J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery

Two Artists create remarkable, uncommon sculptural works from ordinary wood in Kortman Gallery exhibit, opening ArtScene weekend April 13th & 14th

2018-04-10T16:42:02Z

Drawing inspiration from childhood storybook characters, nature, and spirituality, Brazilian artist Albino Junior creates remarkable miniature sculptures from wooden matchsticks. These striking and magical works, which Junior refers to as “Arte no Palito,” reveal his uncanny and inspired ability to carve these diminutive and unusual artworks.
   Joe Goral Sr. is a Rockford painter and woodworker, whose woodworking focuses on turned pieces using a lathe and scroll sawn typography. The materials for his work come from downed trees and limbs from around Winnebago county, old skateboards, and leftovers from other woodworking projects.
   Both artists share a unique, creative relationship with wood, and combined with their emotional and spiritual connections to the subject matter, blur the lines between craft and art in an exhibition titled “Into the Wood,” opening ArtScene weekend (April 13-14) in the Kortman Gallery.
   Albino Geovane Vasconcelos Junior, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, believes he has a gift with his unique artistic ability.
   “I have been developing my gift since I was 14 years-old when I suddenly got a match, some paints and glue and made my first sculpture: a small Christ on the Cross,” said Junior. Many people see matches as something disposable that you use only once and then it loses its functionality. I see sculptures using matches, mixing colors, stories and emotions in a few centimeters!”
   “While these sculptures have the peculiar characteristic of being miniature, there is also an incredible variety of detail that amazes and moves a lot of people,” says Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky.
   Joe Goral, Sr. found inspiration from his father about a decade ago.
   “My dad was a huge influence in my initial interest in woodworking. He started building furniture and would suggest types of woodworking that might interest me. Eventually I took a jigsaw and stumbled my way through cutting out a large "J" for my son, Joey Jr. I showed it to him and he suggested I buy a scroll saw,” said Goral.
   “Within a few months, I had made and sold enough work to upgrade to a really nice saw. I cut up everything from old skateboards to very expensive pieces of wood into intricate cursive words. It was and still is a lot of fun.”
   “Into the Wood” featuring sculptural art works by Albino Junior and Joe Goral, Sr. opens Spring ArtScene, Friday, April 13th from 5:00 to 9pm and Saturday, April 14th, 4 to 9pm and will be on display through May 31st. 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.

Experience shopping @ J.R.Kortman Center for Design Tuesday – Friday, 11-6...and Satuday, 11-5

2018-04-04T16:16:48Z

Easter & Spring Greetings from J.R. Kortman Center for Design! Experience shopping at J.R.Kortman Tuesday - Friday 11am to 6pm & Satuday, 11am - 5pm

2018-03-30T22:51:14Z

Experience shopping at J.R. Kortman Center for Design...Tuesday - Friday, 11-6...Saturday, 11-5

2018-02-21T21:34:35Z

Make this Valentine's Day extraordinary with a Love token from J.R. Kortman!

2018-02-10T20:24:35Z

Comic books & graphic design inspires printmakers Joe Tallman & Alison Weust in Kortman Gallery “Flat Planet” exhibition opening February 2nd

2018-01-27T22:27:44Z

Flat Planet Press is the combined studio practice of Rockford artists Joe Tallman and Alison Weust. “Flat Planet” is also the title of their exhibition opening Friday, February 2nd in the Kortman Gallery, Downtown Rockford. The title is derived from the two-dimensional nature of Tallman and Weust’s work, as both artists concentrate on hand-drawn, hand-printed works on paper.

Tallman & Weust have found inspiration for their contemporary/retro imagery from comic books, pulp era science fiction, hand-illustrated typography, and even music all with a graphic design sensibility.

Weust is a designer and printmaker who specializes in screen printing and photo lithography.

