Love tokens from J. R. Kortman...Valentine's Day, February 14th

 Valentine's Day is coming Thursday, February 14th...so now is the time to find something wonderful for that special someone in your life. Valentine's Day celebrates love...and there is so many sweet things to love at J. R. Kortman Center for Design...from love tokens to elegant pearls. Here are some great gift ideas for this romantic day.

Mindy Joy Nutter Young exhibits colorful, eccentric drawings at Kortman Gallery opening First Friday, February 1st

  Artist Mindy Joy Nutter Young is a Rockford College graduate who has made a name for herself in Rockford printmaking circles for elaborate and provocative monochromatic works. On Friday, February 1st, she will present a new body of work, but this time, presenting elaborate and visually challenging colorful mixed media drawings.

The exhibit titled “The Bathroom Diaries” is, according to the artist, “a collection of intensive drawings, which act as an interpretation and honest evaluation of ideas relating to mortality, isolation, and the pursuit of life and love.”

Young’s reference to the bathroom in her title is a metaphor for a small space withdrawn and confined where we prepare ourselves for the day. “The bathroom is not only the place for literal cleansing, but is simultaneously a place for me to cleanse, purge, and prepare matters of the heart and mind,” says Young.

Some of Young’s printmaking imagery of skeletal forms, nudes, and wild birds and animals appear in her eccentric drawings with much more elaborate, colorful, and eye-dazzling detail.

“There is so much going on in her drawings that you really need to spend some time looking them over and thinking about each one them,” said Doc Slafkosky, Kortman Gallery director. “Mindy has a lot to say in her art, and she does, in these powerful works of alluring and seductive fantasy.”

Young earned her spot in the Kortman Gallery by winning a series of juried art competition exhibits during 2012 in the upstairs galley at  Kryptonite in Downtown Rockford.

When she’s not drawing or printmaking, Young, the artist with two middle names, is also pursuing a career in wedding and family photography. She is committed to a lifestyle of creativity and working with people.

An opening reception for  “The Bathroom Diaries,” drawings by Mindy Joy Nutter Young will be Friday, February 1st, from 5:30 to 9pm. The opening coincides with First Fridays Downtown. The art  will be on display through March 30th..  The 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: “The Bathroom Diaries” an exhibition of drawings by Mindy Joy Nutter Young

When: Opening reception: Friday, February 1st, 5:30 to 9pm. The exhibition runs through March 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 

Kortman Gallery & Octane host Rockford Public Schools All Star Art Exhibit

Kortman Gallery & Octane are pleased to invite you to the opening of Rockford Public Schools' All Star High School Art Exhibit opening Thursday evening @ 6pm. Celebrate the arts program & CAPA Visual Art at Auburn in the new year by coming to the RPS All Star High School Art Exhibit showcasing the wonderful artwork from five district high schools.  Here's the info...
All Star Art Exhibit - all 5 high school represented in this awesome exhibit!
Opening is this Thursday, January 10; 6 - 8 - Appetizers will be served
Downtown at Octane Restaurant (2D work) and Kortman Gallery (3D work)
*If you miss the opening - you can still see the show until the last weekend of January.
Hope to see you for this exciting exhibit which is a glimpse into the future of the visual arts from these talented and creative students!

 

 

Smart design in classic black from J. R. Kortman Center for Design

 Black is back for this new year. It's elegant, chic, classic...even versatile. At J. R. Kortman Center for Design you can find cool objects in myriad shades of black for you and your home or for that special someone who deserves a sophisticated, exciting gift for a birthday, wedding, or just to say "Happy New Year." Choose your favorite shade of black Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm @ J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main, Downtown Rockford.

First Friday @ J. R. Kortman: Sarah Stewart's iPod, Dennis Horton @ Gallery Bar, & closing party for "Landmarks" exhibit

 Hope to see you this first First Friday of the New Year, 2013...the year of the snake. We are celebrating the success of the "Landmarks" exhibition with a closing party in the Kortman Gallery. We will also reveal the unedited playlist from the iPod of artist Sarah Danielle Stewart (one of the featured artists in the "Landmarks" exhibit), played through a cool sound system from Here.MoreMusic. And Dennis Horton will keep the party going while he tends the Kortman Gallery Bar! And you can shop 'til 9pm @ J. R. Kortman Center for Design with 25% savings on all Christmas items (Landmark ornaments excluded). Stay warm & cozy upstairs and down at 107 North Main Street!

Enjoy shopping Xmas Eve @ J. R. Kortman 10am–6pm...Gallery Bar open for holiday cheer!

Happy Christmas Eve,
We have one more day left for this holiday shopping season and we will be open (Dec. 24th) 10am to 6pm. If you still have more shopping to do or haven't even started we will be here all day as Santa's official representatives. And, of course, we gift wrap. Even if you've finished with your shopping, stop by for some Merry Christmas cheer. Dennis Horton will be tending the Kortman Gallery Bar from noon 'til close. Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and we thank you for making this one of our best seasons ever! Hope to see you soon.

Extraordinary holiday gifts for you and your home @ J. R. Kortman

As we approach Christmas Day, here are some more holiday gift ideas with an accent on home accessories...and some other cool ideas for you to put on your wish list or for someone very special in your life. Architecturally designed housewares from Alessi make useful objects extraordinary works of form and function. These are lasting gifts of exceptional quality that can be passed on to the next generation. Other gift ideas in this photo album are sure to help make the season bright for young and old.
J. R. Kortman Center for Design will be open daily now through Christmas Eve...10am to 6pm...Sunday (Dec. 23rd), Noon to 6pm. 

Great holiday gifts for guys @ J. R. Kortman

Whether he's your boyfriend, husband, brother, dad, or co-worker... guys can be difficult to buy for. At J. R. Kortman we've got cool stuff he's sure to enjoy, use, and even cherish...because you found something unique that suits his personality. From toys to clocks to ties to art to watches to books on art, design, and popular culture. Here are some photos of some selected items that he might really like...but, do stop in and see much more when you experience holiday shopping at J. R. Kortman Center for Design.