Exhibition of Contemporary Art By Mature Artists Now Open At The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery
 LOCKPORT—On October 11, 2011, the Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery opened a new exhibition entitled Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories. This exhibition explores the resilience of age and creativity and highlights the work and careers of eleven elder Chicago artists who are, or were, creatively active into their later decades. Many are nationally and internationally known; all are vitally creative. This exhibition suggests that, if there is a “Fountain of Youth,” it is creativity. Special events and programs are planned. The exhibition runs through April 13, 2012. The artists of Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories share three important similarities: 1) the creation of life-long bodies of work of the highest caliber; 2) the influencing of multiple artists across generations, not only by their art but through teaching and community involvement; 3) commitments of fifty to sixty years or more to the exploration of personal creativity. Their art arises from luminous ground, a reservoir of creativity that has sustained and nurtured their art through the decades. All remain, or remained, vital, working artists throughout their lives and have now earned the freedom to do as they please—as their art dictates—without undue concern for critics. The artists include Ralph Arnold (1924-2006), constructions; Morris Barazani (b. 1925), abstract paintings; Gerda Meyer Bernstien (b. 1931), socially relevant installations; Fred Berger (1923-2006), figurative painting and sculpture; William Frederick (b. 1922), silversmith; Theodore Halkin (b. 1924), painting and sculpture; Thomas Kapsalis (b. 1925), abstract painting and sculpture; Vera Klement (b. 1929), painting; Ellen Lanyon (b. 1926), printmaking and painting; Elizabeth Rupprecht (b. 1932), painting; Leopold Segedin (b. 1927), figurative painting. Special programs and events are planned to accompany the exhibition including an opportunity to “Meet the Curators” (Sunday, December 5, 2:00 PM), to hear about other artists with significant histories who are “Of a Certain Age” (Sunday, February 5, 2:00 PM), and to participate in a community collage and “Make Our Garden Grow” (Tuesday, March 20, 1:30-3:00 PM). All programs are free and open to the public. Additional information is available by calling the ISM Lockport Gallery at 815.838.7400 or by visiting our website (www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport) The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is located on the first floor of the historic Norton Building at 201 West 10th Street in Lockport, Illinois, and is fully accessible to all physically challenged individuals. Museum hours are noon until 5:00 pm on Sunday and 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The 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 to the museum, or to schedule a group tour of ten or more, please contact museum staff at (815) 838-7400 or visit the museum online at https://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport/. The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is part of the Illinois State Museum system, including sites in Springfield, Rend Lake, Chicago, and Lewistown.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Back to News & Press.
Illinois State Museum
Founded 1877
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois' natural, cultural, and artistic heritage.
General Information: (217)782-7386
Director's Office: (217)782-7011
Interim Museum Director: Michael Wiant
Press Contact: michael.wiant@illinois.gov
|
