J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery

Artists Franke & Knott connected by an eye on spirituality and imagination in Kortman exhibit opening February, 7th

2020-01-28T20:49:58Z

When Rockford artist Norm Knott and Door County artist David Franke met, there was an immediate connection, not only with the visual imagery in their work, but also the inspiration behind the engaging pieces they create. They both see the world around them through a spiritual lens that is reflected in their work…both using the eye as a visual theme in many of their pieces.
   The two artists come together in the exhibition, “Eye to Eye: Here’s Looking at You” opening Friday February 7th, 5:30 to 9pm in the Kortman Gallery in downtown Rockford.
   “I look at the eye from the inside out,” said Franke. “Many people look into the eyes to see your soul, your essence…I’m using my eyes to see my world, and interpret my world.”
   Frank, who lives near Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, creates quirky, eye-catching interactive sculptures and assemblages often with the eye as the focus of the piece.
   It was former Rockford gallerist Charlene Berg who introduced David Franke to Norm Knott while visiting her Gallery X, now in Door County.
   “She immediately saw not only the visual connection in our work, but also our like minded inspiration in our art,” said Knott. “Our work is very different, but their is a definite visual and spiritual connection with our art.”
   It’s this connection that motivated Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky to invite the artists to exhibit together in this two-person show.
   “Eye to Eye” will feature Knott’s personal, wearable art along with his “Normaments,” a term Knott coined to describe his pieces that you could also refer to as “table jewelry.”
   Franke will be exhibiting be small scale sculptural assemblages and mixed media works that he has become known for in the Door County art scene.
   “Eye to Eye: Here’s Looking at You,” featuring the 3-Dimensional, and mixed media works by David Franke & Norm Knott opens First Friday, February 7th, with an artists’ reception from 5:30 to 9 pm in the Kortman Gallery, located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit will run through March 31st. For more information call 815-968-0123.

The convergance of art & design @ J.R. Kortman Center for Design...open Mo-Fr, 11-6...Sa, 11-5

2020-01-11T20:44:38Z

At J.R. Kortman Center for Design explore and discover cutting edge design in our store on the first floor and intriguing art from artists, both local and international, upstairs in the Kortman Gallery...since 1986 @ 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford.

A special Thank You to all our customers for a such a wonderful Christmas season! Hope you all have a great New Year! We will be open New Year’s Eve, Noon-4...closed New Year’s Day.

2019-12-31T00:17:36Z

Open everyday now through Christmas Eve!

2019-12-21T22:57:37Z

Holiday Hours:
Sunday………………. 1-5pm
Monday………………11am-6pm
Tuesday (Xmas Eve)…..10am-5pm

5th annual “Naughty or Nice Shopping Party, Thursday, Dec. 19th, 6-9pm...when Christmas shopping is fun!

2019-12-17T14:55:04Z

You're invited to our 5th annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Shopping Party, this Thursday, December 19th, 6-9pm. Christmas shopping is not only fun, but you can find out if you've been bad or good in 2019 by reaching into Santa's mystifying grab bag. Win a "nice" gift if you've been good, or a "naughty" lump of coal, if you've been bad. Santa knows! And best of all, the Kortman Gallery Bar will be open with master bartender, Jennifer Langworthy!

New Embassy Suites Hotel and United Way anniversary celebrated in Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection now at J.R. Kortman: open M-F, 11-6; Sa, 11-5; Su, 1-5

