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

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.


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


!!!!!!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

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

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


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

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.