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