“I’ve always worked closely with bands and musicians and look to artists like Ray Pettibon,” says Weust. “I also love the the illustrator Daniel Clowes who uses a lot of bright colors in his work and taught me that you don’t always have to use black as your darkest value. I started replacing black with dark blues or reds and I found that it makes my work much more vibrant.”

Joe Tallman is an illustrator and screen printer who creates his art using a hybrid of traditional drawing and inking methods along with digital coloring techniques more commonly seen in modern illustration.

“I’ve always been intrigued by man’s relationship with technology in an ever-changing digital landscape,” says Tallman. “Sci-fi illustrators like Virgil Finlay blew my mind early on, along with comic book illustrators like Dan Clowes, Charles Burns and Adrian Tomine.”

According to Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky the exhibit should be an entertaining and engaging art experience. “Both Joe and Alison have a great sense of visual imagery that’s very well executed, imaginative, colorful and, most of all, fun!”

“Flat Planet” featuring art works by Joe Tallman and Alison Weust opens First Friday, February 2nd from 5:30 to 9pm and will be on display through March 31st. 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.

Announcing our NEW STORE HOURS!...Tuesday-Friday, 11-6 & Saturday, 11-5...closed Sundays & Mondays!

2018-01-05T23:11:56Z

Download BAEEFE8F-C61C-404F-9101-3E51EEF89D26-share.m4v

Shop J.R.Kortman for Extraordinary Christmas Gifts Monday–Friday, 11-6; Saturday, 11-5; Sunday (in December), 1-5 and Sunday (Christmas Eve), 11a-5p

2017-12-11T19:01:09Z

J.R. Kortman Center for Design...holiday shopping the way it should be...relaxed, fun, and special. Extraordinary gifts for the extraordinary people in your life!

New Ornaments Celebrate Y Log Lodge & Coronado’s 90 Years in Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection @ J.R.Kortman

2017-12-09T00:01:59Z

J.R. Kortman Center for Design introduces two new ornaments to the Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection for 2017, the historic YMCA Log Lodge and a special edition of the Coronado Performing Arts Center, celebrating the theatre’s 90th year.
    “We are honored the Log Lodge was chosen as one of our community’s assets to highlight,” said Michelle Gorham, Chief Advancement Officer, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “Throughout 70 years, this building has played host to many celebrations from weddings to baby showers and more. Community members have made lasting memories in the Log Lodge and we are excited to honor those moments with this ornament.”
    “The Y Log Lodge is one of Rockford’s most intriguing and unusual landmarks,” says Doc Slafkosky, co-owner of J.R. Kortman. “In a way, you could say it’s hidden in plain sight, yet has such a great history and potential for future use because of its beautiful location along the Rock River.”
    The Coronado ornament features a beautiful hand-painted image of the the theater’s interior with it’s spectacular proscenium. The back of the ornament has the number “90” painted with stars representing the theater’s starlit ceiling.
    The original image for the Y Log lodge ornament was a commissioned painting created by Rockford artist Jeanne Ludeke and the Coronado was based on an image by Rockford illustrator Dean Munson. Both ornaments are limited edition deluxe versions, hand-painted inside larger glass spheres than previous ornaments and presented in a elegant midnight blue velvet gift box. The cost is $28. each.
    “We took those images to Beijing where the artist who hand-paints each ornament was able to transpose them on the inside of a clear ornament sphere, utilizing an ancient Chinese folk art technique” said co-owner Jerry Kortman. “It’s fascinating to see how our artist communicated visually with the Chinese artist through the language of art.”
     For more than 19 years J. R. Kortman Center for Design has been featuring hand-painted ornaments depicting Rockford landmarks sold year round at the downtown Rockford concept store and gallery.
    The Log Lodge ornament can also be purchased at all three YMCA facility locations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the ornament at YMCA locations will help with renovation costs of the Log Lodge. Updates will include exterior renovations, log repair, lighting, flooring, windows and more.
        Besides the Log Lodge and Coronado “90” ornaments, the Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection includes the Prairie Street Brewhouse, East and West High Schools, St. Anthony Church, Blackhawk Statue, “Symbol” sculpture, two views of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House, a special edition of Memorial Hall,, and the North Main Street Armory. Other ornaments available in the Landmark Collection include, the Beattie Park Gazebo, the Faust Landmark Building, Coronado, and Midway Theater Buildings, the Woodward Governor building, and the Sinnissippi Burr Oak Tree. Over the past 15 years the “Symbol” ornament has been the best selling ornament in the collection.
    “Other top sellers include four ornaments depicting different scenes of the beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens and Nicholas Conservatory,” says Slafkosky.
    In addition to the Swedish Historical Society’s Erlander Home, other historic houses in the collection include the “Limestone Mansion,” home to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, and the “Cobblestone House,” located at 2127 Broadway, one of Rockford’s oldest houses.
    All the Landmark ornament images are individually hand-painted on the inside of a glass sphere, utilizing an ancient Chinese technique originally applied to “snuff” bottles. Each collectable ornament is a miniature work of art.
For more Info contact Doc or Jerry at 968-0123.

