The recent 11th annual, Greening of the Arts Tour served its purpose, as art-lovers traveled to five area galleries to observe current trends and works from local artists.
“The tour … and our show … will give us the opportunity to observe artwork by local artists who used recycled materials or who focus on nature,” said Michael Boos, executive director of the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative (AWLI), who co-sponsored the October event with Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ). ” I love to do this. Each time, I hope to bring in individuals that aren’t familiar with art and give them a better understanding.”
After gathering at the CCSJ Bernard Gallery, the tour group headed to downtown Whiting.
The first stop was at 119th Street Artists’ Corner Stone Art Gallery.
Much of the pieces were digital photos on canvas and sculpture on wood.
“My wife Nancy and I collect small pieces of art designed by local artists,” said visitor Jack Walter of Schererville, while perusing the digital photos on canvas created by local artist/photographer Larry Brechner. “This area of northwest Indiana has a unique combination of dune scapes and industrial landscapes, and since lighting changes from place to place, this makes a unique opportunity for artists.”
The next location on the tour schedule — Studio 659 — is located down the street from Cornerstone, so the group decided to walk there for a self-guided tour.
The gallery’s theme was, “Dia De Los Muertas” (Day of the Dead), which focuses on making a shrine to a loved one that has died.
On this shrine are placed all of this person’s favorite things — pictures, food, hobbies, etc.
“The local artists that put these together spent quite a bit of time with their displays,” said Margaret Stack of Whiting, who is president of the Whiting Arts Council, the organization that runs the gallery. “There’s quite of bit of talent right here in northwest Indiana.”
Studio 659 offers various themed exhibits, classes and events for the community.
The next stop on the tour was artist Roman Villarreal’s workplace located on Chicago’s east side, Under the Bridge Gallery.
One of those exhibiting in this gallery was Miguel Vasquez of Whiting.
“I met Roman years ago and when he saw my work, he suggested I pursue my passion,” Vasquez said, as Villarreal placed three of the young artist’s unique human-interest paintings to the middle of the gallery to showcase. “I was away from this for about six years, so this is the first time I’ve exhibited in awhile.”
Villarreal added that Vasquez brings a fresh perspective to art and he was pleased to have the pieces displayed in his gallery.
Stops at Paul Henry’s Gallery in downtown Hammond, managed by Dave Mueller; and SideCar Gallery, owned by Mike Kaysen, in north Hammond, concluded the art tour.
Similar to past years’ Greening of the Arts activities, the tour was a prelude to a Greening of the Arts Reception and Show in the CCSJ Bernard Gallery, held one week following the tour.
In addition to seven art pieces entered by Roman Villarreal, nine other local artists submitted works to the Greening of the Arts Show, which continues in the Bernard Gallery until Dec.10.
They are Marsha Browne of Chesterton, sculpture; Tamara Browne of Chesterton, photography; Betty Delinck of Hammond, painting; Mary Ann Gradisher of Hammond, painting; Pat Hansen of South Holland, IL., painting; Jennifer Manne of Crown Point; Eugene Mitchell of Park Forest, IL; Rebecca Moss of Oak Lawn, IL; Robert “Piro” Ramirez of Chicago, IL; and Maria Villarreal of Chicago.
More Top Picks Best Privacy Screen Filters For Computers
The show also includes an area of student art submitted by Discovery Charter School, Porter, IN; and Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting.
AWLI is a bi-state not-for-profit organization and land trust seeking to protect and enhance the Wolf Lake watershed. It serves to keep groups in an informal loop.
For more information, call Michael Boos at (219) 933-7149 or (312) 220-0120.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.