Between 30 and 40 artists are expected to participate in the Adler Arts Center’s Annual Artist Member Exhibition according to Ellen Williams, Adler’s programs and marketing director. Membership is open to any artist who chooses to join Adler.
This year’s exhibit will include works by John Kirkpatrick Jr. of Libertyville, Jeff Hendricks of Libertyville, and Paula Kuehl of Unincorporated McHenry County.
Kirkpatrick became an Artist Member around eight years ago because “I like the gallery itself and the people that work there,” he said.
Kirkpatrick is an acrylic artist. “It allows me to work fast,” he explained. “I use a lot of paint. I try to touch things up. I don’t have patience for oils or anything else. It dries quickly.”
Because he is a figurative artist, Kirkpatrick said that he is inspired by people and their stories. His paintings are noteworthy for his use of bright colors.
“They are more expressive,” he explained. “They allow me to show emotion with the colors. It’s more engaging and more aesthetically pleasing. It allows for more personality to come out with my figures and the colors.”
A prime example of Kirkpatrick’s figurative work and bright colors is exhibited in the piece he has selected for the Member Exhibit, “The Dr. says I’ll be alright.”
He chose to display that particular piece because, “It’s a mental health story of the figure that’s in that piece,” he explained. “I feel like it’s really expressive. I’ve shown it in other galleries but I’d like to get it out a little more.”
“Ali vs. Clay” is the evocative painting that Jeff Hendricks is showing in the Member Exhibition.
Hendricks noted that he has been trying to figure out his entire life what style of painting is the best fit for him. “Loose realism is what feels most natural to me,” he said.
He chose to submit “Ali vs. Clay” for the exhibit because of its message of “inner conflict.”
His paintings are often inspired by observing old movie photos.
Hendricks became an Artist Member around two years ago. “I helped them with their rebrand,” said Hendricks, who is a graphic designer. “I’ve been in touch with them ever since.”
He joined Adler because, “What they’re building there is really special,” Hendricks said. “I really love the people.”
Paula Kuehl also became an Artist Member a couple of years ago. “I was supporting so many other groups and pastel societies out of state, I thought it was time I supported something close by to home,” she said.
Kuehl initially painted in oils but she worked so fast that her paintings became muddy, she noted. A teacher suggested that she try working in pastels.
“I found my medium,” she declared. “I like to draw and pastels are like drawing with color.”
Kuehl’s diverse subjects include portraits of people and animals, florals, and landscapes. Her subject matter is chosen because of “the light that’s behind them,” she explained. “I think it’s the energy. A flower will strike me because it’s life, it’s energy. The same with landscapes. It’s something that’s alive.”
Kuehl has chosen her pastel painting “Purple Wildflowers” for the exhibit. The artist laughed as she admitted that she chose this piece because, “It’s kind of pretty.”
The opening reception for the exhibit will be 7-9 p.m. Jan. 13. Light snacks and wine will be served at this free event.
Artists are invited to become members by completing a form on the Adler Arts Center’s website and paying a $50 annual fee. That entitles artists to participate in the annual Member Exhibition, submit individual and group proposals, get 10% off for classes, and have a listing on the Adler Arts Center website with a link to their website.
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Annual Artist Member Exhibition
When: Jan. 13-March 4, 2023
Where: Adler Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Tickets: Free admission
Information: 847-367-0707; adlercenter.org/artist-members
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.