Life & Art of Jim Julin Honored in Kortman Gallery Exhibition


         More than thirty local artists will show works in an exceptional art exhibition that pays homage to the memory of Rockford artist Jim Julin, opening Friday, October 4th in the Kortman Gallery,. The exhibit, titled “Big Man,” presents art connected by materials, stories, and relationships each of the artist had with this inspiring and talented artist who passed away in 2012.
       According to Matt Herbig, artist and one of the organizers of the exhibit, the show started with an idea to do a collaborative piece with artist Betsy Youngquist to honor Julin, but grew into a major exhibition.   
      “We realized that so many artists who were friends of Jim and influenced by his great talent were inspired to celebrate his life through art,” said Herbig. “We decided to open the exhibition to anyone who wanted to participate and present an informal show at Jimʼs house in July. The show was such a success we hoped to have it travel to an established gallery where the general public could see this fantastic exhibit.”
    The “Big Man” show features paintings, sculptures, prints and assemblage art utilizing found objects. Most of Julinʼs work involved found materials that he skillfully turned into beautiful works of art. The “Big Chair” sculpture is public art by Julin, which stands outside in front of the Rockford Art Museum.   
 “We are thrilled to have this historic art event open in the Kortman Gallery,” said gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “We canʼt think of a finer way to celebrate Jimʼs life than through the art of some Rockfordʼs most accomplished artists...which we are able to share with the entire community through this group exhibition. Jim was not only big in stature, but had a big heart and grand artistic skill and talent.”
     Participating artists include Elisa Ahmer, Melinda Carlson, Steven Coogan, Craig Daymon, Michelle Dorr, Sherrie Dorr, Ramona Felse, Marsha Goodheart,Keith Grace, Shari Grace, Karen Harding, Susan Hasse, Bonnie Holder, Margret Hynes, Hilly Jacklin, Krista Jeanne, Joshua Jones, Chris Julin, Betsy Kaske, Pam Kehoe-Peterson, Jeremy Klonicki, Norm Knott, John Lamar, Marilyn Lamar, Scott Long, John Verl McNamara, Alison and Mark Muraski, Bill Olson, Sarah Reed-McNamara, Douglas Scherrinsky, Ray Schulz, Susan Montague Spear, Dan Whyte, Betsy Youngquist, and Jim Julin.
       The opening receptions for “Big Man,” a group exhibition inspired by the life and art of Jim Julin will be Friday, October 4th from 5:00 to 10:00pm and Saturday, October 5th from 3:00 to 9:00pm in the Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. The show is in conjunction with the Fall ArtScene weekend in Rockford. “Big Man” will be on display through November 16th. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.
What: “Big Man” a group exhibition of more than 30 artists that pays homage to the life and art of Jim Julin When: Opening receptions for “Big Man” will be Friday, October 4th from 5:00 to 10:00pm and Saturday, October 5th from 3:00 to 9:00pm The exhibition runs through November 16th. 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


Will Mulford presents PAVI.RANG Pop Up Shop, Friday, September 20 @ Kortman Gallery


India Inspired Pop-Up Shop @Kortman Gallery

On September 20, between 7- 9 pm, Kortman Gallery (107 N. Main Street, Rockford) will play host to the “PAVI.RANG Pop- Up Shop.” Fresh from India, PAVI.RANG will be showcasing their unique interpretations of Indian traditional patterns in their stylish collection of scarves and bags, suitable for any wardrobe. The label, newly founded by Rockford native Will Mulford, is an exploration of bustling India and the richness of its cultures; PAVI.RANG imbues within each piece a youthful energy and sense of playfulness, alongside time honored traditions of quality and craftsmanship.

Upon arrival in India two years ago, Mulford, a 2008 Auburn High School graduate, was struck by the dizzying array of fabrics, crafts, and unparalleled skills offered in the country. Living in Jaipur, India’s Pink City, Mulford, along with German partner Claudia Englert, teamed with artisans to produce a collection of geometric, hand-dyed scarves and graphic totes. Contained within each piece are the creative visions of the designers as well as the artistic and technical sensibilities of the craftspeople with whom they collaboratively work.

Kortman Gallery hosts the first ever “PAVI.RANG Pop-Up Shop” on September 20th between 7 and 9 pm. Be the first to take home flowing scarves, graphic canvas totes, hand-dyed T-shirts, and sumptuous silk saris (all prices ranging from $10 and up) The “PAVI.RANG Pop-Up” Shop will also feature a selection of Indian inspired hors d’oeuvres and an eclectic World Groove music set from Mulford’s collection. Beer, Wine, and cocktails will be served.

Kortman Gallery presents Point! Bar @ Rockford Art Museum's Greenwich Village Art Fair, Sept. 14 & 15

Once again, Kortman Gallery presents Point! Bar at the annual Greenwich Village Art Fair on the grounds of the Rockford Art Museum at Riverfront Museum Park, Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15. Point! Bar will be featuring art fair favorite...Love Lemon  martinis...and new this year Caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail... made with Cachaça, raw sugar and muddled fresh lime. Also, Bloody Mary’s, Screwdrivers, and other vodka favorites served up from our “cocktail lounge” situated right in the middle of the fair. While enjoying the great art from over 100 artists, stop by for a relaxing drink. And on Saturday evening, everyone is invited to Point! Bar’s After Hours Party from 5pm to 8pm featuring D. J. Fuzz (Daniel Minick) “spinning” the coolest tunes. This is a chance to unwind after the fair, show off your art purchases, and mingle with the artists. Featured bartenders include Dennis Horton, Alex Krasaukas, Michael LaLoggia and Tim Stotz. Looking forward to seeing you at the fair!

