An exhibition with the same title, inspired by the sculpture, opens in the Kortman Gallery on April 24th & 25th (ArtScene weekend) in the Kortman Gallery in downtown Rockford. “Carrying the Dream” exhibition features five of the artists who were involved in the creation of the this public art project.
These five artists will present not only their conceptual proposals for the sculpture, but also their own works, which includes paintings by Nathan J. Taylor and Nancie King Mertz, sculptures, and mixed media works by Jeremy Klonicki, John Verl McNamara, and Tim Hawley.
Seven Rockford artists were invited to contribute to the project with each presenting concepts for the sculpture. As a collective, they chose a design and actually built and installed the work that now stands at the library entrance at Wyman and Mulberry. Those participating artists include Nathan J. Taylor, Tim Hawley, Jeremy Klonicki, Nancie King Mertz, John Verl McNamara, R. Scott Long, and Betsy Youngquist.
“This should be a fascinating exhibit, since it was the public sculpture project that brought this artists from different disciplines together to create something significant for the community,” said Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “Patrons will be able to see how the sculpture evolved through visual concepts created by each of these artists, but also see works that these artists are individually known for.”
“Carrying the Dream” featuring concepts and works by five artists will open with an artist’s receptions on Friday, April 24th from 5 to 9pm, and Saturday, April 25th from 4 to 8pm upstairs in the Kortman Gallery, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The opening dates are part of the Spring ArtScene weekend. The exhibit will run through June 6th.
J.R. Kortman Center for Design and Kortman Gallery are open Tuesday through Friday, 11am to 6pm and Saturdays, 11am to 5pm. The opening event and gallery are free and open to the public. For more information phone 815-968-0123.