Artist Ellie Pinzarrone elevates embroidery to fine art in Kortman Gallery Exhibit...February 7th to March 3rd.

   Artist Ellie Pinzarrone looks at a 15th century Italian altarpiece painting and is inspired...not to create another painting, but to get out a needle, thread, beads and fabric and embroider. These seemingly folk art materials are the paint and canvas she uses to create imagery that would not be out of place in an medieval cathedral yet, at the same time, make for an exciting piece of contemporary art.

With her unconventional use of imagery and materials, Pinzarrone has taken embroidery to a new and exciting artistic level in an exhibition opening Friday, February 7th in the Kortman Gallery.

“I find inspiration through amalgamations of art historical sources...15th century Italian altarpiece paintings, shrines, and miniatures fascinate and amaze me,” says Pinzarrone.  “I intend my modern interpretations to be playful, straightforward, engaging, and pleasing to view.  I would like viewers to revisit art history and other iconic images with refreshed and curious eyes.”

“Ellie’s work is not only an refreshing and creative use of embroidery, but also brings a sense of humor to classical works with her choice of materials that she stitches into the images,” said Doc Slafkosky, gallerist for the Kortman Gallery.  “Her works are fun and entertaining pieces of art.”

Pinzarrone is a graduate of the University of Illinois and received her Masters of Arts degree from American University in Washington D.C. She is the daughter of Paul Pinzarrone and Becky Pelley. Both of her parents are accomplished artists and well known in the Rockford arts community. 

“Stitched Shrines: Contemporary Embroideries,” works by Ellie Pinzarrone will be will be on display through March 3rd..  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: “Stitched Shrines: Contemporary Embroideries,” an exhibition of works by Ellie Pinzarrone opening reception, Friday , February 7th, 5:30 to 9:00pm

When:  The exhibition runs through March 3rd. 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 hosts Rockford Public Schools All-City Art Exhibit thorugh January 17th

The Kortman Gallery is pleased to be one of the hosts of the Rockford Public Schools All-City Student Art Exhibit. We are showing 3-D and 2-D works while Octane (just across the street) is displaying 2-D works from these young, imaginative, and creative student artists. The exhibition opens January 9th and will run through January 25th. Stop by both locations and see these colorful and exuberant works of art by students from Auburn, East, Guilford, Jefferson, and Roosevelt High Schools.

First Friday, January 3rd...closing party for "Symbol: Art Inspired by Art" featuring dj's DAS & Edward Klutch @ Kortman Gallery


Here it is...already the First First Friday (January 3rd) of 2014! J. R. Kortman Center for Design will be open til 9 and the Gallery will stay open even later to celebrate the closing of the "Symbol: Art Inspired by Art" group exhibition. We will have cool music from dj DAS and dj Edward Klutch along with Symbol 35's, a smooth beverage mixed up especially for you by Dennis Horton at the Gallery Bar. The holidays are over and time to get in the groove of the new year with a relaxing evening in our chillout lounge upstairs in the Kortman Gallery with a great sound system from Hear.More Music. So come Downtown, both east and west sides for intriguing shopping, great food, and a relaxing evening.

Happy New Year! from J. R. Kortman Center for Design

Happy New Year! J. R. Kortman Center for Design will close today (Dec. 31) @ 4pm to celebrate the passing of a good year...and bring in the the new...2014! Thank you everyone for a prosperous year both in the store and the Kortman Gallery..more good things to come in 2014...we'll keep you posted! We will resume normal hours of Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm on January 2nd.


Elegant gifts for the Holidays from J. R. Kortman Center for Design

Give a gift of elegance and prestige that will make a lasting impression from Alessi of Italy. Beautiful quality and design in functional objects from some of the most accomplished designers and architects in the world...Michael Graves, Philippe Starck, Aldo Rossi, Richard Sappor, and Alessandro Mendini, etc. And all of Alessi products come packaged in great gift boxes that say this is something special. Alessi...recognized and celebrated around the world and available exclusively in Rockford at J. R. Kortman Center for Design.
Shop today, Monday & Tuesday (Christmas Eve) 10am to 6pm.