luna" by Fisher Stolz

12th Annual Winter Arts & Crafts EXPO

The Evanston Art Center’s Winter Arts & Crafts Expo is one of the largest and most celebrated craft shows in the Chicago area. The 12th annual Expo features original, handmade arts and crafts by over 100 selected artisans, featuring original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more.

 

The preview party held on Friday, November 21st was a huge success! Click here to see images from the event.

 

General Shopping
November 22 – December 22
Mon. – Sat. 10am – 4pm, Sun. noon – 4pm

EAC Student Expo
December 6 – December 22
Handcrafted items made by our very own Art Center Students will be featured in the 2nd floor gallery.

Evanston Biennial Jurors Select Noelle Allen, Robert Porazinski & Jennifer Yorke for Solo Shows

The works on view find inspiration from the natural world, yet the artists are not content to end their explorations with mere representation. Allison Peters Quinn, Director of Exhibition & Residency Programs at the Hyde Park Art Center and Sergio Gomez, Gallery Director of 33 Contemporary Gallery at Zhou B.

EAC Faculty Show

The faculty of the Evanston Art Center comprises over 50 talented teaching artists working in a variety of disciplines. Every other year, the Art Center invites each of our artists to submit one work to our all-faculty exhibition.

This eclectic, well-attended exhibition gives our teaching artists an opportunity to invite curators, collectors, press, and friends to view their artworks. Many of the pieces will be for sale and proceeds benefit both the artists and the Art Center.

Sculptures on the Lawn

Once again the front lawn of the Evanston Art Center has come alive with intriguing and beautiful site-specific works by local artists. Each artist was asked to reference the history, geography or architecture of this special place through concept or material.

The accepted artists, Janet Austin, Bob Fields, Gina Grillo, Suzanne Horwitz, Margot McMahon and Victor Nelson met this criteria in a variety of ways, such as Grillo's reference to the 1883 shipwreck of the Wells Burt off the coast of the Art Center beach, or McMahan's recognition of the importance of the birds along the western Lake Michigan flyway.

Image: Portals by artist Victor Nelson

The Evanston Art Center Celebrates its 85th Year!

In October of 1929, over 20 civic and cultural leaders of our community established the Evanston Art Center. This forward-thinking group recognized the many benefits of providing a rich cultural life to its citizens.

This fall, we're celebrating our 85th anniversary. You’re invited to visit the Art Center galleries on Sunday, November 2 from 1pm to 4pm and join in the celebration. There's an exhibition of materials on view now from the archives that richly illustrate the Art Center’s history. Please bring in your own memorabilia, like photos or newspaper clippings, and we’ll add your Art Center memories to our dynamic installation.

We'll also be celebrating the beginning of the Art Center's next chapter, which will begin in the summer of 2015. The Art Center will be moving to its new home at 1717 Central Street. We have a gallery dedicated to the renderings and floor plans of our new space. Stop in and see the future!

Ensemble of the Portrait

The Evanston Art Center's exhibitions from the classroom continue in November. Teaching artist Ken Minami's Wednesday studio, The Ensemble of the Portrait, has been one of the Art Center's most popular courses.

This painting studio analyzes the drawing and color aspects of portrait painting separately and then combines them into a coordinated whole. Color studies are used to map out the major color relationships and monochrome drawings are used to develop the student's ability to see the form.

We invite you to visit our second-floor gallery to view an impressive selection of portrait paintings. The exhibition will be on view from Sunday, November 2 through Sunday, November 16.  

Portrait titled Sojourner by artist Kim Cole Moore

 

Atelier Didier Nolet

Please join us for a special exhibition featuring the work of Evanston Art Center students currently enrolled in Didier Nolet’s Pastel Drawing class. There will be an opening on Thursday evening, October 9, from 5pm to 7pm up in the second floor gallery.

In addition to teaching technique, appreciation and history of the pastel, the Art Center also believes curating, exhibition installation and presenting ones work to the public teaching valuable skills.

