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Chat with an Author, Tour with a Curator, and View a New Exhibition at Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery

LOCKPORT, IL— A new exhibition entitled sketches, journals, preparations. . . Everything in Place opened on November 19 at the Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery.  The exhibition focuses on the preparatory materials kept “at hand”—sketches, diagrams, studies, and ephemera—that both inspire and document the creative process.  The Museum has scheduled a number of events and opportunities to experience the exhibition, starting with an “after hours” chat with historian and author Dennis Cremin on Tuesday, December 10 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.  Then on Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 pm, exhibition curator Jennifer Jaskowiak will lead a guided tour of the exhibition.  All are welcome to both events.  Exhibition runs through April 13, 2014. Admission to the museum and the events is free.  Reservations are not required, though seating is limited. 

Join the conversation with author and historian Dennis Cremin on Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm when he discusses his new book Grant Park: The Evolution of Chicago’s Front Yard. In 1836, Chicagoans set aside the narrow shoreline as public ground and declared it “forever open, clear, and free.”  In his book, Cremin reveals that despite such noble intent, the transformation of the land to today’s Grant Park was a gradual process, riddled with obstacles and stumbling blocks.  Dennis H. Cremin is a public historian and professor of history at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.  He earned his Ph.D. at Loyola University in Chicago.  This event is free.  Reservations are not required though seating is limited.

On Sunday, December 15, starting at 2:00 pm, ISM Lockport Gallery curator Jennifer Jaskowiak will lead a walking tour of new exhibition, Everything in Place.  This exhibition focuses on the preparatory materials kept “at hand” that both inspire and document the creative process.   Rarely seen outside of the studio or field, these preparations record all stages of the creative process, from the spark of an idea through the proposal of a final project.  Likewise, they offer a glimpse of what is happening in the personal life of the maker, their insights and responses to the world around them.  The exhibition includes the work of 29 artists.  Also included are archaeological sketch maps from the late 19^th century and the mid-20^th century, plus species identification drawings.

Sketches, journals, preparations . . . Everything in Place continues through April 13, 2014.  Additional events are scheduled in February, March, and April. For more information contact John Lustig, Director or Jennifer Jaskowiak, Curator at (815) 838-7400 or info-lockport@museum.state.il.us

The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is located on the first floor of the historic Norton Building at 201 West 10^th Street in Lockport, Illinois, and is fully accessible to all physically challenged individuals.  Museum hours are noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Museum is closed Saturdays and State Holidays.  Admission is free.  For information on exhibitions and related programs, becoming a member of the Friends of the Lockport Gallery, directions, or to schedule a group tour of ten or more, please visit the museum online at https://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport/ or call  (815) 838-7400.  The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is part of the Illinois State Museum system, including sites in Springfield, Rend Lake, Chicago, and Lewistown.