Joanne Gustafson's "Elusive Amalgams" opens Friday, Sept. 6 in the Kortman Gallery

This First Friday, September 6th at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, “Elusive Amalgams,” ceramic works by Joanne Gustafson opens in the Kortman Gallery starting at 5:30pm. Joanne, a recent graduate of Rockford University, is an emerging artist who creates unconventional porcelain sculptures inspired by imagery from childhood memories. Things like doll heads and arms arenʼt quite where they should be, which is both fascinating and peculiar..
Also this First Friday, we will be presenting a “Dot Sale” in the store. Many cool things will be on sale from 20% to 40% off if marked with a color coded dot. Do some early holiday shopping or find something special for yourself at a savings! Shop ‘til 9pm.
The Gallery Bar will be open even later, hosted by Dennis Horton.


                               Joanne Gustafson’s Porcelain Art Evokes Childhood Memories in Kortman Gallery Exhibit
    
    Joanne Gustafson is attracted to the anonymous, feminine, handmade types of mass-produced crafts...particularly doilies, doll parts, and animal figurines. These objects were part of the scenery of her childhood...and became visual influences for her porcelain sculptures, which go on exhibit Friday, September 6th in the Kortman Gallery.
    The exhibition, titled “Elusive Amalgams” is ceramic art influenced by craft, thrift, and even kitsch that relives and reinvents Gustafson’s imagination of childhood memories.
    “Because I feel such strong correlations between playtime as a child and studio time as an adult, I try to seal this notion in something finer and more fragile than the memories: porcelain,” says Gustafson.  “This way, I give my past a certain presence. Dolls, doilies, and animal figurines are scenery from places where, as a child, I took play most seriously.”
    A recent graduate of Rockford University with a BFA in drawing and ceramics, Gustafson employs a variety of techniques, from wheel-throwing to slab- and hand-building to slip-casting, creating unusual combinations of imagery in a single piece of art.
    “Joanne’s unconventional porcelain pieces really grab your attention,” said Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “Things like doll heads and arms aren’t quite where they should be, which is both fascinating and peculiar and at the same time cute and creepy. They are really fun to see.”
    The opening reception for “Elusive Amalgams,” works in porcelain by Joanne Gustafson, will be Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 9:00pm in the Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. The show is part of First Fridays Downtown.  “Elusive Amalgams” will be on display through September 30th.

What: “Elusive Amalgams” an exhibition of works in porcelain by Joanne Gustafson
When:  Opening reception for “Elusive Amalgams” will be Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 9:00pm in conjunction with First Fridays Downtown. The exhibition runs through September 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






Design + Function: Kitchen Art from Alessi @ J. R. Kortman Center for Design

Choose a beautiful water kettle from Alessi and turn your stove top into an elegant landscape of alluring functional design for your kitchen. No need to hide useful kitchen objects when they're from the world class designers and architects, selected by Alessi, who have created heirloom quality products that make everyday an entertaining experience in your kitchen. Find these and other great works from Alessi...exclusively in Rockford at J. R. Kortman Center for Design.


Main Steet District presents TWO BLOCK PARTY...Downtown Rockford, Saturday, August 10th

Chill out those summertime blues with this summer’s ultimate Downtown celebration!
Main Street District presents TWO BLOCK PARTY, Downtown Rockford, featuring live performances on the State & Main Stage from Mike &Joe, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts,and Stendek...plus D. J. Fuzz (Dan Minick) will keep the party going in between sets spinning tunes right on Main Street. Eat, Drink, Shop, Fun. Dennis Horton will be hosting the Kortman Gallery Outside Bar featuring Love Lemon Martini’s and Caipirinha’s Brazil’s national cocktail made from cachaça, sugar, and fresh lime. 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 beer, specialty drinks, and food. Admission is $10 at the gate or in advance order on line: www.ticketfly.com/event/33257

Do the Calimacho!...First Friday @ J. R. Kortman....AND...Downtown 2 Block Party...August 10th


First Friday, August 2nd....a great way to start off a great Summertime weekend in Downtown Rockford and J. R. Kortman Center for Design! Back by popular demand from July's First Friday are Calimochos...the refreshing beach drink from Spain. Everyone loved this cool blend of red wine and Coke so much that we thought, since we're still in the middle of Summer, why not feature them again for this First Friday. Dennis Horton will be on hand to mix up one just for you...or pour your favorite summer drink. Shop the store until 9pm and meet friends upstairs in the Kortman Gallery and enjoy "Kaleidoscopic Visions" an exhibition of new works by Jav & Lisa Jimenez. Come Downtown for City Market and stay Downtown for more shopping, art, and drinks at J. R. Kortman Center for Design & Gallery and many other shops,  galleries, and restaurants.


 Don't miss Main Street District's  2 Block Party, Downtown Rockford, coming Saturday, August 10th...featuring live music from MIles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, Mike & Joe, and Stendek.
Tickets are $10 at the gate or save by ordering in advance on line: https://www.ticketfly.com/event/332577
or stop by our store and purchase tickets in advance.