J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery

     Size does matter. Just think of how powerful a large scale piece of art can be...such as Liberman's "Symbol" along the Rock River...it can create excitement, a sense of place, and even controversy. Then think of how intimate and personal a small painting can be. What is even more fascinating to consider is to see the same imagery in different scale. We will react differently to a small painting than we do to LARGE painting even if the image is the same. Artist John Deill said that several years ago he painted a small nude and everyone told him it was such a neat little painting. So he decided to paint the same nude on a large canvas. The reaction was entirely different. Some people were even shocked by the image!

So, we thought we would explore the impact that scale has not only on art, but also on the viewer. Some pieces in the exhibition both LARGE & small have the exact same images. Other works feature the same image concept but presented in a different scale. In the Kortman Galley you will see the small scale works by some of the Rockford area's leading artists. The LARGE scale versions can be seen at the Prairie Street Gallery. Feel free to photograph the works at each gallery...see and feel how different scale affects each of these intriguing works of art.

This First Friday Kortman Gallery is presenting Roland Poska's remarkable lithographs, hand printed from stone. Mr. Poska's exihibiton is the official beginning of "The (Great) Human Race Initiative," an art and philosophical project that he has been promoting for more than 30 years. Stop by and meet Mr. Poska and sign his prints to show support for his noble mission. The store will be open 'til 9 and the gallery will stay open even later. Dennis Horton will be hosting the Gallery Bar and we will be revealing the music playlist from the iPod of Rockford artist and graphic designer Keith Grace.

 

 

For the first time in more than 30 years the St. Patrick's Day Parade will march down Main Street...and pass right by J.R.Kortman Center for Design. We will have some tables out in front where you can relax over an Irish beer or (if it's too cold) you can watch the parade from upstairs in the Kortman Gallery. Our favorite leprechaun bartender Dennis Horton will be on hand to man the Kortman Gallery Bar. And, of course, you can shop for cool green things in the store which will be open 'til 6pm on Saturday. You can also see work by one of our favorite "Irish-Italian" artists, Jennifer Mullin on exhibit now through March 15th in the Kortman Gallery. An rud a lionas an tsuil lionann se an croi!

 

 

 

 

 

"Lucky in Love," mixed media art work by Jennifer Mullin, 70-inch freshwater pearl & onyx necklace, "motherboard" heart, recycled materials heart with button, "Eye Heart," beaded art work by Betsy Youngquist, and pewter pocket hearts by Vilmain. These and other sweet things now at J.R. Kortman Center for Design. 

 

 

Rockford artist Jennifer Mullin looks through magazines and is inspired by the home furnishings she sees. The found images become elements in her delicate and comfortable interiors she creates in her small-scale works opening Friday, February 4th in the Kortman Gallery.

The exhibition titled “In My Place” features mixed-media new works by Mullin created with collage and pencil drawings resulting in colorful and seductive images of interior spaces.

“I love flipping through those glossy magazine pages in search of eye-catching colors and patterns,” says Mullin. “The creation of comfortable space has developed as an underlying thread in all of my work.  Within the confines of each piece, I aim to create a beautiful place that I would enjoy spending time in.”

Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky says the small pieces are perfect for this time of the year. “Her charming and warm images are a cozy contrast to the cold, harsh winter weather,” said Slafkosky. “And these sweet and endearing art works are available just in time for Valentine’s Day.”

Mullin is a 1998 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison and currently teaches art at Boylan High School.

The opening reception for  Jennifer Mullin’s “In My Place” will be from 5:30 to 9:00pm on Friday, February 4th in the Kortman Gallery, located upstairs at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street, Downtown Rockford. For more information call 815/968-0123 or visit www. jrkortman.com. 

What: “In My Place” an exhibition of works by Jennifer Mullin

Where: Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J.R.Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main, Downtown Rockford

When: Opening reception, Friday, February 4th, 5:30pm-9:00pm. Gallery open Monday–Saturday, 10 to 6pm. Exhibition runs through March 19th, 2011. Free admission. 

Information: 815-968-0123 or www.jrkortman.com

      Rockford's "Symbol," by internationally celebrated artist Alexander Liberman, soars in Sinnissippi Park along the east bank of the Rock River inspiring all who drive, bike, or walk by. This exciting piece of art is now available in a miniature 2-D metal "replica" which is not only a great souvenir, but can be used as a bookend, votive stand, or expressive decorative object.