ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM | RAM TALKS ART | ROCKFORD'S OWN ARTIST COLONY

RAM Talks Art: Rockford's own artist colony

By Carrie Breitbach, Customer Service Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum

When asked the common Monday morning question of "What did you do this weekend?" I, for once, didn't answer with the same banal response of "Not much, how about you?" Instead, I enthusiastically spewed about my adventures through this year's ArtScene Oct. 5-6. Coordinated by Rockford Area Arts Council, ArtScene is one of those great Rockford events that takes place every spring and fall.

As I set out that Friday night, Oct. 5, I was impressed to see the outpouring of Rockfordians in the downtown area. Many local businesses open their doors to local artists in hopes of bringing in support, not only to the business, but to the artists as well.

Anne O'Keefe, executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, expressed her excitement about this fall's event, stating: "One of the things that impresses me the most about ArtScene is that some of the artists and galleries have been participating in this event since it started, 20 years ago. It.s exciting to see the artists reinventing themselves and their work. Also, having 15 new locations this fall really shows that the Rockford art community is not stagnant and continues to grow."

Anne's statement rang true when I stumbled upon something that made my heart race - an artist colony. I decided to take the little jaunt over to 534 and 540 N. Court St. to check out the two new galleries that boast 8,000 square feet of space.

Chad Brazle and Angela Stickler have forged a neighbor alliance, forming a literal artist-in-residence program with first-floor gallery space. Three artists reside in Art Haus, paying affordable rents and given creative rein in the studios that are attached to their rooms. The apartments upstairs are perfect for creative thinkers, offering high ceilings, large windows and big, open floor plans.

Walking into these homes that exceed 100 years, its warm and open space makes for fine galleries. Known as the Court Street Co-op, Chad and Angela have given these rare gems their own unique titles of Art Haus Gallery and Big House Gallery. These unique homes offer affordable rent as well as a creative environment, and the grassroots vibe and positive energy in these houses are truly unexpected and inspiring.

Adorning the walls of Art Haus were many remarkable pieces by local artists, including vintage photographs taken by the late Rockford native Greg Bramhall. After Bramhall's death in 1979, more than 7,000 of his negatives resurfaced; a handful of these captivating photographs that feature social commentary about Rockford in the 1960s graced the walls during this year's 20th Annual Fall ArtScene. Because Bramhall's body of work is so extensive, Art Haus plans to dedicate an entire show to him in mid-December.

In summation, I can only tell you this: something exciting is starting to happen in Rockford. The rebirth of artist colonies and co-ops is upon us, and we need to take action to keep them going. Hats off to those of you trying to make a difference in the art community - we appreciate it.

If you would like more information about Art Haus and Big House galleries, please call Chad Brazle at (815) 316-8671. For details about how your business or organi- zation can participate in Spring ArtScene 2008, call Rockford Area Arts Council at 815) 963-6765 or log on to www.artsforeveryone.com.

Rockford Art Museum Customer Service Coordinator Carrie Breitbach can be reached at cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org.

from the Nov. 7-13, 2007, issue

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