J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery

    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

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.

Cutting edge, influential, and prolific French designer Philippe Starck has set the tone for contemporary design since the 1980's. His classic designs for Alessi are both sensuous and functional. Great style and sophistication for you and your home from J.R. Kortman Center for Design.

Treat Mom to brunch or dinner, or even cook for her on Mother's Day and present her with a gift she will treasure forever from J. R. Kortman!

Finally Spring!...and we can enjoy the outside once again. Here are cool things made of plastic that are both fun and functional: A 3 tiered serving tray from Koziol of Germany will ad sophistication to any picnic event along with plastic serving carafes and plastic totes...strong enough to carry wine bottles, etc. Plastic bowls and "boat" butter dish with knife from Alessi can go from fridge to table. The Lexon soft plastic radio for music & news anywhere. and the eccentric frog purse will be the hit of any Spring outing.

Yes, Virginia, there is an Easter bunny...and you can find him in cast iron, fabric, plastic, papier mâche...decorative, fun, or even functional! Spring shopping @ J.R. Kortman Center for design.

Add splashes of color to your Spring baskets with gifts that are both functional and playfully decorative. Roberta, the latest wind-up robot from Schylling, echos the bright colors of Spring...collectable fun for both kids and adults. Alessi's bunny toothpick dispenser will be the star of your Easter table and the Alessi "rabbit and carrot" paper towel dispenser adds charm and color to your kitchen counter all year 'round. Two rabbits from Japan, one created in cast iron and the "bobble head" made of paper mache´ will look great anywhere in your home or office. Stop by and see these and other great gifts that celebrate Spring at J. R. Kortman Center for Design. Also, don't miss "Visual Moves" upstairs in the Kortman Gallery featuring works of Art inspired by Dance by 16 local artists, celebrating Rockford Dance Company's 40th Anniversary.

This First Friday, March 7th, Kortman Gallery presents opening night of “Visual Moves,” a group exhibition of Dance inspired Art featuring works by 16 artists celebrating the Rockford Dance Company’s 40th Anniversary. An array of media will be featured in the elegant exhibition including painting, jewelry, assemblage, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. All proceeds from the sale of artworks will benefit the Rockford Dance Company. Stop by and visit with exhibiting artists and members of the dance company and celebrate this milestone in Rockford’s performing arts scene with this exciting evening in the Kortman Gallery!
The artists:
Nels Akerlund/Danielle Barton/Katie Bell/Sarah Bell/Michael Bugler/Rebecca Downing Pelley/Joanne Gustafson/Margret Hynes/Lisa Jimenez/Pam Kehoe-Peterson/Jeremy Klonicki/ Norm Knott/Johnathan Kuss/Mona Lindvall/Valerie Olafson/Philip Sooslof
Grand jeté Downtown this First Friday for great evening of art, food, and live entertainment at more than 12 venues within walking distance of each other!