"Hometown Holiday" & Rockford Landmark Ornaments @ J.R. Kortman: Two Great Rockford Christmas Traditions!

2017-12-04T19:16:35Z

Two Rockford holiday traditions: J.R. Sullivan's "Hometown Holiday" and Rockford Landmark Ornaments! Purchase "Hometown Holiday" tickets @ J.R. Kortman and see the two new deluxe editions of the Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection, the historic riverfront YMCA Log Lodge & beautiful Coronado interior 90th anniversary..both come in an enchanting blue velvet gift box. Add to your collection! And,they also make great collectable holiday house gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime!

J.R. Kortman Center for Design is OPEN SUNDAY in December, 1-5p!!!

2017-12-02T14:45:20Z

Artists Alex Krueger & Drew Helge bring unique perspectives in art glass to in Kortman Gallery holiday exhibition

2017-11-14T18:29:58Z

    Chicago artist Alex Krueger and Rockford artist Drew Helge approach the medium of glass from two entirely different perspectives, both bringing their fresh, exciting, and unique sensibilities to art glass works to a new Kortman Gallery exhibition titled, “Glow: emerging perspectives in glass.”
   “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.

Icelandic artist Brynhildur Guðmundsdóttir's Kortman Gallery exhibit continues through November 15th

2017-10-31T22:08:58Z

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.

In Honor & Loving Memory of Nancy Froelich, J.R. Kortman Center for Design will be closed on Monday, October 30th.

2017-10-29T16:26:00Z

Kortman Gallery to exhibit Icelandic artist Brynhildur Guðmundsdóttir for Rockford Fall ArtScene, Oct. 6 & 7

2017-09-19T23:01:38Z

Kortman Gallery presents POINT! BAR @ Rockford Art Museum's Greenwich Village Art Fair!

2017-09-13T21:38:31Z

!!!!!!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!

French Artist Malika Moine’s Original Rockford Paintings Featured in Kortman Gallery Exhibition

2017-08-11T19:59:44Z

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 Rockford through 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

New Summer arrivals from Alessi bring Design & Function in elegant Black & Silver...contemporary classics @ J.R. Kortman!

2017-08-01T22:33:13Z

Dog & Cat lovers will love these "pet supplies" from J.R. Kortman...

2017-07-15T21:52:43Z

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...

Cool bracelets & brooches add style to summer fun!

2017-06-24T22:29:22Z

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!

Father's Day Gifts with an empahasis on great design and FUN from J.R. Kortman Center for Design

2017-06-13T21:56:09Z

Here are some great Father's Day gift ideas that Dad will enjoy for years to come!: Award winning design bottle openers,"Bottle" wine caddy, "Dear Dad" gift book with cherished quotes about being a father, espresso makers from Alessi, elegant cocktail shaker/server by Marianne Brandt from the 1920's,recycled rulers photo frame, classic & fish flasks, "Guns'n'Roses ceramic vase and skull, retro magnifying device, chair 'sculpture' from MoMA, hand-carved sandal wood figures & miniature Chinese furniture, , shot glasses/desk figures & shoe horn, robot lunch box, classic ceramic Haeger vessels by Frank Lloyd Wright, wooden robot puzzle, 4 faces of Buddha, ceramic desk robot, Alessi limited editon wine openers, and MoMA wall clock...

