Meico Gowan explores life memories in Kortman Gallery exhibit opening Friday, August 8th thru September 27th


On Friday, August 8th, new works by artist, Meico Gowan, will open in the Kortman Gallery in an exhibition titled “Earth Impressions: Whispers from My Past.”

    Born in Bulgaria, Rockford artist Meico Gowan spent part of his childhood in an orphanage not far from the bucolic landscapes where goats graze the hillsides outside the Bulgarian city of Yambol. The memories of these rustic settings are the inspiration for Gowan’s paintings that are both figurative and abstract images he creates from his impressions of the world around him.

    Gowan, who also works in photography, was introduced to painting in college.
        
     “I seem to be fascinated with earthly impressions of the hillsides and landscapes around me, says Gowan. “In my paintings, I find myself exploring whispers from my past with animals like goats and other memories. Because I am a minimalist, many of my paintings will not necessarily have pictures and images easily recognized, however, they will frequently have earth tones that complement my paintings and fill a need I am trying to express.”

    “Meico is an intriguing, emerging artist new to the Rockford art scene who has studied under the tutorage of artist/teacher Leslie Arbetman at Roosevelt and Cherri Rittenhouse, professor of art at Rock Valley College,” says Doc Slafkosky, gallerist for the Kortman Gallery. “He brings an interesting and fresh artistic perspective with both his paintings and photography.”

     The Gowan exhibition, “ Earth Impressions: Whispers from My Past” will be will be on display through September 27th.The August 8th opening reception will be from 5:30 to 9pm.The Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.



Closing party for David Menard's "Flavor Country" exhibition this First Friday, August 1st...Summer Sale continues at J. R. Kortman Center for Design

See you this First Friday, August 1st in the Kortman Gallery for a closing party for "Flavor Country," an exhibition of works by Rockford College art professor David Menard. If you haven't seen this show, stop by and see this entertaining art and enjoy specially priced beers and other refreshing summer beverages served up by bar host Dennis Horton. Also, you can shop until 9pm this Friday and take advantage of great bargains on cool things in our Summer Sale section at J. R. Kortman Center for Design.

Kortman Saturday Sidewalk Sale & Main Street District Party featuring Food, Shopping & Live Music, July 11-12

  Another BIG weekend Downtown in the Main Street District....with shopping, food, live music, and most of all...FUN! Starting on Saturday, July 12, we will be featuring a Sidewalk Sale with Big Savings. The Sale starts at 10am to 6pm. There is no admission charge until the Main Street District Party starts at 3pm. So come early for the best selection.
     But you won't want to miss (starting @ 3pm) "Off the Chain" street market event featuring local food and shop vendors followed by live entertainment with headliner Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts. And Friday evening (July 11th)...live entertainment featuring Red Jumpsuit Apparatus...see the attached images for more details. And, of course the Kortman Gallery Bar will be out in front both Friday & Saturday evenings serving up Love Lemon Martinis and Bellini Martinis along with great beers from Hayes Beer Distributors.

David Menard's "Flavor Country" opens Friday, June 6 in Kortman Gallery featuring DJ's DAS + Edward Klutch


    Artist, educator, and family man David Menard is inspired by the imagery of pop culture and the visual world that we experience everyday. His exhilarating art works tap into our collective cultural memory, our shared histories and influences based on images from popular media.
       
    On Friday, June 6th, new works by David Menard will open in the Kortman Gallery in an exhibition titled “Flavor Country.”
       
    “My art reflects a fascination with drawing, painting and printmaking. I consider myself a member of a growing community of artists working in the graphics medium,” said Menard. There are more printmakers, graphic artists and craftsman sharing ideas and techniques than ever before. Current technologies make for interesting art objects, communication, and visualization, providing artists with an incredible array of expressive possibilities.”
   
    “David’s work combines elements of graphic design, printmaking, and drawing that results in colorful, sometimes chaotic images that are both thought provoking and exciting and always entertaining. says Doc Slafkosky, gallerist for the Kortman Gallery.
   
    Recently, Menard has been working with Rockford artists Javier Jimenez, Jarrod Hennis, Gregg Lang, and Corey Hagberg under the name “Fatherless.” They were featured in an international group exhibition at Somerset House in London.

    “We collaborate on one of a kind silk screen images in a style we call "Rust Belt Power Pop," says Menard.

    Menard is a professor of art at Rockford University and, as stated in his biography, “enjoys loud music, the smell of ink and the company of his wife, artist Molly Carter, and their two beautiful boys.”

     The Menard exhibition, “Flavor Country” will be will be on display through July 30th.The June 6th opening reception will be from 5:30 to 9pm. This First Friday opening will feature music from DJ’s DAS & Edward Klutch until midnight or later.The Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

What: Flavor Country,” an exhibition of works by David Menard opening reception, Friday , June 6th, 5:30 to 9:00pm. This First Friday opening will feature music from DJ’s DAS & Edward Klutch until midnight or later.
When:  The exhibition runs through July 30th. Gallery & Store open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm.
Where: Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design,
             107 North Main Street, Downtown Rockford
Admission: Free and open to the public



Laurent House opens as museum on June 7th & 8th...celebrate with Wright design from J. R. Kortman

J. R. Kortman Center for Design is celebrating the opening of Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House as an exciting new museum in Rockford. Public tours start the weekend of June 7th & 8th. We are featuring an array of Frank Lloyd Wright inspired products, including the hand-painted Laurent House Landmark ornaments. From vases, to lighting, and neckties to ornaments...these beautifully designed gifts would also be great for dad on Father's Day, June 15th.