Permeated Surfaces

The Evanston Art Center presents the exhibition Permeated Surfaces, featuring 3 Chicago artists: Allison Svoboda, Cydney Lewis, and Sandra Perlow.

Organic forms and sensual shapes echo in these three artists’ works, manifesting in both 2- and 3- dimensional pieces. A certain musicality and fluidity creates movement permeated with notes of dissonance emanating from Svoboda’s raw edges of torn paper, Lewis’s twisted bits of discarded plastic, and Perlow’s layering of printed and painted paper.

This exhibition  includes an installation piece, as well as paintings and drawings that comment on the shared process of collecting, composing and re-telling daily life in Chicago. Common themes, choice of materials and technique are evidenced through the use of collage and weaving together elements sculled together from the urban experience.

Permeated Surfaces will be on view from August 10 through September 21, 2014. Please join us for the opening reception on Sunday, August 10, 1 – 4pm

 

Evanston + Vicinity Biennial

Our Biennial is one of the Midwest’s largest and most prestigious juried exhibitions, offering artists an opportunity to have their work viewed by two talented curators; Allison Peters Quinn, Director of Exhibitions at the Hyde Park Art Center and Sergio Gomez, Owner/Director of 33 Contemporary Gallery and Curator/Director of Exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center.

The Biennial runs till July 20.

Congratulations to the following Illinois-based artists for having their work selected by our jurors:

 

Sketches & Studies in the Studio Gallery

Please visit the second floor Studio Gallery next time you’re at the Evanston Art Center to view some of the exquisite sketches and studies from the students in Katherine Hilden’s Thursday afternoon Multi-Level Drawing class. Students are working in pencil, charcoal, aquarelle, and china marker as they become more adept at rendering texture, form and perspective.

This work will be on view through October 27. Participating artists include: Cynthia Bold, Linné Dosé, Gabrielle Edgerton, Karen Gerrarn, Ale Podestá, and Maggy Shell.

Image: Cynthia Bold

 

What Would Mondrian Do?

EAC students create works of art that show amanzing accomplishment and talent. Currently on view in our Studio Gallery located on the 2nd floor are abstract paintings by the students in EAC faculty member Katherine Hilden's class. The title of Hilden's class is "What Would Mondrian Do?" This particular class, taught in our studio, evolved from an earlier painting class of Hilden'ts that took place 'en plein air' - outside on the grounds of the Art Center; it's title was "Impressions of the Landscape."

Over 100 Artists Exhibit Support for the Evanston Art Center

We sincerely thank the talented artists who once again generously supported the Evanston Art Center by donating a piece of artwork to our Spring Benefit Fund-Raiser. This eclectic exhibition of donated works featured painting, sculpture, ceramics and was on view in our main floor galleries from April 27 through the early afternoon of May 17.

The donations raised at this important event support the Art Center's programming, exhibitions and scholarship fund.

Image: Bert Menco

Spring Benefit Gala Party & Live Art Auction 2014

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Benefit - Saturday Night, May 17 at the Evanston Art Center. TICKETS $100 per person, $75 35-years old and younger

6:30pm - fine art auction featuring a Live Auction (8pm Live Auction begins) of a selection of artist-made books fashioned specifically for our Benefit, an Experience Auction, wine, food and more fun!

All auction items will be on view in the galleries for preview and advanced silent auction bidding from April 27 at 1pm until May 17 at 3pm.

Call & Response Performances Spectacular!

Our galleries were full of the sound of music Sunday afternoon March 9. The artworks, galleries and entire Art Center were activated by the singularly stunning voice of Josefien Stoppelenburg, the bassoon composition and performance of Katherine Young and the jazzy trumpet of Victor Garcia. The house was packed and our audience, which included all ages, was delighted to experience such outstanding multidisciplinary programming.

This successful afternoon inspires us to continue to provide our constituents with exciting cross-disciplinary programming in the future.

The artworks of Ben Whitehouse, Sae Jun Kim and Jack Flynn will be on view through April 13, 2014. A recording of Young's bassoon composition will be playing in the Octagon Gallery throughout the run of the exhibition.

