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.

Piece of the week and more art..

Greetings All,

Below is the Piece of the Week and it's called "Ruinart Champagne Lounge". This piece was created for the Ruinart company annual exhibit and auction. The auction proceeds go to funding art programs for children. The exhibit will open at the Art Basel at the Betsy hotel in Miami in December and from there to the auction in New York city. I will post more as I know it.

Art Basel is an exciting program of special exhibition, parties, and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Artworks by over 2,000 artists will be on display. Check out the website for more information.

The pieces below are new works created by Jennifer Scott who was a part of the Carrol Street artists open studios last weekend. Jennifer's studio is at 3200 W. Carrol and she's working on a group of paintings that are from photos that she took in the southwest. I love the softness of these image.

Then next images below are images from the artist Andy Holck ( below left) and some beautiful people that were there when we stopped by HD Design & Printing at 2950 W. Carrol. This was a first time for us to visit and a first for them being a part of the tours. I was drawn to Andy paintings and line drawings. The wooden sculpture outside in the vacant lot was a true surprise and could not resist taking a picture.

Once we left Andy's we went to the Albany-Carrol Building and there I was drawn to Christine Worley art. She love rust and in the art-quilt world that has become a new patina that we use to change cloth. Her work is done on paper and I ask could we set-up a play date. We shall see. You can see more of Christine's work at http://www.christineworley.com/

Lucy Slivinski is the artist below and she creates these wonderful works out of wire, chain, metal, and other found object. She was just great to talk too and I was so drawn to her work and studio. There was an organized clutter. You can see more of Lucy's work at http://www.lucyslivinski.com/

The next studio that we visited was a occupied by a mother and her son. Scott Becker is the artist below (right) standing with my friend Kaana (below left) holding one of his digital prints. Scott not only dose digital art he illustrates, animation, audio production and he teaches. I love the fact that he was sharing the space with his mother and dad was sitting there in attendance. A true family affair.

Glady Becker (below right) who's watercolors I found just delightful, even the one that she did of a storm clouded road in Mississippi. She was a pleasure to talk with and very charming. We had a great time visiting with her and all the artists and I look forward to the next open studio tours.