Spring ArtScene features artwork at 35 venues April 15-16

Staff Report

Rockford’s ninth annual Spring ArtScene will showcase original works of art at 35 different locations across the Rockford area from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 15, and 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Admission to all exhibits is free.

Exhibits will be featured in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and multi-media.

The event is coordinated by Rockford Area Arts Council, which can be reached at (815) 963-6765 or online at artsforeveryone.com.

Following are the 2011 Spring ArtScene venues. The number prior to the venue corresponds to the “Downtown” map on page B? and the “Metro” map on page B?.

1. Atmosphere @ East Wind Business Complex, 129 S. Phelps Ave. (Building 5, Suite 511), (815) 509-3181: “Art at Eastwind”—Various media from Adrienne Hare’s “Creations by a Hare,” Atmosphere’s own Tracy Hoffman, Annie Fee’s Uniquely Handcrafted Jewelry, Pat Rodger’s Blooming Treasures, Lilliana Gibbons, Cora Hutchinson, Joyce Gibbons, Damarius Houghton, Joy Higgins, Kyle Ford, Jacqueline Eggers, Tracey Redding, Rae Glenn, Jenny Stauffer, Jessica Johnson and Phamily Threads by Jessica Teske.

2. Bennie’s Cleaners, 126 N. First St., (815) 964-3070: “Bennie’s…The Place to be Scene!”—Featured works by Shannon Blosser-Salisbury, Joelene Chinn, Julie Ekstam, Karen Gines, Marsha Goodheart, Cindy Hughes, Anne Johnson, Gordie Johnson, Jim Julin, Norm Knott, Tom Linden, John Linquist, Cynthia Linnabary, Karla Lombardo, Jeannie Manetta, Barbara McNamara, Scott Mount, Sue Mount, Pam Kehoe-Peterson, Wanie Reeverts, Carolyn Repka, Una Ryan, Bruce Santorini, Dee Santorini, Barbara Santucci, Jeffrey Swanberg, Meghan Jones Turley and Maddie Witt.

3. The Bomb Shop, 202 N. Church St., (815) 985-9166: “The Bomb Shop Featured Artists”—An eclectic mix of local artists and artisans featuring Ryan Von Hartmann, Tori DeSplinter, Courtney Zingler, Amanda Addams, Ken Lindsay and Joe Tallman.

4. Brio Restaurant, 515 E. State St., (815) 968-9463: “Burst”—An exhibit showcasing new paintings by John Scordato.

5. Cholke dCapri Photography & Fine Art Gallery, 2211 E. State St., (815) 226-9398: “Converging Paths”—An exciting mix of media including sculpture, encaustic painting, watercolor, mixed media and photography by artists Bob Cholke, Debra Capriola, Barbara Berney, Roland Poska, Sara Muender, Melissa Marsden, Annette Conley, Sally McKenna (Ireland), Derek Hambly (Australia) and Constance Williams (Asheville, N.C.).

6. Church Street Gallery, 835 N. Church St., (815) 961-8265: “Contemporary Nudes and Other Figure Studies”—An exhibit of nudes and clothed figures in art and photography. Exploring the human figure in black and white and color, in a variety of media. Featured artists include Bill Brown, Katie Bubela, Karolyn Downey, K Dyer, Polly Fruend, George Harnish, Joy Higgins, Helen Nelson and more.

7. Clabough Photography, 136 N. First St., (815) 962-4776: “Impressionistic Photography and Video”—An exhibit featuring impressionistic-style photography and video by Tom Clabough.

8. Deborah Newton Studio, 130 N. Second St., (815) 962-1476: “A Place to Stand and Love in for a Day”…Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Featuring new paintings by Deborah Newton.

9. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., (815) 968-4815: “All My Relations: A Peaceable Kingdom”—This exhibit reflects not only on relationships in the human world, but our connection to all created beings; to water, earth and air, to the skies, the cosmic heavens, the divine and yes, even to self. Featured artists include Mark John Hoffman, Wilma Stout, Christyn Rittenhouse, Erica Sharp, Mark Bond, Ruth Ann Molyneaux, Julaine Lofquist-Birch, Deborah Lucas, Kendrick Wronski, Elaine Reed, Netha Morgan, Andrea Mahan, Karen Ream, Erick Knaus and friends.

10. Ingrid Dohm Studio @ Whitehead Realtors, 839 N. Perryville Road, (815) 519-6492 or (815) 227-0137: “New Works” by Ingrid Dohm and “Whose Hues?” by photographer Paul Burkholder.

11. The Inspiration Salon, 2591 N. Mulford Road, (815) 639-9251: “Journey”—A collection of abstract art in watercolor on Yupo paper for tabletop and wall by Diane Jensen.

12. Irish Rose Saloon, 519 E. State St., (815) 964-0480: “Wine and Roses”—An exhibit of portrait and figure drawing of the Irish Rose staff by artist Nicole DePaul.

13. JustGoods, 201 Seventh St., (815) 965-8903: “Eight Create”—A collection of original art pieces by eight different women featuring Colleen Benthal, Barbara Burns, Dolores Cascio, Dolores Dummer, Mercedes Gyorkos, Jan Johnson, Diane Muender and Millie Pearson.

14. Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., (815) 964-8280: “Katie’s Cup of Art”—Photographic works of art by Jenny Gorman and Jim Killam; watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings utilizing a unique use of color, pattern, geometric shapes, and organic repetition to create optically exciting experiences for the viewer by Danielle Lavetta Burbach.

15. Kortman Gallery @ J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St., (815) 968-0123: “Scale: LARGE & small”—A collaborative group exhibition exploring the visual and emotional impact scale has on our perceptions of art at both Kortman Gallery and Prairie Street Brewhouse Gallery. Kortman Gallery features small-scale works by Joanlee Stassi, Matthew Johansson, Valerie Olafson, Jim Julin, John Deill, Jesus Correa, Engine Studio, Katie Bell, Dave Menard, Corey Hagberg, Kyle Wolfe, Jeremy Klonicki, Michael Bugler, Keith Grace, Shari Grace, Javier Jimenez, Greg Lang, Ted Simmering, Teresa Schwiesow, Stuart Roddy, Robert Reaven, Nancy McManus Olson, Steve Stender, Charles Jones, Tabatha Dougherty, Mike Idzikowski, Kurt Erickson, Salem Barker, Lisa Higby LeFevre, R. Scott Long and Tim Monroe. See corresponding large-scale works shown at Prairie Street Brewhouse Gallery (No. 24 on venues list).

16. Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St., (815) 965-0931: “Emerging Visual Artists Project presents: Ars Gratia Artis”—Featured artists include Joseph S. Goral, painting and drawing; Meghan Turley, painting and drawing; Kurt Erickson, digital collage and painting; Annie Rudolph, photography; Adam Cox, drawing; Sean Halcom, photography; Brian Hierstein, painting; Dan Moorman, painting and stenciling; and Joseph Tallman, painting.

17. MedicineMan Studios, 510 E. State St., (815) 969-0690: “First on the Scene”—New to ArtScene, artist Damion Davis will feature his paintings with his unique perspective of life, beauty and fantasy. Also, selected works from Friends of Fishy Whale artists. Mana Kintorso performing Friday and Spoken Word performances Saturday. Another great show and experience brought to you by Scratch/Plush, Sally Bradley at the Dragon Bar and MedicineMan Studios.

18. Montessori Learning Path, 417 Market St., (815) 962-6548: “Land, Water, Earth…the World”—A multi-media exhibit featuring individual creations and group projects by the 3- to 6-year-old students of MLP’s Drawing Board classes. Local artist Cristi Kniess envisioned the concept of the signature piece: a silk-screened, three-panel room divider. Kneiss also adds a texture component to the children’s work with her functional metal garden art. Artists include Alex Blair, Ameris and Valynnzia Correa, Warren Glass, Corbin and Liadan Gray, Rosalie Johnson-Doyle, Annika Klonicki, Ursula Koch, Makenna Lindsay, Nate Marian, James and Madison Murray, Ronan Murray, Avery Paul, Bella Phommachahn, Miles Schmidt, Vaughn Schroeder, Jake Shiels, Elijah Stark, Cooper Watt and Nick Youman.