A sincere thanks to all of the artists who graciously agreed to work collaboratively on this interactive project. We are so proud of the results!

EAC Biennial Student Show

January 19 – February 16, 2014

A sincere thanks to all of our students who exhibited their artworks in this 2014 EAC All-Student show. It was one of the most impressive such surveys of our student work we've seen. Congrulations to the EAC students who were awarded prizes by juror Linda Kramer: Boruch Lev, cash award; Sue Sommers, cash award; Janet Austen, free EAC membership; Jane Jacobs, free EAC membership; Jeri Love, EAC class scholarship; and Susan Goldberg, scholarship. Also, congratulations to the artists who sold their pieces from the show!

Sculptures on the Lawn Submission Deadline Extended to January 31

EAC is accepting submissions for small-scale outdoor sculptural works through January 31, 2014 to be on view the spring – summer season of 2014.

For over twenty years, the Evanston Art Center has exhibited a single large-scale, site-specific sculpture out on the lawn. This program, referred to as “Sculpture on the Grounds”, has garnered both regional and national press attention. Projects have been covered by media outlets such as WTTW’s ArtBeat and Art Across America, Sculpture Magazine, Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, New Art Examiner, and The Pioneer Press. Participating artists have included Shawn Decker, Matt Dehaemers, Darrin Hallowell, Herb Parker, and Patrick Daugherty.

 

Loyola Academy Advanced Placement Studio Art Show 2014

We hope you'll stop by and see the amazing diversity of artworks from this local high school's advanced placement art students. The level of sophistication in technique and intentionality is truly awe-inspring. This will be the fourth year that the Evanston Art Center and Loyola Academy have partnered on this special exhibiton of student work. The students learn firsthand what is entailed in planning and installing an exhibition. They learn how to negotiate a gallery space and how to support and showcase each others' artworks. On the opening night, the students excitedly practice presenting their work to a wider public.

Bravo to the dedicated art teachers and leadership of Loyola Academy. Their belief in the importance of the arts in educating our youth definitely needs to be applauded and celebrated.

In Three Moving Parts

September 29 – November 10, 2013
Thank you to all those who attended the opening reception last Sunday. We invite the public in to view this exhibition of figurative works through November 10. Please check back for information on a painting-related workshop by participating artist Matthew Ballou on the weekend of November 9 and 10.

 

The exhibition, In Three Moving Parts, aims to present three artists' work—Matthew Ballou, Norbert Marszalek and Timothy P. Vermeulen—as a triangulation of the tensions and resonances prevalent in their particular instances of self-depiction. As the title suggests, the ancient conceptualization of the Mind/Body/Soul provides a point of reference for considering not only our general idea of the Self, but also the varied approaches these artists bring to their subject.

Image: Timothy P. Vermeulen



 

Find Beautiful Gifts at EAC's Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

November 23 - December 22, 2013

Find one-of-a-kind gifts at the Evanston Art Center’s Winter Arts & Crafts Expo - one of the largest and most celebrated craft shows in the Chicago area. The 11th annual Expo features original, handmade arts and crafts by over 100 selected artisans, featuring original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more. Your purchases will help support the programming of the Evanston Art Center throughout the next year.

"Useful Pictures" Exhibition and Public Discussion

September 9 – 22, 2013

In the context of an Arts Economies graduate seminar, a group of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Administration and Policy graduate students, with Professor Adelheid Mers, were invited by the Evanston Art Center to study the 'arts ecology' of Evanston. A goal was to better understand the roles that Art Centers play in their home communities while navigating a complex set of interests and serving multiple publics.

From September 9 – 22, EAC's galleries will showcase the research and resulting documents of this special field work project. We hope you'll join us on Saturday, September 21 from 3 to 5 pm for a Roundtable Discussion about this special project and its insights and actions out in the community and inside the Evanston Art Center. 

 

Outside In

August 19 - 21, 2011

Outside In is a show focusing on the creative process in those who lack traditional art training: more specifically, children and teens with autism spectrum disorder. It explores art as a communicative outlet.