"Gray Areas" group exhibition opens First Friday, June 2nd in the Kortman Gallery

2017-05-29T17:19:44Z

Burpee Natural History Museum inspires Roosevelt Art Students to Create Mural, Art Exhibit in Kortman Gallery

A group of art students from Roosevelt Alternative High School have been engaged in a yearlong project that uses art to teach the scientific ideas behind human sustainability. After an inspiring tour of the Burpee Natural History Museum, the students’ artistic spirit culminated with them creating a large scale mural and other smaller pieces. These works will be featured in a Kortman Gallery exhibit titled “Gray Areas,” opening Friday, June 2nd.

“Students with an interest in art and the ability to make deeper connections were chosen to tour the Burpee Museum and find issues related to Earth Science that they were most intrigued by,” says Kyle Wolfe, art instructor at Roosevelt.

Inspired by Burpee’s Windows to Wilderness display, this group of young artists quickly began asking questions about how the environment could change if humans continue with the energy and environmental decisions they are currently making.

“Eager to express their ideas artistically, the students decided to work together to create a mural,” said art instructor Brian Hierstein. “Each of the students contributed imagery in their own artistic style in black, white, and gray, resulting in a large, exciting cohesive artwork”

Rockford artist Corey Hagberg came to Roosevelt to discuss his experiences as an artist and his time spent working with “En Masse,” a Canadian art collective, during projects in Chicago, Detroit and Florida. He worked with the students to create a background that would enhance the visual narrative the students were trying to convey.

The students sketched and planned several images and then worked together to arrange these ideas into a large scale mural.

According to Wolfe, the work represents the students’ opinions on human sustainability and where they see the world going if we continue with current policies and ideas about climate change.

“We are thrilled to show the ‘Gray Areas’ exhibition in the Kortman Gallery allowing this talented group of young artists to share their artistic vision with the general public,” says gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “Four foot sections of the the large mural will be sold, along with other student works, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Burpee Natural History Museum”

Participating artists include:

Sarahi Alvarado, Seion Barbor, Armon Conner, Javier Flores, Berenice Galvan, Yael Goriono, Ashley Haley, Anthony Hunter, Stefvon Kalepp, Jasmine Knuth, Shiann Kolff, Jonathan Lane,Tyesha Rogers, Jackeline Rosales, Jumanee Smith, Michael Spiva

Opening reception for the “Gray Areas’ exhibition in the Kortman Gallery will be Friday, June 2nd, 5:30 to 9pm. It will be on display through June 30th. Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The opening reception is free and open to the public. For more information call 815-968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

Congratulate your Graduate of the Class of '17 with a great gift from J.R. Kortman Center for Design!

2017-05-18T21:36:49Z

A great gift for Mom, this Mother's Day from J.R. Kortman Center for Design!

2017-05-07T12:08:31Z

This Mother's Day, Sunday, May 14th, take your Mom for dinner or brunch and present her with an extraordinary gift from J.R. Kortman Center for Design. It can be both practical and beautiful like a Michael Graves designed water kettle, or something elegant like a pearl necklace or hand-blown glass perfume bottle, or even a piece of original art from the Kortman Gallery. Whatever you choose she will treasure it for a lifetime since it came from you and J.R. Kortman! Open Monday - Friday, 11am to 6pm & Saturday, 11am to 5pm

J.R. Kortman Center for Design will be closed April 24-29 for vacation! We will resume normal hours starting May 1st: Monday – Friday, 11am to 6pm, and Saturday, 11am to 5pm

2017-04-23T22:05:03Z

Speleothems inspire Artist Carmen Turner’s Abstract Works in Kortman Gallery Exhibit...opening April 21st!

