Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, DeKooning, Salvador
Dali and Miro are among the artists whose works will be showcased when
"Hidden Treasurers: An Exhibit of Contemporary Art from Chicago Southland
Private Collections" will be the featured exhibition at Prairie State College's
Christopher Art Gallery this summer. Sixteen local art lovers and collectors
are literally taking artwork off the walls of their homes in order to share
it with members of the community.
"To my knowledge, this is the first exhibit
of work from private collections to be held in Chicago's south suburbs,"
said Jan Bonavia, Gallery Manager. "Hidden Treasures will focus on American
and European artists - many well-known and some lesser-known, emerging
artists. All of the works are exceptional, and, in my opinion, museum quality.
"The success of the exhibition is a credit
to the generous and civic-minded members of our community who are willing
to share these 'hidden treasures' with all of us. They are giving us the
opportunity to see museum-quality works that normally are not available
to the public." Bonavia added.
The Hidden Treasures exhibit also will
feature three-dimensional pieces by artists who are perhaps better known
for their two-dimensional work. "For instance," Bovavia explained, "Limited
edition bronze sculptures by Patrick Nagel and Erte have been loaned for
the exhibition, as well as an exquisite bowl by Andrew Wyeth." Works by
noted Chicago Painter Ed Paschke and acclaimed Crete glass artist Charles
Lotton also are included.
The Christopher Art Gallery opened in February
as part of the Community Instructional Center expansion at Prairie State
College and was named to honor the generosity of former area residents
Robert and Marty Christopher. Exhibitions at the gallery primarily showcase
local and regional artist, with at least two exhibits annually that feature
work by prairie State College art students and Community College District
515 school students.
Oversight for the Gallery is the responsibility
of the Prairie State College Foundation. "This is a place where students,
aspiring artists and the community can come to see professional work displayed
in a professional setting, right in their own backyard," said PSC Foundation
President Manny Hoffman. Established in 1973, the Foundation's dual missions
of friend raising and fundraising support excellence in education by providing
scholarships to hundreds of PSC students annually. More than $100,000 us
awarded annually.
"We have more than 40 of this area's most
generous and dynamic citizens on our Foundation Board," Hoffman States.
"Business owners, corporate executives and mega-volunteers all combine
their energies to provide educational opportunities that ultimately strengthen
our entire area," he asserted. "We always welcome the opportunity to share
our enthusiasm for Prairie State College," Hoftman said. "This exhibit
is an excellent way to become acquainted with a good cause while enjoying
Hidden Treasures."
Upcoming 2000-01 shows will include a photography
exhibit featuring work by the Prairie State College student who will be
named "Photographer of the Year." In October, in conjunction with the fourth
annual "Art trek," a juried regional exhibition of pastel on paper works
is scheduled. Other shows will feature local. Artist Maraca Peter Wedlock's
work, and an invitational watercolor exhibit is being planned. "We try
to vary the work that we show in the gallery so that we can appeal to a
wide range of tastes and interests," Manager Bonavia said.
Hidden treasures will be unveiled at a
private preview reception on Thursday, June 22, from 6:30 p.m., in the
Gallery. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Cost is $25 per person,
by advance registration only. Phone the Prairie State College Foundation
at (708) 709-3636 to reserve.
The Hidden Treasures exhibit will run June
27 through July 21, 2000. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday evening
from 5:00- 7 :00 p.m. Admission is free. The gallery is also open by appointment
for school groups and individuals through prior arrangement with the Foundation
Office.
For more information on the Hidden Treasures
show and the Christopher Art Gallery, call the Foundation office at 708-709-3636.