Dimensional Lines: art + dress

September 11 – November 6, 2011

You have until November 6 to view the exhibition TimeOut Chicago has highly recommended, Dimensional Lines: art + dress. A special exhibition publication featuring scholarly essays, participating artists' profiles, and exhibition images will be available for purchase by mid-November. You can purchase this $20 publication from our web site. 

Nebula

November 6, 2011 – February 18, 2012

Adam Benjamin Fung
 
Open daily 9am – 9pm
800 Elgin Road, Evanston
Adam Benjamin Fung investigates the imperceptible components of Dark Energy and Dark Matter in a new series of paintings.

Image: the sublime, 44" x 66", oil on linen, 2011,
courtesy of the Artist and Zolla/Lieberman Gallery.

EAC Members Show

January 15 – February 5, 2012

It’s important for artists at every level to take their artwork out of studios and classrooms and consider them in the context of public gallery spaces. This exhibition is free and open to the public.

Capturing the Beauty of Science

February 16 – March 2, 2012

The same scientific research that generates new understanding and innovation also brings unexpected and often breathtaking beauty. Northwestern University's annual scientific images contest, "Capturing the Beauty of Science," celebrates and showcases the aesthetic side of research, featuring the work of University faculty, students and staff in disciplines from genetics to engineering. Judged by an interdisciplinary panel of local artists, scientists and community leaders, each image comes from a Northwestern research project and cannot be fundamentally altered from its original form. In essence, the images represent both scientific data and art.

Contemplum

September 23 - November 4, 2012

Con Templum is curated by Mary O’Shaughnessy with participating artists Barbara Cooper, Yvette Kaiser Smith, and Charlie Van Gilder.

In ancient Rome there was a practice of looking at the heavens through a frame, or templum, creating a space for observation. This narrowing of the focus to open up creativity is the theme of this show.

Each of the artists have concentrated their attentions, either in nature, math or pattern, creating diverse, intricate sculptures, that ask you to stop, and spend some time with each of them.

Yvette Kaiser Smith's crocheted fiberglass sculptures are created using mathematical equations, like the fibonacci curve. The results are ordered, undulating forms, that suspend from the wall, casting shadows that confound the eye, what is solid and what is not.

Barbara Cooper's wood sculptures are an observation of forms in nature and how they react to the stresses and obstacles that they confront. The sculptures are organic and uniquely individual.

Charlie Van Gilder's wood sculptures are arrangements of limited elements creating structural patterns. He has observed the poetry and lyricism that is embedded in the sequencing of regular elements.

Night Sky

June 3 – July 29, 2012

The opening reception on Sunday, June 3 attracted over 150 guests. Several participating artists joined curators Karen Hanmer and Vera Scekic in a conversation about their artworks and the relation to the night sky.

Night Sky, which will be on view through July 29, looks to the heavens for inspiration. Humans have used the night sky to navigate, mark the passage of time, and impart meaning to their lives for thousands of years.

Hand Made Prints II


July 15 – August 31, 2012

An exhibition of artist-pulled multiples
July 15 – August 31

Opening Reception at One Horse Press
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Sunday, July 15 2012
3-5 pm

Gallery Hours
Monday – Sunday
10am – 6pm

Evanston Biennial Artists' Solo Shows

February 24 – April 7, 2013

Shannon Stratton, the curator of our fall 2012 Biennial exhibition selected three artists from the show for a solo exhibition. Scott Carter, Stephen Cartwright, and Emily Hermant will present sculptural pieces in the main floor galleries.

http://dailynorthwestern.com/2013/02/24/city/from-laser-photographs-to-drywall-instruments-sculptors-begin-exhibit-at-evanston-art-center/

http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/art-design/16119591/3-artists%E2%80%933-solo-shows-at-the-evanston-art-center-art-review
 

Linda Kramer: "Unstable Variations" closes July 21

June 2 – July 21, 2013

This retrospective of artist Linda Kramer's work will be on view in all EAC galleries from June 2 – July 21, 2013.

