See "Symbol: Art inspired by Art" upstairs in the Kortman Gallery. We all have our own impression of Alexander Liberman's grand sculpture in Sinnissippi Park...come see how 35 of some of Rockfor'd most accomplished artists see Symbol. And to add to the festivities Tim "Santa" Stotz will be hosting the Kortman Gallery Bar from 6pm on, just after the tree lighting. Tim will be mixing up Symbol 35's a drink created especially for this special exhibit along with other holiday cheer. It's Tim's birthday so stop by and wish him well and enjoy an evening at J. R. Kortman Center for Design and Downtown Rockford.
To celebrate this milestone, the Kortman Gallery will be presenting a holiday group exhibition titled “Symbol: Art Inspired by Art” featuring more than 35 of some of Rockford’s most accomplished artists. The opening of the exhibition and celebration of Symbol’s anniversary will be Friday, November 22nd.
Works of art in this exhibit will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography and mixed media.
“The invited artists represent a variety of styles and media and feelings about Symbol,” says Jerry Kortman. “This is almost certain to be an eye dazzling and entertaining holiday show. It’s a subject matter that every Rockfordian can identify with both culturally and visually.”
Two years ago J. R. Kortman Center for Design along with artist Ben Pettee created and started producing small 2-D metal models of Symbol as a souvenir of Rockford.
“Each artist was given a miniature 2-D model of Symbol and asked to create a work of art inspired by this grand iconic sculpture with no restrictions on size or media,” said gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “We thought asking artists to create a piece art inspired by art would be a fascinating challenge to this amazingly creative group of people.”
In 1978 “Symbol” was commissioned by a small group of concerned citizens along with the Rockford Arts Council who wanted to present an exciting work of public art to renew interest and pride in a fading city center. It was funded by private donations and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Needless to say, it was wildly controversial,” says Slafkosky. “Six years later when the State Street mall was removed Symbol was disassembled and left to rust along the river. It was saved by culturally alert citizens with the help of the Rockford Park District and relocated to it’s current location in Sinnissippi Park.”
Participating artists include Leslie Arbetman, Sarah Bell, Michael Bugler, Lynn Fischer Carlson, Jesus Correa, Ryan Davis, John Deill, Michelle Dorr, Sherrie Dorr, Joseph Goral, Keith Grace,Shari Grace, Joanne Gustafson, Karen Harding, Drew Helge, Jarrod Hennis, Matt Herbig, Margret Hesler Hynes, Brian Hierstein, Javier Jimenez, Lisa Jimenez, Jeremy Klonicki, Norm Knott, Britney Lindgren, R. Scott Long, Jeanne Ludeke, Sarah Reed McNamara, Valerie Olafson, Ben Pettee, Cherri Rittenhouse, Sarah Stewart, Robert Sunday, Maggie Thienemann, Kyle Wolfe, and Betsy Youngquist.
Another exciting feature of this art event will be an original maquette of “Symbol” loaned to the Kortman Galley from the collection of Lon and Richard Behr.
The opening reception on November 22nd, from 5:30 pm to 9:00pm for “Symbol: Art Inspired by Art” will not only be an art opening, but an anniversary party for this sensational and iconic work of public art. The Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. This historic holiday exhibition, which is free and open to the public. will run through January 4th, 2014. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.
What: “Symbol: Art Inspired by Art” a holiday group exhibition of more than 35 artists that celebrates the 35th anniversary of Alexander Liberman’s “Symbol.”
When: Opening reception and “Symbol” anniversary party will be Friday, November 22nd from 5:30 to 9:00pm.The exhibition runs through January 4th, 2014. Gallery & Store open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm and Sundays in December, from 1pm – 5pm.
Where: Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street, Downtown Rockford
Admission: Free
This First Friday is on the First of November...and it should be an exciting and fun evening in Downtown Rockford. Great shopping 'til 9 here at J. R. Kortman Center for Design....presenting authentic Day of the Dead folk art, and also, great gift ideas for this fast approaching holiday season. The Kortman Gallery Bar, featuring Dennis Horton as bar host, will be open even later for a relaxing evening with great music from Christyn Rittenhouse as we reveal her iPod playlist played through a cool Sonos sound system from Hear.More Music. "Big Man," a group exhibition of more than 30 artists who have created works of art connected by materials, stories, and relationships, that pays homage to the memory of Rockford artist Jim Julin...is now through November 16th in the Kortman Gallery.
Chicago based Hairbangers Ball will headline, along with three Rockford bands, Cylinder 6, Bullet, and Static Signal, will also perform live during the event which starts at 4pm until Midnight. And to keep the party going, Octane’s Dan Minick will D.J. between live music sets, right on Main Street. Businesses hosting the event include District Bar & Grill, Kryptonite Bar, Kiwi Bar & Restaurant, Octane Bar & Restaurant, and J. R. Kortman Center for Design & Gallery.
Each of these venues will “take it to the streets” with outside bars featuring “Octoberfest-style” specialty beers, distinctive drinks, and food. A new feature at Blocktoberfest will be a complimentary beer tasting station where attendees can sample the special beers being offered at each of the Main Street District outside bars.
“This is a great way to celebrate the last days of mild weather in the Fall and enjoy the outside on the streets of the Downtown Main Street District with great entertainment, food and drink,” says Chris Wachowiak, owner of Kryptonite and festival organizer. “All of these businesses are within a city designated festival zone, so we are able to close off the blocks around State & Main and feature ‘open container’ allowing festival goers to carry beverages on the street from venue to venue.”
Jerry Kortman, co-owner of J. R. Kortman Center for Design, said this is the second in a series of Main Street District celebrations. “The Downtown 2-Block Party in August was such a success everyone was looking forward to another street party before the weather got too cool to enjoy the outside,” said Kortman.
The Octoberfest celebration will go on rain or shine says Andy Rio, co-owner of District Bar & Grill. “Even though this is a street festival, it’s happening right out in front of our businesses, so if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can easily move the party inside each of our establishments,” said Rio.
There will be three entrances to the Main Street District during the Downtown Blocktoberfest. Attendees of the event should enter either at State and Wyman Streets, North Main and Mulberry, and South Main and Elm Streets. Parking for the this summertime street festival is available in the parking decks, surface lots, and streets around the State & Main district.
Admission to the Downtown 2 Block Party is $10 per person at the gate.
What: “Bloctoberfest” a Fall celebration presented by the Main Street District businesses featuring entertainment from Hairbangers Ball, Cylinder 6, Bullet, and Static
When: Saturday, October 12th, from 4pm until midnight
Where: Main Street District, 100 blocks of North & South Main Street and the 200 and 300 block of West State Street.
Admission: $10. at the gate