ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM | RAM TALKS ART | FALL ARTSCENE GETS DOWNTOWN BUZZING

RAM Talks Art: Fall ArtScene gets downtown buzzing

By Carrie Breitbach, Customer Service Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum

I am always delighted to write about ArtScene in this column. It's a chance for me to go explore Rockford and check out all the new and innovative artists in our community.

As I think back to last year's Fall ArtScene, a smile instantly comes to my face. I started the Friday night off with a friend (I won't name names) and a glass of wine. We were poring over our schedule, mapping the locations we were going to hit that night. A couple of hours later, we had finished our downtown art tour, sported new tattoos (Sacred Art was in between two locations and we couldn't resist), and headed to Brio to discuss our favorites. Needless to say, it was a great night.

Enough of my drivel—I was just trying to convey the fun I have twice a year at ArtScene. So now, I am happy to report to you on what I stumbled upon this fall.

I began my journey at my normal starting point, Kortman Gallery. I always like to start at this location. Not only are Doc and Jerry two of my favorite people, but they always put up really interesting shows. This go-around was no exception; a slew of artists assembled there, giving their interpretation of the Day of the Dead. I was in heaven.

Climbing up the stairs to the gallery, I started to sweat with anticipation, my wallet burning a huge hole in my purse. My eyeballs were the size of saucers when I finally got to the top. Skulls adorned the room, as did amazing 3-D, self-portraits and incredibly dark paintings. My eyes were drawn immediately to the back of the gallery, where Erick Knaus and “Scary” Dan Gildea had the two pieces I bought. I couldn't resist.

Knaus displayed a small portrait that, at first, reminded me of the skull of Jesus. Intriguing, yes. As I got closer, I realized it was, in fact, a self-portrait. I had to have it. It had the innocence of Outsider art, combined with the sarcasm of self-interpretation. Next to it, Gildea's sculpture was a towering force. The skeletal form was made of a medical anatomy mold. He also used electronic devices, such as a plug inserted into the skull of the body. Very futuristic and dark. Great show.

I then wandered over to Norstar Heating and Cooling, where the Mack clan—John Verl McNamara, Mary McNamara Bernsten, Sarah Bursley McNamara and Barbara McNamara—took over the building, showcasing amazing metal sculpture, prints and children's oils, photography, and oils and watercolors. The broad range of media were displayed in the same room and, although the context was so different, the show had amazing flow.

The subtle paintings of nature Barbara produces were a perfect segue into Sarah's candid, documentary-style photography. Mary's printmaking always astounds me. The dark Tim Burton-feel of her work, combined with the use of everyday, conventional objects, creates an impressive collection of prints. Then, we have the exceptional work of John Verl. His metal sculptures are so intricate and impressive. From the large candelabras to the towering abstract pieces, John's craftsmanship always floors me. The talent in this family is abundant, and the show was really a success.

All in all, I was really pleased with ArtScene this season. I wish I could go on about all the other artists who impressed me, but it would take up an entire issue of this paper. The outpouring of people this year had to set a record. Downtown was buzzing Friday night.

So, if you didn't attend Fall ArtScene this year, make sure you don't miss it in the spring. It has certainly turned into an event that not only supports our arts and business community, but also brings culture back into our downtown.

ArtScene is coordinated by Rockford Area Arts Council twice a year. For more information, call (815) 963-6765 or log on to www.artsforeveryone.com.

Contact Rockford Art Museum Customer Service Coordinator Carrie Breitbach at cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org.

from the Oct. 8-14, 2008, issue

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