Few contemporary artists have been as prolific in making her own work and, at the same time, as active at championing the work of others in the Chicago artists’ community as Linda Kramer. This retrospective showcases artwork that spans several decades and, in spite of the variety of mediums and metaphors employed, reveals a strong and singular voice.

With only 66 hours to go EAC makes its goal! Whoo Hoo!

May 3 – May 5, 2013

Thank you to all of our backers! This Kickstarter Campaign is a success. You can still give to the Street Arts Program over the next day to make our pledge drive an even bigger success!

The Evanston Art Center is hosting a 3-day educational program (please see schedule of events below) around street art called Street Arts as Public Pedagogy: Learning From the Margins on May 3, 4 and 5. This Kickstarter campaign raised money for artists' honoraria and to purchase the supplies. The overall goal of these events is to highlight artistic cultural efforts by those working in the street art realms of hip-hop culture and the visual arts so that we may grow visibility and awareness of these practices for audiences who may or may not have direct contact with them. We also want to shift how our communities view graffiti, youth, hip-hop, education, and art. The Evanston Art Center’s Education Department is proud to be a part of this yearlong series of Chicago street art exhibitions/actions instigated by the National Museum of Mexican Art.

To support the project, please give to our Kickstarter (by clicking this text). The money we raise goes to pay participants and materials needed for its success!

 

3 Artists - 3 Solo Shows: Selected Artists from the Evanston + Vicinity

February 24 – April 7, 2013

Exhibition opens on Sunday, February 24, 2013 with a reception from 1-4 p.m. The artists will attend the opening. All artworks will be on view through Sunday, April 7. We hope you'll join us at the opening and learn more about these three contemporary artists who will demonstrate varied artistic practices and choices of materials.

2013 Spring Benefit Auction Exhibition

May 18, 2013

Now is the time to visit the Evanston Art Center to view the exhibition of artworks to be auctioned. Over 50 works of art by leading Chicago artists are on exhibit in all 4 of EACs galleries. Advance bidding has begun and will continue through May 17th. We hope you'll also consider joining us for the Benefit Party on the evening of May 18 from 6:30 pm on. Tickets are available on our web site.

An Award Winning Exhibition & Celebration of Craft

August 30 – September 8, 2013

A special thanks to all those who contributed to the success of "The Art of Craft: Works from NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Collection of Fine American Craft" exhibition.

This creative collaboration between the Evanston Art Center (EAC) and the American Craft Exposition (ACE) resulted in a stunning showcase of NorthShore University Health System’s Purchase Awards from previous ACE shows. This exhibition offered a rare opportunity for arts enthusiasts to see one-of-a-kind pieces from thirty-nine of the country’s leading fine craft artists, each of whom have appeared at ACE throughout its twenty-nine year history.

The companion piece to this partnership was a booth on the floor of the ACE show that presented artworks from a number of EAC's teaching artists and advanced students. There was great interest and activity at the EAC booth throughout the run of the Exposition. 

The exquisite objects from the Hospitals' collections will now be returned to make room for yet more precious collectibles: artworks from EAC's Youth Summer Camps. Please stop in to the galleries between August 30 through September 8 to view.

 

 

Thank You to EAC Young Artists...

August 30 – September 8, 2013

- and their support teams, including parents, grandparents and friends. We welcomed a large crowd to our closing reception last Sunday. Imaginative artworks covered the galleries, from floor to ceiling. The young artists experienced the thrill of seeing their works on display in a gallery venue and many were overheard explaining how they concepted and created the objects.

Our youth faculty members, all accomplished teaching artists, are also to be congratulated. Thanks to our dedicated and talented teachers, we had a very productive and fun summer!

Of course, we hope to see all of you again next year.

 

Towards a New Landscape

August 30 – September 7, 2013

We are very fortunate to have 5 paintings by artist Ben Whitehouse on view in our Studio Gallery. In the spirit of our “project-critique” gallery space, the showing will be brief, from August 30 through September 7.* I highly recommend visiting the Evanston Art Center to experience his considered and contemporary take on traditional landscape painting.