2019-12-09T19:24:27Z

J.R. Kortman Center for Design introduces two new ornaments to the Rockford Landmark Ornament Collection for 2019. One features the new Embassy Suites Hotel in the historic Ziock/Amerock building, and the other, a view of the Rock River with the Jefferson Street Bridge. The ornament celebrates the United Way of the Rock River Valley’s 100th anniversary.
   “The Ziock/Amerock Building has been a part of the Rockford downtown skyline for over 100 years” says Fred DeLaRosa, General Manager of the new Embassy Suites Hotel. “The long-anticipated hotel, opening in April of 2020, will be an exciting addition to Rockford’s downtown cultural life. This ornament represents not only a landmark of the past, but also the future.”
   The second new ornament for 2019, commissioned by the United Way of the Rock River Valley features a view of the Jefferson Street Bridge and the west bank of the Rock River. Also depicted are shadowed figures representing generations of Rockford people who have supported and been helped by the United Way for the past 100 years. The image is based on an original painting by Rockford artist Patricia Burkholder.
    “We took images of the hotel and the river scene painting 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 J.R. Kortman co-owner Doc Slafkosky. “It’s fascinating to see how our artist communicated visually with the Chinese artist through the language of art.”
     For more than 20 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.
           Besides the Embassy Suites Hotel and United Way river scene ornaments, the Rockford Landmark O.rnament Collection includes YMCA Log Lodge and Coronado Stage, 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.
   The ornaments are available for $25 exclusively at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street, Downtown Rockford

J.R.Kortman Center for Design open 7 days a week until Christmas: M-F, 11-6; Sa, 11-5; Su, 1-5

2019-12-07T16:48:48Z

J.R. Kortman is now open 7 Days a week until Christmas! M-F, 11-6; Sa, 11-5, Su, 1-5!

2019-11-30T20:16:20Z

The purse is more than a fashion statement in Kortman Gallery holiday group exhibition , now through Jan 4th

2019-11-16T21:50:22Z

The Purse: it’s a functional object, fashion statement, a private space, and even a status symbol. And Friday, November 22nd, the purse is a work of art when more 30 Rockford artists present their visual interpretation of the purse in a holiday group exhibition titled “The Purse: art, design, fashion, function” in the Kortman Gallery.
    The exhibit will feature works in a variety of media from ceramics, fabric, watercolor, and painting, to sculpture, printmaking, digital imagery, and functional objects.
    “We thought it would be interesting to merge fashion and art in this gallery commissioned show,” said Doc Slafkosky, gallery director. “The purse has not only a practical aspect, but also a long history of being an expression of design and prestige from folk art to haute couture. It’s exciting to see how this diverse group of artists takes this idea and interprets it in their specific medium.”
Seeing this exhibition is sure to be a fun, entertaining, and thought provoking experience says co-owner Jerry Kortman.
”Artists have taken the purse theme and made it their own,” said Kortman. ”From artist Becky Pelley’s nod to Magritte, to Kyle Wolfe’s whimsical and colorful digital imagery to R. Scott Long’s hand-made leather functional purse to John Deill’s 3-D assemblage, there will something for everyone.”
    Ceramic artist Lynn Fischer-Carlson says she is intrigued by the purse and how it has become both a fashion statement and a status symbol for women…and men. “My ceramic sculptural purses are titled “Vanitas” in reference to a visual art genre which often characterizes still life works with contrasting symbols of wealth and the futility of excess and greed.”
    “A woman’s purse has always been considered a private, personal space. You would never let anyone look into you purse without permission,” said Margret Hynes who created a purse that is ironically made of see-through mesh material.
    Participating artists include Alison Weust, Andrew Harlan, Alex Taylor, Balta Ramirez, Becky Pelley, Betsy Youngquist, Brian Hierstein, Carmen Turner, Carrie Johnson, David Menard, Elizabeth Horvath, Ellie Pinzarrone, Jacob Polhill, Javier Jimenez, Jenny Mathews, Jeremy Klonicki, Jesus Correa, Joe Tallman, John Deill, Kelly Steward, Kyle Wolfe, Laura Gomel,Lisa Jimenez, Lynn Fischer Carlson, Margret Hynes, Michelle Dorr, Molly Carter, Norm Knott, R. Scott Long, Rene Zavala Castanedas, Sarah Reed-McNamara, Sherrie Dorr, Una Ryan, and Valerie Olafson.
    “The Purse: art, design, fashion, function” group exhibition in the Kortman Gallery opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, November 22nd from 5:30 to 9pm. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will run through January 4th, 2020. For more information call 815-968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

