J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery

Pearls...
sophisticated, luxurious, elegant,
jewelry.   Discover
them in all
shapes,
sizes,
and colors,
along with other
tokens of love for  Valentine's Day at J. R. Kortman Center for Design

   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 

Now through February 1st, you can see elegant authentic Chinese Scroll Paintings in the Kortman Gallery. All of these hand-painted works of art our available for purchase. Prices range from $25 to $175.

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.