2017-04-15T21:11:27Z

Her subject matter is speleothems, which most people know as stalactites and stalagmites. They are sculptures of nature and they have inspired the latest works by Rockford artist Carmen Turner who will exhibit her series of abstract art for ArtScene weekend, Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd in the Kortman Gallery.
   Turner, who creates her work at MainFraim studio in Rockford, has titled her exhibition, “The Space Between” in reference to her fascination with origin, shape, and formation of speleothems.
   “The goal of my collection is to capture their temporary form. I make no attempt to depict speleothems as they occur in nature, rather to use color and texture to celebrate their growth, overall shape, and the inevitable lessening of the space between.”
   “As member of the MainFraim studio, which is known for artistically repurposing historic found objects, Carmen has such a great sense of the things that are old and how they fit into an eclectic contemporary world,” says Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “She also builds her own frames which ads authenticity to her intriguing works.”
    Opening receptions for Carmen Turner’s Spring ArtScene exhibition, “The Space Between” in the Kortman Gallery will be Friday, April 21st, 5 to 10pm and Saturday, April 22nd, 4-9pm. It will be on display through May 31st. Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The opening receptions are free and open to the public. For more information call 815-968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

New Store & Gallery hours!...Monday to Friday 11am – 6pm, Saturday, 11am – 5pm

2017-03-31T18:42:29Z

If you haven't seen the beautiful paintings by Rockford artists JoanLee Stassi, her exhibition, "Reflections: Backward/Forward...Paintings/Prints" has been extended through April 12th. Scroll down and read more about Ms. Stassi and her intriguing works. Kortman Gallery is hosting a "closing party" for JoanLee's show on First Friday, April 7th from 6-10pm, (maybe even later) featuring Dennis Horton tending the Kortman Gallery Bar!

And don't forget our new Store & Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 11am – 6pm and Saturday 11am – 5pm!

The Sea & Primitive Cultures inspire Rockford Artist JoanLee Stassi in Kortman Gallery Exhibit Opening February 3rd

2017-01-30T16:53:01Z

Rockford artist JoanLee Stassi feels as much at home in her Provincetown (Massachusetts) studio as she does in her hometown of Rockford when she is creating her dynamic and engaging works of art. A resident of both contrasting environments, Stassi has embraced her surroundings that have impacted her work and life for her entire art career.

On Friday, February 3rd, Stassi will be presenting works from the past and present, both paintings and prints in “Reflections: Backward/Forward…Paintings/Prints,” an exhibition opening in the Kortman Gallery, Downtown Rockford.

“The sea plays a prominent role in the imagery found in my paintings and prints,” says Stassi. “The opportunity to live and work in the oceanside community of Provincetown, Massachusetts, along with travels to various Caribbean Islands, and even music, continually nurtures my visual language.”

Stassi writes in her artist’s statement, “Myths and rituals found in primitive cultures, Carl Jung’s theory of universal symbolism, along with the spiritual beauty nature provides are important elements that I draw from.”

“JoanLee had a solo show of her large scale paintings in the Kortman Gallery more than 20 years ago,” says gallerist, Doc Slafkosky. “We are excited to present not only some of her beautiful paintings, but also her recently created monoprints and photo etchings.”

Opening reception for JoanLee Stassi’s exhibition, “Reflections: Backward/Forward…Paintings/Prints” in the Kortman Gallery will be Friday, February 3rd, 5:30 to 9pm. It will be on display through March 18th. Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The opening reception is free and open to the public. For more information call 815-968-0123

Brighten cold dark days with Winter white from J.R. Kortman Center for Design!

2017-01-13T20:58:22Z

Shop J.R.Kortman Center for Design, Mon.–Fri., 10-6, Sat., 10-5

2017-01-03T20:51:24Z

Happy New Year! Save 25% OFF on all Christmas cards and on selected holiday items!