Art, Design, Pop Culture infiltrates artist Jacob Polhill’s Kortman Gallery exhibition, now through November 16

2019-09-30T20:35:35Z

Download A1CF0716-1310-4A41-8ED6-EBC814EF36F1.MP4

Artist Jacob Polhill grew up in a world surrounded by the visual excitement of pop culture through social media, video, print, and consumer products. His Kortman Gallery exhibition “Out of the Box,” opening Friday, October 4th, translates the lexicon of street art, contemporary and vintage cartoons, consumerism, and the media into colorful bold art and design in paintings, posters, and 3-D objects.

“I love to create my 2-D works using bright, vibrant, eye catching color palettes. Colors have feelings, they evoke emotions. They can literally vibrate next to each other if you use them the right way.”

Polhill, a Rockford native, is an emerging artist and designer who is currently based in Chicago and studying Industrial Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

His Kortman Gallery exhibition will feature not only his bold, imaginative paintings, but also 3-D objects. In 3-D dimensional design, Polhill says he is studying how to make objects and systems more beautiful to make people who use them have a better experience.

“People don’t realize this, but beautiful objects that have been studied for their aesthetics, aren’t just about making something beautiful, but also something functional. I believe people think that beautiful objects actually work better, even if they’re essentially the same object as something that is not as aesthetically pleasing”

Polhill doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Besides creating his drawings and paintings with his “bubbly creatures” and his studies in graphic and industrial design, he also dabbles in photography, video, and merchandise design for his friends who are musicians.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting Jacob’s exciting work in the Kortman Gallery,” says Doc Slafkosky, gallery director. “His work is vibrant, visually exciting, and refreshingly entertaining. We think he’s has a great career ahead of him in art and design.”

Polhill says he spent a long time trying to fit himself into a box. That’s why now he’s just creating and being himself, “Out Of The Box.”

“Out of the Box” exhibition by Jacob Polhill in the Kortman Gallery opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, October 4th from 5:00 to 10pm and Saturday, October 5th, 4:00 to 9:00pm, Fall ArtScene weekend. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit will run through November 16th. For more information call 815-968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

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Steve Nofsinger creates unexpected objects of art through 3-D printing in Kortman Gallery exhibit now through Septmeber 28th

2019-07-09T19:27:50Z

Rockford artist Steve Nofsinger is use to failure. In fact, failure is an occupational hazard endured when working in a medium at the cutting edge of technology like 3-D printing.
   His new Kortman Gallery solo exhibition, “The Power of Failure Compels You” is a showcase of how failure influences the creative process for Nofsinger a.k.a. Karate Horse, a multi instrumental artist and maker. The exhibition, opening Friday, July14th, takes you on a tongue in cheek journey with 3-D printed objects, lighting, and hand made fabrications.
   “3-D printing inherently produces a lot of failures especially in the learning stages, and failure can teach you so much in the creative process,” says Nofsinger. “I feel like too many people suppress themselves and settle in their own lives because they are living with the fear of failure.”
   Nofsinger, 33, life long Rockford resident, has been tinkering and creating artwork from an early age.
   “Ever since I was a little human, I was always out in the garage tinkering and letting my imagination do its work,” Nofsinger said.
   He has shown his work in various arts venues and events over the past several years, most notably, a large scale collaborative installation in the lobby of the Nordlof Center with artist Jeremy Klonicki. The work featured a giant 25 foot wide bird sculpture created entirely out of reclaimed materials.
   “The Power of Failure Compels You” exhibition by Steve Nofsinger in the Kortman Gallery opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, July 12th from 5:30 to 9pm. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit will run through September 28th. For more information call 815-968-0123.

Artist Nick Cashmere annoounces the winning number for his work of art, "Fugitve"!