19. North Main Studios, 2500 N. Main St., (815) 319-2271: “Meet the Artists Behind Door 4 South”—Featured artists include John Lamar, copper sculpture; Meghan Turley, painting; Cruz Sculpture, mixed media; Valerie Lemen, painting; Drew Helge, glasswork; Thomas Brain, photography; Jane Hooker, mixed media; Ericka Moore, painting; Mike Montavon, jewelry and metalwork; Bobbi Sorensen, photography; Ron Clevenger, painting; Dana Haynes, fractal art; Lisa Yarost, mixed media; Micheal Sheppard, painting; Kurt Erickson, painting and digital photography; Celeste Mores, painting and typography; BP YO, metal sculpture and John Mattison, photography.

20. The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St., (815) 965-0344: “Gone Too Soon”—Original artwork, photography and mixed media by the late Thomas R. Sprague. Hosted by life partner Rodney Beagle.

21. Pearl, 6876 Spring Creek Road, (815) 654-3400: “Rock Valley College Student & Faculty Art Exhibition”—A group exhibition of RVC students and faculty featuring paintings, drawings, ceramic and mixed media. A preview reception will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 13. (Special ArtScene hours are 3-5:30 p.m., both Friday and Saturday.)

22. Pilates by Kelly, 119 N. Madison St. (upper loft), (815) 262-3434: “Wine and Moonlight”—Enter into a world infused with darkness and bright connotations. Artists Terry Anderson and Kelly Fuca share eclectic and abstract similarities, yet the differences will astound you. Experience the journey through the eyes of two newly defined talents.

23. Pirate Ninja Print Shop/RawkSpace, 400 E. State St., third floor, (815) 218-6280—When you think downtown Rockford businesses, do you think “Yeah, they ROCK!”? Featuring art from Andy Whorehall, Brandon Hanson, Gregory Lang, Isaac Velasco, Jarrod Hennis, Javier Jimenez, Jay Schaul, Jesus Correa, Mike Bunjan, Mossy Vaughn, Mario Kayo Martinez, Sarah Danielle Stewart and Tim Atwell.

24. Prairie Street Brew House, The ELEMENT/Rockford Art Guild, 200 Prairie St., (815) 519-2121: “Fresh Air”—Fresh new works by Rockford Art Guild members and guests of The ELEMENT Rockford in the newly renovated Prairie Street Brew House featuring Barbara Berney, Vicki Crone, Noreen Dixon, Delores Dummer, Ty Fausett, Chuck Gregory, Lori Hart-Piper, Jennifer Hillistad, Amy Holmquist, Jim Hughes, Libby James, Karolyn Kentner, Kristie Marsala, Paula Marsh, Kari McDonald, Susan Meyer, Dave Parlee, Gary Pearson, Jane Peterson, Todd Reicher, Barry Reithmeier, Kristen Schultz, Art Sinden and Laura Sjoquist.

25. Prairie Street Brewhouse Gallery, 200 Prairie St., (815) 566-1043: “At the Brewhouse”—Scale: LARGE & small. A collaborative group exhibition exploring the visual and emotional impact scale has on our perceptions of art at Kortman Gallery and Prairie Street Brewhouse Gallery. Prairie Street Brewhouse Gallery features large-scale works by Joanlee Stassi, Matthew Johansson, Valerie Olafson, Jim Julin, John Deill, Jesus Correa, Engine Studio, Katie Bell, Dave Menard, Corey Hagberg, Kyle Wolfe, Jeremy Klonicki, Michael Bugler, Keith Grace, Shari Grace, Javier Jimenez, Greg Lang, Ted Simmering, Teresa Schwiesow, Stuart Roddy, Robert Reaven, Nancy McManus Olson, Steve Stender, Charles Jones, Tabatha Dougherty, Mike Idzikowski, Kurt Erickson, Salem Barker, Lisa Higby LeFevre, R. Scott Long and Tim Monroe. See corresponding small-scale works at Kortman Gallery. “Frontier,” A solo show/installation featuring new work by Chris Willey, is in the North Bay.

