Press Room --

FOCUS 4: 4 SOLO SHOWS by Christopher Furman, Don Seiden, Mario Trejo, and Rebecca Wolfram

AT THE ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM CHICAGO GALLERY from
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012

FOCUS 4: 4 SOLO SHOWS by Christopher Furman, Don Seiden, Mario
Trejo, and Rebecca Wolfram.

FREE SPECIAL EVENTS: Gallery talks on Focus 4 artists; Native American artists exhibit in
the Atrium; First Nations Film and Video Festival.

This exhibit and the special events are part of 2011 Chicago Artists' Month.

CHICAGO, IL—The Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery’s Focus 4: 4 Solo Shows,
running from September 19, 2011 through January 6, 2012, features the work of four
Illinois artists: Christopher Furman, Don Seiden, Mario Trejo, and Rebecca
Wolfram.

Christopher Furman creates machine-based constructions that become kinetic, narrative vignettes when activated by human-interaction. These mechanical inventions integrate the viewer into the theater of the sculpture, enveloping the audience with a setting beyond one's own space.

Don Seiden, a painter, a sculptor, and art therapist with more than fifty years experience, explores the deeper notions of art and the creative process through mixed media. His works reflect a worldly understanding of life, relationships, and human existence.

Mario Trejo explores the macro and microcosms of the universe and the mind through archival ink marks on varnished surfaces. These visual compositions resonate between calm fluidity and struggling chaos.

Rebecca Wolfram delves into the dark imagery of the human psyche through the concepts of culture, custom, and tradition. Her paintings reflect a journey of the human spirit.

A reception for the artists of Focus 4 will be held on October 7 from 5 PM to 7 PM on the second floor gallery at 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 2-100. After 6 PM, please enter by the LaSalle Street door. The artists will be present.

SPECIAL EVENTS—Gallery talks led by the individual curators of each exhibition, and in most cases, in conjunction with the artist, will be held on the second floor Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery in the James R. Thompson Center on the following days:

Friday, October 7, at 4 PM:

Mario Trejo and Curator Robert Sill, Assistant Director of Art, Illinois State Museum, Springfield will discuss the artist's work prior to the general reception.

Thursday, October 13, at noon:

Don Seiden and Associate Curator Jane Stevens, Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, will give a presentation about the artist and his work.

Thursday, October 20, at noon: 

Rebecca Wolfram will join Associate Curator Judith Lloyd Klauba, Illinois Museum Chicago Gallery, for a discussion.

Thursday, October 27, at noon: 

Christopher Furman's work will be discussed by Curator Jim L. Zimmer, Director of the ISM Lockport Gallery. Please call to see if the artist will be present.

Other events during October include:

October 3 - 7, 2011: Carrying on Traditions: Native American Storytelling & Ledger Art, a special exhibition in the James R. Thompson Atrium.

Art has played a critical part in Native American culture, ranging from the recording of important historical events in ledger drawings to passing on tribal history through storytelling. These expressive elements remain vital to contemporary native American art today. The exhibit Carrying on Traditions will highlight the multi-tribal aspect of Chicago's American Indian Community by featuring a group exhibition of contemporary Illinois Native American artists.

The exhibit, hosted by the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, in collaboration with the
American Indian Center, celebrates Chicago Artists’ Month and Native American Heritage
Month.

October 28, 2011 from 11 AM to 4 PM: First Nations Film and Video Festival

The Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery presents First Nations Film and Video Festival which highlights work by contemporary First Nation filmmakers and video artists. This event focuses on issues of importance to Native Americans in contemporary culture. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact: jlloyd@museum.state.il.us; jstevens@museum.state.il.us; rsill@museum.state.il.us; jzimmer@museum.state.il.us or Front Desk: 312-814-5322 

The Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, 100 West Randolph, suite 2-100, is located in the James R. Thompson Center and is one of five art sites around the state featuring Illinois artists and works from the permanent collection. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 P.M., closed state holidays. Tour/school groups are welcome. Please call for appointments. 312-814-5322.