2019-07-09T18:52:00Z

Beloit artist Nick Cashmere whose exhibition, "Mischiefs in heat & sawdust" that just ended in the Kortman Gallery, has drawn the winning number for his work of art, "Fugitive". If you participated in this intriguing concept art, and your envelope contains the number "35," you have won "Fugitive," mixed media work by Nick Cashmere! Contact the Kortman Gallery at 815-968-0123 or doc@jrkortman.com...or stop by with your winning number and claim this cool work of art!

Artist Nick Cashmere explains his buy/win "piece" of art concept in his Kortman Gallery exhibiton...now thru June 30th

2019-06-04T22:03:27Z

Buy a “piece” of the art and become part of the art! Artist Nick Cashmere lets you not only own a “share” of his work “Fugitive,” but you also become a participant in the creative process. When you purchase a numbered shard from the smashed up clown figurine featured in the piece, you earn a chance to win the entire work of art! Even if you don’t win the drawing at the end of June, you are forever artistically connected to the other “share” owners! Buy you shard today in the Kortman Gallery! Hear Nick tell about this intriguing art participation concept/contest:

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Nick Cashmere's well-crafted, thought provoking art works now on exhibit in the Kortman Gallery through June 30th!

2019-05-24T21:47:43Z

Make Father's Day especially memorable when you give a gift of fine art...present Dad with an extraordinary work of art by Beloit artist Nick Cashmere. Nick creates beautiful works in wood with 3-dimensional applications, and intricate imagery drawn with a wood-burning stylus. Nick's work can be seen Tuesday thru Friday, 11a-6p, and Saturday, 11a-5p upstairs in the Kortman Gallery.

Nick Cashmere mixes unique craftsmanship and imagery in wood for Kortman Gallery art exhibit, April 12 - May 31

2019-04-06T18:43:00Z

Rather than paint, brushes, and canvas, artist Nick Cashmere creates intriguing works of art using unconventional tools applying striking images to wood. His unique mixed media art works can be seen in “Mischiefs in heat and sawdust: works of Nick Cashmere” opening Friday, April 12th in the Kortman Gallery in Downtown Rockford.
    Cashmere’s visual play on words are created with wood-burning tools, precisely cut 3-D applications, and off-beat drawn or photo images. Pulling this off, not only requires an artistic eye, but skilled craftsmanship.
    “The ideas for my work usually starts with a single word or image, something that gives me a feeling or idea that I latch onto,” says Cashmere. “I tend to choose common imagery. My main interest lies in what happens when things are taken and locked into a space with another seemingly unrelated subject.”
    “Nick’s juxtaposition of common images, combined with his unique technique and craftsmanship make his art not only visually challenging, but entertaining,” said Doc Slafkosky, Kortman gallery director. “When we first discovered Nick’s work, we were taken with his unusual wood-burning technique and use of materials. We have never seen anything quite like it!”
    Cashmere has also created new works for this exhibition that are not only visually playful, but have hands-on, interactive components that let the viewer become actively engaged in his art.
    “I want the viewer to not just look at my work, but also experience it,” said Cashmere. “I have several pieces in the show that patrons can actually play with. I hope people will enjoy seeing my work and have some fun at the same time.”
    “Mischiefs in heat and sawdust: works of Nick Cashmere” will open during Spring ArtScene weekend in the Kortman Gallery with opening receptions on Friday, April 12th from 5 to 10pm, and Saturday 4-9pm. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit will run through May 31st. For more information call 815-968-0123.

