P.I.E.C.E.S.

Concordia University Chicago Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

and

Black History Month:
P.I.E.C.E.S
Trish Williams - Fiber Artist/Quilter
“Precepts Inspirited by Episodes of Creative Expressions of Self”
January 10 - February 13, 2011
Artist Reception: Sunday,
January 16, 2011, 2 - 4 PM
Special Artist’s Talk: January 17, 1 PM

Concordia University Chicago
Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall
7400 Augusta St.
River Forest, Il 60305

For more information contact: 708-290-3012

Gallery hours:
Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Illinois Artisans and Piece of the Week

Greetings All,
Here are some images from the Illinois Artisans where I'm the featured artisan for this month. Above is a view from the outside of the shop and the walls where my "Short Stories" are being displayed. Below are some other images of the shop and there are some wonderful artists and crafts person represented here. So if you are in downtown Chicago Monday - Friday during the month of December stop by and take a look.

The Piece of The Week (above)is a wall hanging that was created by students of A. Turner-Crawford of Northeastern University Center for Inner City Studies. They created block by drawing, collage, or photography. Then those images were printed onto fabric and created into this last class project. I was just the quilter in this case and was honored to do so.

10 Artists for Ruinart opening.

Greetings All,
The opening for 10 artists kickoff during the Art Basel in Miami Beach on December 2nd at the Betsy Hotel. I am one of the ten and the others are: Melissa Ayr – Texas, Elijah Blue – California, Isaac Fortoul – New York, Mark Leibowitz – California, Pascal Pierme – New Mexico, Johnny Robles – Florida, Dane Storrusten – Washington, Carrie Sunday – New York, Kiki Valdes – Florida.

The exhibit closes by February 2011, at which time these contemporary works of art will travel to New York to be auctioned in the Spring. All proceeds will go to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization founded in 1997 supporting the creativity of children battling serious medical conditions.

About Ruinart
In 1729, when Nicolas Ruinart laid the foundations of the very first champagne house, he was in fact realizing the ambition of his uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart. A Benedictine monk, Dom Ruinart intuitively foresaw the fame and success champagne would enjoy by gauging the popularity of this new sparkling wine amongst his contemporaries in the court of Versailles. The House of Ruinart was the first to use Gallo Roman chalk cellars to age its wines, and opened the American market as early as 1831. Since then, Ruinart has continued to develop its reputation as the sophisticated boutique champagne for discerning wine lovers.

Ruinart Champagne Lounge

Bittersweet and Not Just Another Pretty Face.

Greetings All,

This past weekend was a bittersweet one. My birthday was on Sunday and it was a milestone, but it was also the death of one of Chicago history makers Dr. Margaret Burroughs. Dr. Burroughs was one of the founders of the Du Sable Museum of African American History and a great artist and will be truely missed. This past summer I saw Dr. Burroughs at the Lake Meadows Art Fair were she was strolling through passing out signed poster of herself to all the artists and vendors. I was so honored that she was doing so that I asked if I could take her picture andshe kindly stop to allow me to do so and above is that image. She has left a great legacy and we all are grateful by her time spent here.

On a lighter note on November 20th was the opening reception and unveiling of "Not Just Another Pretty Face" at the Hyde Park Art Center. I was blown away by all the wonderful art and people and a special thanks goes to my friend Patric McCoy. Patric commissioned 6 of us to create pieces for him to add to his great collection. Patric is one of the founders of Diasporal Rhythms and is a collecter/educator of art.

Before we went to the opening we did dinner together were we both cook and had a great meal of Bay shrimp salad that Pat made with shrimp, green onions, parsley, cherry tomatoes, olives and dressed with olive oil. Just lovely combination of favors and colors. I baked lake bass fish that he had caught early this year and I used some lemon season that he provided that was just perfect on the fish. I also brought Brussels sprouts that we cooked with shallots and white wine. Pat also made hot-water cornbread and we at like champs this delightful Nuvo-Soul Food;-) Sorry that I didn't take any pictures of the meal, but I will the next time. For dessert we had Ruinart champagne and dance to Gary Taylor. Below is a slide show and I hope that you enjoy.

Patric McCoy."I, and others in Chicago, maintain that it is important for the peoples of African descent in the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa to be in the forefront of acquiring and validating the creative images produced by the artists in their communities. And, through these collecting and promoting activities, be the first voices in naming those high quality creations as fine art."

---Patric McCoy
President, Diasporal Rhythms

Short Stories - Illinois Artisans

Greetings All,
Next month I'm the featured artist at the Illinois Artisans and they chose "Mother Earth" (above) to grace their "Facebook" page and she's on the website in feature artist section. She's one of my favorites also, but then again all of my work is my favorite until it's no longer mine. Here's the press release and if you are in the downtown Chicago area and looking for some great gifts stop by and check us out.

"Short Stories" by Trish Williams, Chicago, IL
This December, Trish Williams is featured at Illinois Artisans. These art quilts are created within a one to two day time frame and “where I work out whatever trials I may be going through at the time.” By the time of completion, the issue has been addressed or resolved. Her therapeutic process helps her explore a new idea, thought or challenge. Her idea is self-contained in each small to medium piece: a short story. I’m a self-taught fiber artist/quilter who discovered art quilting in 1997. This format has been a life changing discovery for me. It has allowed me to combine
two of my passions: art and sewing. I include some mix-media techniques in my work by painting fabrics, adding paper, metal and other found objects for embellishment. This allows me a broader sense of expression and creativity. My work is inspired by my culture, community and color.
She has exhibited her quilts since 1998 and is represented by the Illinois Artisans in Chicago. Short Stories is on display during December and all quilts are for sale.

The Illinois Artisans Shop, a not-for-profit endeavor, is a showcase for art work created by the state's finest artisans. It provides an ongoing opportunity to view and purchase the best designed and crafted traditional, contemporary, ethnic and folk art made in Illinois.
Illinois Artisans Shop, 100 W. Randolph, Ste. 2-200, 312-814-5321, Monday - Friday 9 - 5

The Illinois Artisans Program Home Decorating Art Spree

The Illinois Artisans Program Home Decorating Art Spree is on Thursday and Friday, November 18-19, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Clark/Lake Stop. Meet the following artisans, learn about their craft, and
purchase one of kind pieces:
Kathryn Collins, Chicago, Painting
Bud Greene, Highland Park, Jewelry
Ala Jaron, Chicago, Jewelry
Larry Kanfer, Champaign, Photography
LaVonne Nye, Lostant, Jewelry
Mary Obodzinski, Crystal Lake, Ceramics
Dennis O'Malley, Wilmette, Prints
Marie Polick, Northbrook, Jewelry
Jennifer Ridley, Chicago, Glass & Ceramics
Dale Sinderson, Harvard, Walking Sticks
Zofia Tomala, Chicago, Ceramics - November featured artist.
Trish Williams, Chicago, Wall hangings/Quilts/Dolls

Next month I will be the featured artist in the Illinois Artisans Shop and below are some of the items that will available. The Illinois Artisans Shop, a not-for-profit endeavor, is a showcase for art work created by the state's finest artisans. It provides an ongoing opportunity to view and purchase the best designed and crafted traditional, contemporary, ethnic and folk art made in Illinois. Illinois Artisans Shop, 100 W. Randolph, Ste. 2-200, 312-814-5321, Monday-Friday 9 - 5.

PAQA 2008 challenge - I Didn't Know That A Quilt Could Be Political.

Greetings All,
Here is an exhibit from the past that was a challenge presented to PAQA members 2008 by Michele Hardman. Enjoy.