Love will be in the air — and hanging on the walls — during the “What Do You Love?” exhibit at the Vogt Visual Arts Center in Tinley Park. Open to all artists regardless of age, skill level or experience, the show runs Feb. 1 to 26.
“The idea is to give everyone a chance to display artwork depicting something they love,” said Gallery Director Julie Dekker. “The beauty is that for each of us that is a different thing, so each artist brings their own feelings, talents and style to this show — this is what makes it such a unique exhibit.”
The show will feature about 30 to 40 local and regional artists with works in a variety of mediums.
“When an artist creates work about something they love it has a deeper meaning for them,” Dekker said.
She’s excited to see so many people respond to the exhibit’s open call for artists.
“I have noticed that people seem to be looking for something positive to be a part of as well of a sense of normalcy,” Dekker said. “Our current world climate has kept us guessing as to how people will respond, and I’m so happy to see that so many of our local and regional artists can’t wait to be a part of it.”
This marks the sixth year the center has showcased this particular question for February.
“I picked the theme the first time because it fell in February, and I wanted a theme that was easily interpreted by everyone,” Dekker explained. “Because of Valentine’s Day, love was a no-brainer. People loved it so I have been doing it every February.”
One of her favorite things about this show is that people are able to share with others the things they love.
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“The artwork means more because its personal — it’s also very eclectic,” Dekker said. “We all love different things, so the range of content is wide.”
She looks forward to this show every year.
“The diversity of the artists brings forth a wonderful mix of subjects, styles and abilities,” Dekker said. “It is my favorite because we all come together to celebrate love, and we do it with diversity, passion and art.”
The public is invited to an artists’ reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 5.
Established in 1996, the Vogt Visual Arts Center is the former home of Henry Vogt, the first mayor of Tinley Park. As a facility of the Tinley Park Park District, the center houses a gallery that displays works by local and well-known artists all year round.
‘What Do You Love?’ Exhibit
When: Feb. 1-26; reception at 1 p.m. Feb. 5
Where: Vogt Visual Arts Center, 17420 S. 67th Court, Tinley Park
Tickets: Free
Information: 708-614-6503; tinleyparkdistrict.org/vvac
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.