"LOVE BUGS"...exhibiton featuring watercolors by Jenny Mathews opens February 8th in the Kortman Gallery...shop J.R. Kortman Tues–Fri, 11-6, Sat. 11-5

2019-01-21T22:07:04Z

When you think about insects, it doesn’t usually conjure up romantic feelings. But Rockford artist Jenny Matthews has created intricate watercolor paintings of bugs, beetles and butterflies in an exhibition titled, “Love Bugs,” opening Friday, February 8th in the Kortman Gallery.
    “I not only loved painting these scientifically accurate beetles and moths, but I think people will love them as unusual, unique Valentines,” says Matthews. “When you look at the intricate details and colors, insects are one of nature’s beautiful treasures.”
    According to Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky, the small watercolor paintings featured in the exhibit are the result of a commission Matthews received from a publisher of children’s text books.
    “We saw Jenny’s insect images on Facebook when she was creating them for the book, and thought it would be great to show the originals in the gallery,” said Slafkosky. “We’ve always been amazed at how many people are intrigued by insects! I guess you could say that people ‘love bugs’.”
    Mathews has teamed up with MainfraiM to create custom frames that present the paintings in a shadow box-like setting to add to the specimen characteristics of her scientifically detailed imagery.
    “Love Bugs,” featuring watercolors of bugs, beetles, and butterflies opens with a Friday, February 8th reception from 5:30 to 9 pm in the Kortman Gallery, located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit will run through March 31st. For more information call 815-968-0123.

Happy New Year from J.R. Kortman Center for Design! Store open Tuesday - Friday, 11-6 & Saturday, 11-5...(Closed New Year's Eve & Day)

2018-12-26T19:58:35Z

We, at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, are fortunate to have the nicest, most interesting and entertaining people as customers! We would like to thank you all for making our 33rd Christmas season so successful and enjoyable! A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!

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Rockford themed ornaments add hometown memories to your Holiday Tree...J.R.Kortman is open Monday-Friday, 10-6, Saturday, 10-5 and Sunday, 11-5 and Monday, Christmas Eve, 10-5

2018-12-17T22:39:12Z

Christmas tree ornaments not only add color and sparkle to your tree, but they are also nostalgic mementos that connect us to family and friends, and, with Rockford themed ornaments, even your hometown.

Since 1998, J.R. Kortman Center for Design has been designing and selling ornaments featuring Rockford Landmarks. The hand-painted glass ornament collection features images of over twenty different local landmarks like Symbol, Coronado Theatre, East and West High Schools, the YMCA Log Lodge, Anderson Gardens, and St. Anthony Church, just to name a few.

This year, J.R. Kortman has designed and created three new wooden ornaments that each feature images of multiple Rockford landmarks. The new environmental-friendly ornaments are made in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

“Christmas tree ornaments have always been an important part of holiday tradition because every ornament has a story or memory,” says Doc Slafkosky of J.R. Kortman. “Rockford ornaments are not only about civic pride, but local landmarks also come with special memories, which makes them great gifts for family and friends, and also for those who have moved away.”

“The new wooden ornaments are light weight and durable, so they also make great embellishments for your Christmas gift wrapping,” said Jerry Kortman.

Besides the Rockford Landmark Ornament collection, J.R. Kortman has designed 2-D metal “Symbol” sculptures that not only sit on a table or mantle, but can be hung on the tree. The “Symbols” are made in Rockford at Target Laser.

Also new this year, are colorful, unique “Rockmen Gardians,” miniature versions of the endearing sculptures along the Rock River recreation path, designed and 3-D printed by Rockford artist Steve Nofsinger.

The Rockford-themed ornaments range in price from $7.50 to $28. The 2-D “Symbol” sculptures come in two sizes costing $12 or $24 and the miniature “Rockmen” are $20. each.

J.R. Kortman Center for Design is located downtown Rockford at 107 North Main St. For more information call 815-968-0123.

Holiday shopping @ J.R. Kortman Center for Design: Monday-Friday, 10am –6pm/ Saturday, 10am-5pm/ and Sunday, 1pm–5pm

2018-12-08T22:54:10Z

JingleBling!...a Holiday Jewelry Shopping Party...First Friday, December 7th, 5:30 to 8pm in the Kortman Gallery benefitting the Rockford Art Museum!

