“Glow” brings two exciting artists together in our first ever glass show in the Kortman Gallery,” says gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “Their works make you see glass as an art form that dazzles and challenges your imagination with the sparkle and warmth that only the medium of glass can do.”
Drew Helge is a sculptor with over 10 years experience working in glass, producing mixed media work in his studios in Rockford and Chicago.
"I am intrigued by pushing the limits of the material,” said Helge. “I work with glass, ceramics, and metal. With glass there is a beautiful interplay between form and texture, light and shadow. My philosophy as a maker is to accentuate the nature of the material I'm working in. As a designer I'm fascinated by creating dynamic spaces, and as an artist I'm driven to experiment.”
Alex Krueger has work and educational experience with Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle Glass blowing studio, Chicago Hot Glass and a 2016 scholarship recipient to study under American Studio Glass artist Therman Statoms.
“My approach to the material is pretty innocent,” says Krueger. “I work in a way that is easily available to me: glass and paint. The combination of the two creates faux finishes resembling plastic and enhances the paint through the optics of the glass.”
Krueger is also currently teaching high school level glass programs in Chicago at Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy.
The Kortman Gallery exhibit “Glow: emerging perspectives in glass” featuring art glass by Alex Krueger and Drew Helge opens Friday, November, 17th from 5:30 to 9pm and will be on display through January 6th, 2018. Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. For more information call 815-968-0123.
There is till time for you to see the beautiful paintings by Rockford University graduate Brynhildur Guðmundsdóttir, upstairs in the Kortman Gallery. Her exhibition titled, "life still/in motion" will be on display through November 15th. Here are some images of her gallery show and her Reykjavik studio where she has been influenced by the captivating Icelandic environment.
!!!!!!POINT BAR is back! This Saturday & Sunday don't miss Rockford Art Museum's Greenwich Village Art Fair! And stop by Kortman Gallery's POINT! BAR located in the heart of the fair. Yes, there will be Love Lemon Martinis, Mojito Rio cocktails, and beer & wine along with other refreshing adult beverages served up bartenders Nate Adrian, Kyle Rogers, Kelly Adrian, Melanie Pierceson, Dennis Horton, , and Tim Stotz.
And...you are all invited to POINT! BAR's AFTER HOURS PARTY, Saturday evening from 6-8pm (or later!) Groove to music from DJs Earache & Fuzz (Eric Nofsinger & Daniel Minick) and support the Rockford Art Museum!
See you there!
Malika Moine, a prolific artist from Marseille, France was recently commissioned to create images of Rockford for a 2018 calendar titled, “Paint the Town,” a fundraiser for the Rockford Beautiful initiative. The original paintings, that include 13 views of Rockford places and civic events, are now on exhibit in the Kortman Gallery, Downtown Rockfordthrough September 30th.
“It’s always fascinating to see life through the eyes of an artist,” says Doc Slafkosky, gallerist fro the Kortman Gallery. “It’s especially enthralling to see your hometown through fresh eyes of an artist from another part of the world. Malika has captured scenes of Rockford with her enchanting “French” whimsical style that make this such a fun and intriguing exhibition.”
Capturing life around her, has been the motivation for her art throughout her career. More than 30 other works by Malika featured in the exhibition present views of both landscapes and details of life in and around her native city of Marseille in the South of France.
“This is a great opportunity for art enthusiasts and local artists and to experience works that would require a trip across the ocean to see, yet still have a Rockford connection,” said Jerry Kortman, co-owner of the Kortman Gallery. “It has been enriching for our gallery and Rockford to participate in this unique cultural exchange.”
The “Paint the Town” calendar is available for purchase for $14.95 at selected locations throughout the city and at J.R. Kortman Center for Design.The paintings/drawings of Malika Moine will be on exhibit through September 30th upstairs in the Kortman Gallery. Store and Gallery, both located at 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford, are open Monday through Friday 11am to 6pm, and Saturday, 11am to 5pm. For more information call 815-968-0123
Your cats & dogs are part of the family! Here are some some home accents that are not only decorative, but functional that both you and your pet will enjoy: Dog themed journal, cat & dog birthday cards, cool pet bowls from Alessi, cast iron miniature dog figures, terrier bookends, and "Day of the Dead" dog figure...all available now at J.R. Kortman...
Bracelets & Brooches for summer! Check out these beautiful bracelets handmade from pearls, leather, crystal, wood, and semiprecious stone that will be great for every day wear or summer party events. And brooches are back...elegant accents with sparkle & style!