26. Restoration Café, 625 W. State St., (815) 977-4361: “Spring is in Bloom”—“I fell in love with photography long ago but only in the past couple of years have I been able to pour into that passion. There is something about the colors lighting up the atmosphere, the call of life after a dead winter that reminds me we, too, were once as barren as Midwest gardens amongst the frost. While grace can never be so simplified, there is something about blossoms that remind me of my own life, God pouring color into a soul that was once dark and broken.”—Desirae Schneider

27. Rockford Area Bahá’i Center, 1650 N. Alpine Road, (815) 847-5382: “GreenScene—Environmental Expression”—An exhibit promoting all forms of art by creating a space where diverse artists can share their work, featuring an art exhibit, performances, participatory art and experiential art in a “tranquility zone.”

28. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 102 N. Main St., (815) 963-8111: “Metal Morphosis”—Artist Jodi Behr captures images of dynamic scrap interacting with light, environment and lens.

29. Rockford Area Realtors “Boot Camp” House, 948 Grant Ave., (815) 637-0160: “Embry-Riddle Rockford Area Student Art Traveling Exhibit” in collaboration with the Rockford Area Arts Council—More than 200 pieces of art made last fall will be on display. Created by local students as part of the effort to attract Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s third residential campus to Rockford. Featured schools include Circles of Learning, Conklin, Ellis Arts Academy, Headstart, Jefferson High School, Riverdahl, Rosecrance, Spectrum and Walker School.

30. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787: FEATURE EXHIBITION: “Pause and Affect”—Chicago video artists Gregory Scott and Joan Truckenbrod both create interactive stories that question visual reality. Technologically savvy, stimulating and powerful, this cutting-edge artwork transports the viewer to another place. IN THE RAM ARTANNEX: Double Vision, new work by local artists Lisa Jimenez (mixed media) and Javier Jimenez (screen prints).

31. Rockford College Art Gallery, 5050 E. State St., (815) 226-4100: “Leslee Nelson Exhibit”—Since early 2006, Leslee Nelson has been embroidering stories from key events in her life. She embroiders the images on vintage textiles that go along with descriptions of the events that inspired her.

32. Sacred Art Tattoo, 406 E. State St., (815) 708-7888—An exhibit featuring the artists of Sacred Art Tattoo and tattoo-related photography by Sean Halcom.

33. Social Urban Bar & Restaurant, 509 E. State St., (815) 968-9463: “Brief Encounters: Photographs by Marta Shumylo”—“Photography’s ability to stop time helps people observe incredible moments that otherwise would not have been seen. My need to preserve drives me to capture these ephemeral moments, which cannot often be witnessed and I am fortunate to find.”—Marta Shumylo

34. Tom Littrell Design, 317 Market St., (815) 621-4668: “2009 Revisited”—Spring 2009 is revisited with new paintings, mixed media, prints, art glass, photography, sculpture and artist-designed interior design accessories. All showcased with the interior design elements of fabrics and wall coverings. Featured artists include Tom Littrell, Liz Iven, Tom Smith, Chuck Finch and Tim Bradley. “Musical Ramblings” by Matt Lightcap and Rich Middleton.

35. RAAC on the Square @ Stewart Square (not on map), 308 W. State St., Suite 125, (815) 963-6765: Dougion presents “It’s A Breeze”—A wearable art showing using fashion and hand-painted garments that lend themselves to spring.

From the April 13-19, 2011 issue