2018-12-01T19:23:31Z

J.R. Kortman invites you to JingleBling!…a holiday Jewelry Shopping Party, upstairs in the Kortman Gallery on First Friday, December 7th, from 5:30 to 8pm. 15% of the proceeds from jewelry sold during the event will benefit the Rockford Art Museum. See the latest designs, many one of a kind pieces that just arrived exclusively for J.R. Kortman from the Pearl markets of Shanghai and Beijing and other exotic locations. Our jewelry fashion consultants (Anita Church, Lisa Jimenez, Jenny Mathews, & Elizabeth Horvath) will be on hand to show and model our exciting, elegant, and festive necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will be great for you to show off this holiday season. And guys, for your holiday gift buying, this is an excellent opportunity to see cool jewelry with the help of our models who can assist you in selecting just the right piece. And best of all, the Kortman Gallery Bar will be open with bartender Dennis Horton serving up some holiday cheer! This is the way to shop!!!

P.S. At the same time you can see “Greetings from Rockford, IL USA” a holiday group exhibition now on display in the Kortman Gallery featuring postcard art created by 22 of some Rockford’s most accomplished artists. J.R. Kortman Center for Design is located at 107 North Main Street in downtown Rockford. For more information call 815-968-0123.

Artists Celebrate Rockford by Creating Postcard Art for Kortman Gallery Exhibition, opening Friday, Nov.16

2018-11-12T14:42:14Z

“Greetings from Rockford, Illinois USA”

Sending “picture postcards” when traveling was once the standard way of sharing your travel experiences with the folks back home. The internet and social media have almost made the practice obsolete. But, it is still just as exciting to receive a postcard form a friend or loved one from a far-flung destination.

As Rockford’s tourism industry has grown along with a renewed civic pride, a demand for local postcards is on the increase. For this reason, the Kortman Gallery is presenting original art works of souvenir postcard designs created by more than twenty local artists in an exhibition called, “Greetings from Rockford, Illinois USA.”

This holiday group exhibition featuring Rockford postcard art opens Friday, November 16th, 5:30 to 10pm.

“In the past few years we have actually seen an uptick in a demand for Rockford postcards,” says Doc Slafkosky, gallery director and co-owner of J.R. Kortman Center for Design. “Visitors and local patrons have shown an interest in sending Rockford-themed postcards to distant family and friends. They use to be available at the corner drugstore, but those days are long gone.”

“We created some postcards of our own to fill the need, however, we thought it would be great for artists who make Rockford their home, to create images that not only represent their view of the city, but also celebrate Rockford’s vibrant, bourgeoning local art community,” says Jerry Kortman.

Patrons will not only be able to purchase the original art works, but also the postcards which can be addressed, stamped and mailed right from the Kortman Gallery.

The exhibition will not only feature the artist’s postcards, but the original works of art created by each of the artists featured in the show. Those artists are Buddah Barrios & Slope, Sarah Bell, Michael Bugler, Jesus Correa, John Deill, Ingrid Dohm, Fatherless, Lynn Fischer-Carlson, Brian Hierstein, Norm Knott, R. Scott Long, Jeanne Ludeke, Valerie Olafson, Rebecca Downing Pelley, Steve Pitkin, Sarah Reed-McNamara, Steve Nofsinger, Cherri Rittenhouse, Joe Tallman, Alison Weust, Kyle Wolfe, and Betsy Youngquist

“Greetings form Rockford, Illinois USA” opening reception is Friday, November 16th from 5:30 to 10pm and on display through January 5th, 2019. The 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 or visit www.jrkortman.com.

Kortman Gallery features works by two artists from Paris’s alternative art space 59 Rivoli: Etsuko Kobayashi & Sebastien Lecca

2018-10-02T17:02:09Z

Parisian artists Etsuko Kobayashi and Sebastien Lecca have an entirely different approach to their art. Painter Kobayashi creates her expressive figurative works on canvas, while conceptual artist Lecca uses the urban landscape to convey his creative vision. But both artist have two things in common: They have had studios at 59 rue de Rivoli in Paris and will be exhibiting their art the Kortman Gallery in Rockford.