Whitehouse was born in London and received an MFA from the University of Chicago. His paintings have been included in many prestigious gallery shows, both solo and group, museums and art fairs. He also has works included in several permanent public collections. Whitehouse currently resides in Wilmette, IL and has referenced the light, the lake and the sky from the vantage point of the Evanston Art Center for several of his studies and paintings.

Breeze Keeper

Rojek's “Breeze Keeper” is a field-like expanse of 64 counter-balanced aluminum prairie images that sway with the wind. Over the course of the next year, people of all ages will be invited to share their personal stories of inspiration, which will be translated by the artist into additional symbolic images. Many of these stories will be those of students and visitors to EAC.

Through the Looking Glass

September 26 to November 7, 2010

Exhibiting Artists: Sebastian Aguirre, Tanya Fleisher, Jonathan Gardner, Cheryl Pope, Nozomi Rose, and Cristina Silvestri.

Rembrandt van Rijn, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Arshile Gorky are not typically the artists who come to mind when you think of Evanston Art Center exhibitions. Yet, the very same gallery walls on which we have just installed "Through the Looking Glass" once held original etchings, prints, and paintings from these great masters.

It is this longstanding commitment, 80 years to be exact, to presenting extraordinary art that helps set us apart from other community art centers.

"Elevated" by Gary Orlinsky

Our 2011-2012 Sculpture on the Grounds project, “Elevated” conceptually addresses the provocative dialogue between nature and built space that the Evanston Art Center’s ivy-covered building has with Lake Michigan. Visually, with its girder-like supports and elevated mass, the work powerfully references Chicagoland’s most iconic built structures, the “El”.  Artist Gary Orlinsky will install "Elevated" the week of July 11 with an opening reception scheduled for Sunday, July 17. We hope you'll stop by to meet Orlinsky while he is on site.

EAC Printmakers Survey

March 12 - April 15, 2012

Artworks from 34 artists working and studying in our printmaking department, ‘One Horse Press’, are now on view in our Studio Gallery, formerly the members gallery, on the second floor of the 2603 Sheridan Road building. These prints will be on view from March 12 through April 15.

Grosse Point Confluence

Intrigued by the tools of the built environment, large scale sculptor Arny Nadler utilizes bundles of rebar to construct a site-specific piece that will sprawl across the landscape and penetrate the earth like a three-dimensional drawing. Inspired to work with rebar as a material normally relegated to a hidden substructure, this installation presents the material out of its usual context in a setting contrasting its intended use. Viewers are encouraged to walk the sculptures meandering path, observing its twists, curves, and voids as it interacts with the front lawn of the Evanston Art Center.

 

Crossing Wires: Technology and Play

February 19 - April 15, 2012
Curators: Barbara Blades and Debra Tolchinsky

Technology has traditionally been used to make what functions function faster, easier and more efficiently. We expect computers, robots and machines to continue to take over the performance of chores and ramp up the production of goods. But what happens when technology is used for the non-functional, to make what is functional less functional? What happens when technology, especially high technology, is used for art or for play?

Mary Dritschel > In Retrospect

February 28 to April 4, 2010

Solo Show of works by Mary Dritschel

"As an installation artists my ideas are influenced by the metaphorical qualities of materials and by specific sites that give definition to my work. My objects as well as site-specific installations have focused on the use of non-art materials as a conceptual conduit. In most cases, the material is used as a metaphor to reinforce the meaning.

Gallery 4502 at Evanston Civic Center

Evanston City Manager, Wally Bobkiewicz and Art Center Executive Director worked together to organize a new community exhibition space in the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center.

