Artists’ Guild Stages “New Traditions” Art Exhibit
Works by renowned artists Carlos Cortez, John Culik, LeRoy Neiman, Leon Oks and Alex Yaworski are featured in a “New Traditions” art exhibition sponsored by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild.
More than 20 pieces of contemporary art from the Guild’s permanent collection are included in the new show, which will run from August 9 through September 16 in the EAG Gallery, in the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Avenue. An opening reception, open to the public, will be held Friday, August 12, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Guild has dug into its closet and pulled out an outstanding selection from its permanent collection of donated art for the “New Traditions” show.
“The featured works are an excellent representation of contemporary art by established artists who are now residing or who resided during a major portion of their careers in northern Illinois,” according to EAG President Francesca Irion.
The EAG permanent collection numbers nearly 100 pieces, obtained from EAG members, as well as non-members.
Here are some brief biographical sketches of the featured artists:
Carlos A. Cortez, who died in 2005, was an activist artist and writer. His labor-oriented art and writings helped bring international attention to Mexicans and other native peoples. His works can be found in the collections of the Smithsonian Institute and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
John Culik is known principally for print making, covering a wide range of subjects, some of the most significant being views of Joliet streets, the waterway and farms in the Joliet area. Culik’s drawings can be seen at the Canal and Regional History Collection at Lewis University and the Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago.
LeRoy Neiman is best known for his brilliantly colored, stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities. He has broad public following worldwide. A teacher at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for 10 years early in his career, Neiman gained wide recognition as contributing artist for Playboy, in the 1950s.
Leon Oks, has exhibited widely across the United States and Europe and is a frequent contributor to Art Expos around the world. His paintings can be found in numerous private collections, corporations, as well as museums. He lives and teaches in the Chicago area.
Alex F. Yaworski, who died 1997 at age 89, was an award-winning artist and illustrator in Chicago for more than 60 years. He painted a series of popular and often-reproduced lithographed prints on the city. His signature watercolor of Michigan Avenue and the lions in front of the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most popular lithographs ever done of the city.
The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Gallery is open to the public during regular Elmhurst Art Museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. Admission is free all day Friday and to Museum members and children at all times. Contact the Museum at 630-834-0202 or www.elmhurstartmuseum.org for details.
About the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Gallery
The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Gallery is a not for profit art gallery owned by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, featuring original contemporary artworks in a variety of styles and media. Each year it hosts several group shows featuring the artwork of Guild members along with an invitational show for a significant local artist and the annual juried National Art Premiere group show drawing entries from across the country. Exhibits are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. More information is available at www.elmhurstartistsguild.org.