The exhibition titled, “59 Rue de Rivoli Revisited” will open Friday, October 5th, ArtScene weekend upstairs in the Kortman Gallery.

59 rue de Rivoli is the address and name of an exciting contemporary arts space in the heart of central Paris that is home to studios of 30 artists. In 1999, the abandoned building was taken over by artists who, controversially, squatted all seven floors. And through their creative energy and persistence, turned the building into one of the most visited contemporary art venues in Paris!

Etsuko Kobayashi, who has maintained a studio there since 2001, has become internationally known for her intriguingly quirky and unparalleled mixed media works. Her art was exhibited in the Kortman gallery 2004 in an exhibit called “Two Women of 59 Rue de Rivoli” along with Aurelie de la Cadiere.

Sebastien Lecca, a multi-media conceptual and performance artist, in 2010, created the project, “Awaken the World” (first called "Super Fetus") based on the multidisciplinary repetition of the symbol of the fetus. With this project, through his ubiquitous street art, his imagery became a visual part of the Parisian urban landscape for years. He maintained a studio at “59” until 2017.

“We are so excited to be able to bring the unique and fun works of these two intriguing artists adding an international flavor to the ArtScene and the Kortman Gallery,” says Doc Slafkosky, gallery director.

“This exhibition will feature small-scaled, accessible art from both of these influential and prolific artists, giving Rockford art patrons a small glimpse into the local contemporary art world in Paris.”

“59 Rue de Rivoli Revisited” opening receptions are from 5:00 to 10pm on Friday, October 5th and 4 to 9pm on Saturday, October 6th. The exhibition will be on display through November 10th. The 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 or visit “59 Rivoli” Facebook page.

Meet artist Carrie Johnson, First Friday, Septmber 7th upstairs in the Kortman Gallery...Bar open late!

2018-08-31T20:23:11Z

“On the Other Side: New Works by Carrie Johnson” on exhibit through August 31st in the Kortman Gallery

2018-06-30T18:13:28Z

Rockford Art Museum curator Carrie Johnson has built an exhilarating and challenging career in the art world selecting and installing exhibitions, lecturing about art, and supporting and working with artists. She has now come to a time in her career where she crosses over to the artist side of the art world, culminating with her first solo gallery exhibition. “On the Other Side: New Works by Carrie Johnson” is now on display in the Kortman Gallery in downtown Rockford.

“After being in the art world for so long, I have felt a need to personally express myself creatively,” says Johnson. “I have been fortunate to be around the creative energy of other artists, who not only inspire, but encourage artistic expression. Now I feel like I’m running alongside or falling in with them.”

Johnson’s bold abstract works are not only visually striking, but have an engaging tactile quality, a result of her use of textural materials blended with paint and other unconventional surfaces.

“My work primarily focuses on composition and texture,” writes Johnson. “Although there is greater meaning to each mark that is executed, I prefer the viewer form their own narrative about the piece - translate the mark on their own. None of the paintings are organic. Quite the opposite actually. Each gesture is throughly thought out and very deliberate.”

The July 5th Kortman Gallery opening reception for Johnson’s exhibit featured a live performance of ambient music by guitarist Rick Zillhart followed by cool sounds from Dj BISU (aka Erik Olson).

“On the Other Side: New Works by Carrie Johnson” on exhibit through August 31st. The 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.

Rockford "Symbol" souvenir is back! Now available at J.R. Kortman in 2 sizes...

2018-06-22T19:22:40Z

This year, “Symbol,” Rockford’s iconic grand sculpture by Alexander Liberman, turns 40! To celebrate, J.R. Kortman brings back the miniature “Symbol” souvenirs…available in two sizes. They’re not only cool mementos of our city, but also function as bookends, objet d’art, or a charming votive stand. And best of all, like “Symbol” itself, made in Rockford, Illinois USA!

Great gift ideas for your Dad for Father’s Day from J.R. Kortman Center for Design!

2018-06-13T08:44:56Z

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