The second exhibition titled: "Driven to Abstraction: drips, cubes and fields of color" which will be on view through August 19 features the works of artists Bill Anders, Harold Bauer, Elizabeth Bolich, Gail Cotovsky, Melanie Deal, Judy Edelman, Anne Hayden Stevens, Ruyell Ho, Barbara Horowitz, Sarah Kaier, Sharon Knipmeyer, Jim Lange, Joan B. McLane, Katherine Nemanich, Martha Ruschman, Sharon Swidler, Christopher Voss, Barbra Wagner and Esther Williams-Hays.

CUT

June 5 to August 7, 2011

Curators: Beth Hart and Eleanor Spiess-Ferris. “CUT” is a process driven exhibition.  Although the making of paper goes back to at least the 3rd century, the oldest surviving paper cut-out originated in 6th century China and has a long, world-wide tradition in art that dates at least to the Middle Ages in Europe.

Our Winter's Bone

The Evanston Art Center and One Horse Press are proud to present, "Our Winter's Bone", an exhibition of artwork created by the talented students/artists in the Art Center's printmaking department. The exhibition will be on view through June 24, 2011. We hope you'll stop in.

Physio/tasma/gorical

February 20 to April 17, 2011

Exhibiting artists include: Jerry Bleem, Carolynn Desch, Christa Donner, LJ Douglas, Annie Heckman, Paul Nudd, Lindsay Obermeyer, and Susan Smith Trees as well as visiting artists Alison Hiltner, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Barbara F Kendrick, from Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

This exhibition, curated by Susan Sensemann, investigates dream and reality in biology, in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculptural installation, and fiber art. Artists in this exhibition evoke the Enlightenment-era identity of mystical and medical discovery; their works look inside the human body in the hope of reconciling the quickly evolving world of clinical science with the un-mined depths of the psychic, the dreamlike, and the imaginary. 

Abstraction

February 20 to March 13, 2011

Twenty members of the Evanston Art Center have their artwork on exhibit in our second-floor Members Gallery. The theme for this show is 'Abstraction'. Various mediums are on display including painting, metalwork, photography and jewelry - all disciplines taught here at the Art Center. This show, which will run through March 13, was juried by EAC faculty member, John Minkoff.
 

EAC Faculty Exhibition

January 16  to February 6, 2011

Exhibiting Artists: Jerome Acks, Iris Allen, Sandra Blanc, Andrew Breen, Peter Cardone, Akemi Nakano Cohn, Julian Cox, Kathy Cunningham, Paula Danoff, Kevin Foy, Linny Freeman, Aviva Ginzburg, David Gista, Barbara Goldsmith, Lisa Harris, Vincent Hawkins, Katherine Hilden, Ruyell Ho, Bob Horn, Michael Jackson, Margo Jankiewiczj, Christy Karpinski, Bonnie Katz, Jeremiah Ketner, Jill King, Michelle Kogan, Judy Koon, Deborah Kugler, Randee Ladden, Gavin Lupinski, Donna Lurie-Semmerling, Patrick Miceli, Roberta Miles, Ken Minami, John Minkoff, Bruce Noel Mortenson, Didier Nolet, Lindsay Obermeyer, Sheila Oettinger, Les Orenstein, Leslie Perrino, Janis Pozzi-Johnson, VIrgil Robinson, Heidi Ross, Matt Runfola, Christopher Schneberger, Nancy Sickbert-Wheeler Flo Singer, Eleanor Spiess-Ferris, Cheryl Steiger, Sandra Stone, Luke Strosnider, Jill Sutton, Kay Thomas, Jeremy Tinder, David Todd Trost, Tom Walther Maggie Weiss, Nina Weiss, Cathy Westphal, Shencheng Xu, Noël Yovovich

Contact * Connect * Collaborate

January 10 to February 14, 2010

Exhibiting Artists: Jordan Martins, Joaozito and Lanussi Pasquali; David Carlson, Betsy Stewart and Ashraf Fouad; Jin Soo Kim and Bohyung Kim; Mary Hark and Gabriel Boakye; William Andersen and Maryam Hosseinnia; Michele Feder-Nadoff and Kanaan Kanaan; Chris Lawson and Leang Seckon; Corinne Rhodes and Guadalupe Victorica