Boy, did this morning's temperature plunge give us a shock? At least some of the galleries were ready, with appropriate shows this season. We came up with a list we thought of as a sort of winter gallery scavenger hunt... We think that embracing winter for a little while will make us even more grateful for the spring, whenever it arrives. For now, get out there, and let us know what you think!
- CGN
Douglas Dawson – Winter Show
This gallery is a worth destination any time of year, but its elegant setting is a particularly welcome escape this time of year. Thru February10 you can visit the Winter Exhibition of Gallery Artists. Contemporary works are on display from artists like Frank Connett, pigment prints on fiber paper from John Faier, and more. We recommend you pick a snowy day so you can experience the outdoor garden this time of year.
Carl Hammer – Snowflake Bentley
I have always enjoyed Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley’s photomicrographs of snowflakes - first when I was little and read the famous children’s book Snowflake Bentley http://www.amazon.com/Snowflake-Bentley-Caldecott-Medal-Book/dp/0395861624. River North’s Carl Hammer Gallery has work by the artist that will delight adults as well as children. Stop in to enjoy them timelessly. "Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." - Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley 1925
(Snowflake Bentley)
Terry Winters (in group show) @ Russell Bowman
From February 3-April 21, the gallery will show Drawings – featuring a heavy-hitting list of artists who deserve a careful look this winter. This list includes Nicholas Africano, Norman Bluhm, Carroll Dunham, Roy De Forest, Philip Guston, Robert Hudson, Jim Nutt, Ed Paschke, David Smith, William T. Wiley, and appropriately for our list, Terry Winters. Opening reception Feb 3 from 5:30-8pm.
Marc de Montebello at the Schwebel Company… California scenes (in case you need sun!)
The Schwebel Company is next door to Russell Bowman, and their usual business is historic preservation and interiour design. However, until the end of this month, they are showing special series of monotypes by artist Marc de Montebello, who decided to pick up and move to California so he could paint the striking natural landscapes he was so inspired by. If you’re looking for some views from a sunnier place, we recommend you check these out.
(Marc de Montebello)
Stephen Frost (and David Hartwell) @ Robert Bills
This one was also a reach for us for the theme of winter, but since the artist’s name is Frost, we couldn’t resist. Joint Disassembly features the work of Steven Frost and David F. Hartwell. Both artists draw attention to how the process of picking and choosing. Steven Frost’s work in this show explores connections as varied as the bond between backyard wrestling bouts, the International Mr. Leather Contest and learning to macramé in the 4H Club.
Bridgeport’s Art Destinations Are Open
The winter is a great time to explore the city’s vibrant art centers, many of which open their doors to the public this time of year for open studios, special events and more. We say you should check out Bridgeport, where there has been a lot of activity lately.
• Each month you can attend Third Friday at the Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th). This month’s event takes place January 20 and opens the much-anticipated Wet Paint exhibition of MFA work.
• Just down the street is the Bridgeport Art Center (1200 W. 35th) - our winter issue cover feature - where the building that’s now home to many working artists is also celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Beyond the gallery and studio offerings at the Center, there are opportunities for you to host parties and weddings there this year. On February 2 BAC will be displaying prize-winning menus and plans of the three Chicago event planners/designers for the $15,000 Dream Wedding You Can Afford competition.
Randolph Street Markets – Wonderful Winter Markets in February. We love the Randolph Street Markets all summer long, but NOW they’re going on all year long – so much better! They get started the first weekend in February with their Wonderful Winter Markets. Save the date and go exploring!
There is a special exhibition at Richard Gray Gallery that is ending SOON. When I think of winter, I think of hibernation and hermits, but the work of Jaume Plensa will enlighten you rather than make you want to stay home. This is one show definitely worth leaving home for. Don’t miss it! Thru January 20: Jaume Plensa: The Hermit. Solo exhibition of new works of new drawings + sculpture. Working at the intersection of 2 + 3 dimensional worlds, by layering several materials in each drawing the works convey a sense of sculptural depth.
Downtown at the State Street Gallery thru January 30, you may see works by artist Didier Nolet. The artist's romantic landscapes reflect his realities, an amalgam of vistas of his native France, the American Southwest and the Midwest. They are a beautiful reflection of the peace that’s unique to this time of year.
(Didier Nolet)
Subscribe