Kortman hosts July 31 closing party for Jesus Correa exhibit

From press release

BruaYf_3w Friday evening, July 31, the Kortman Gallery will host a closing party for Rockford artist Jesus Correa’s colorful mixed-media exhibition. The exhibition, curiously titled “El Oso Quemado and the Hello Peopel in: Seven Years After HELL,” is partly an exercise in casting out personal demons.

“This show was my opportunity to exorcise my demons, and to share with people the sort of things that rattle around in my brain late at night, the things that keep me going, the sort of things that make me want to quit going,” says Correa. “I want this show to hit you over the head. I am not going for subtlety, and I am not beating around any bushes.”

Correa has created and added new pieces to the exhibition closing party.

According to gallerist Doc Slafkosky, Correa utilizes paint, ink and pencil on wood planks and other found objects.

“Jesus’ art is at once sweet and provocative,” Slafkosky said. “Many of his images are colorful and almost childlike, but they are powerful and very personal, influenced by his life experiences and his politics.”

The closing party promises to be an entertaining event. After 9 p.m., the artist will perform with his new band, “los osos voladores.” The gallery bar will be open and hosted by Dennis Horton.

Correa ran for Rockford Mayor in the last election as a Green Party candidate. He received 2 percent of the vote.

The closing party for the Jesus Correa VII exhibition is from 6 to 10 p.m., in the Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St., downtown Rockford. For further information, call (815) 968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com. The event is free and open to the public.