e-ART the latest info on the Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest art scene.

e-ART for 05/25/2012 - 06/07/2012

***Seeking Artists for the Community Mini-Mural Project. The Oak Park Area Arts Council is seeking artist to participate in the Community Mini-Mural Project. The murals will be on the inset portions of the retaining walls along the CTA Green Line/Metra elevated train route. For questions or more information call (708)358-5690 or e-mail info@oakparkareaartscouncil.com.

Applications available on our website or on the Village of Oak Park's Website.

Deadline for round two submissions is 5 p.m. on May 30th

***The Oak Park Area Arts Council is looking for young artist 16-19 years old who are residents of the Village of Oak Park, Forest Park, & River Forest to work in its summer teen arts employment program, Off the Wall. Apprentices work with professional artist who are core artist with the Chicago Public Art Group. They design and create a public art mural using the medium of bricolage/broken tile mosaic.Aside from creating a fabulous piece of public art, they also earn a paycheck doing something they enjoy-art!

Deadline for applications will be 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31th.

Friday, May 25

***The Oak Park Arts District will host its annual What's Blooming on Harrison Art Festival on Harrison Street in Oak Park, IL. This year's Festival features an exhibition of Highland Park's "Magic Garden" which comprises hand-painted butterflies. These butterflies are over 3 feet wide and have received rave reviews in major national publications. Artists and vendors will display their wares, live entertainment throughout the event. The art show will feature over 50 artists.

***The Lincoln Loft presents: Loose Chicks. This juicy, gutsy, ballsy, cutting edge look at life through the eyes of three femme fatales will be presented at the The Lincoln Loft, 3036 N. Lincoln. One of the stars of this show is our own Roberta Miles.

***Bead in Hand holds Drop-in Butterfly Choker Workshop. An all-ages memory wire choker project can be created from a wide selection of beads and butterfly charms. 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. at Bead in Hand, 145 W. Harrison St., Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

***The burgeoning local music scene comes center stage in Oak Park at The Open Door Theater, located at the corner of Ridgeland and Harrison in the Arts District . This week, Ian Crawford and Rachel Casbarian of the band Grannys Ashes and James Berthiaume and Laura Lopardo of the band The Get wil be performing. Just $5 gets you into this charming venue for an intimate music listening experience, not available anywhere else outside the city limits. 8 p.m. at the Open Door Theater, 902 S Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park.

Saturday, May 26

***Artist reception, with Audrey Brown, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., at Expressions Graphics, 29 Harrison St., Oak Park. Audrey Brown has worked in watercolor painting and monotypes throughout her career, spanning some twenty years. For more information, visit the website.

*** The Oak Park Arts District will host its annual What's Blooming on Harrison Art Festival on Harrison Street in Oak Park, IL. This year's Festival features an exhibition of Highland Park's "Magic Garden" which comprises hand-painted butterflies. These butterflies are over 3 feet wide and have received rave reviews in major national publications. Artists and vendors will display their wares, live entertainment throughout the event. The art show will feature over 50 artists.

Sunday, May 27

***Church of Beethoven Fourth Sundays Series. Classical music performances in an intimate and casual setting as well as poetry by local poets. Val Camilletti (Val's Halla Records) is emcee for this event. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Open Door Repertory theater, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

Monday, May 28

***River Forest Memorial Day Parade - 10:00 AM - River Forest Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. from Division Street and Ashland Avenue proceeding south on Ashland Avenue to Lake Street, then west on Lake Street to Keystone Park. For more information, visit the website.

***Oak Park Memorial Day commemoration. The Oak Park Memorial Day commemoration will start at 9 a.m. in Scoville Park. This year will feature a special focus on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Tuesday, May 29

***The Idea Box at the Oak Park Public Library will be converted into a multi-artist studio for one month and will culminate with a reception/sale of the work created there over the course of the month. The public will be able to observe the artistic process.

***OPRFHS Jazz Concert. To be held in Scoville Park, weather permitting, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Bring your picnic baskets and a blanket and relax to the sounds of some amazing young musicians. If it rains, the show will be relocated to OPRF High School, 201 N. Scoville.

Wednesday, May 30

***Bogart Film Festival presents: The Big Sleep. This 1946 film has Bogart playing a private detective hired by a rich family. Before this complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love. 1:30 p.m. at the Maze branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 845 S. Gunderson Ave. For more information, visit the website.

***Avalon String Quartet presents Russian Feast, Part 2 part of a concert series of the complete Beethoven String Quartet Cycle. The second quartet bristles with nervous energy and explosive climaxes. Freewill donations will benefit the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society. The Concert will be at 3 p.m. at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave. Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

Thursday, May 31

***Daniela Bisenius Duo performs at Gaetano's Ristorante. Enjoy traveling to Paris as you listen to Daniela on violin and her accompanist on accordian. Superb Parisan music. 7 p.m. at Gaetano's Ristorante, 7636 W. Madison St., Forest Park.

***The Chicago Artists' Coalition invites you to meet other creatives and learn about the HATCH Projects program. Attend a free and fun-filled evening of dynamic five minute artist presentations by artist from the HATCH Projects, while sampling tasty bites from local food vendors and sips from local Chicago breweries and distilleries. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Chicago Artists' Coalition, 217 N. Carpenter.

Friday, June 1

***Eco Art Class at Pleasant Home. Create earth friendly art with natural inks, wax and dyes to create richly colored batiks and utilize a creative recycling technique to make beautiful prints on natural paper in class! For more information, visit the website.

Saturday, June 2

***Sing to Live Community Chorus presents: Chicago Opus: A Celebration of Chicago Composers. General Admission: $20 Seniors/Students: $15. Show Starts at 8:00 p.m. at the Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave, Evanston. For tickets or for more information, visit the website.

***Pot Luck Celebration at Yoga Trek. This marks the 5-year anniversary of Yoga Trek in its current incarnation. Celebrate this milestone and the people who make it a special place. Bring something to share, or just bring yourself!! 911 South Lombard Avenue, Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

***Deeply Rooted Dance Theater's second spring performance. Featuring DRDT2 & 3, Youth Ensemble and Mature H.O.T. Women. The show will be held in The Dance Center at Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago.

***10th Annual Windy City Gay Idol Semi-Finals. The largest annual search for the best amateur gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered singers in the Chicago area continues, after ten preliminary events, with the top 23 finalists all competing for a spot in the Top Twelve at the finals. There is a $10 cover, which includes a free drink ticket. All audience members are entered to win prizes. Located at Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted, with doors at 2 p.m., show at 3 p.m.

***38th Annual Wright Plus. Wright Plus is an internationally renowned architectural housewalk featuring rare interior tours of eight private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries, plus entry to three landmark Wright buildings. Enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes' history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants' lifestyles. Experience the extraordinary mix of famed architectural styles lining the streets of Oak Park, and share in a fun-filled day with visitors from around the world. For more information, visit the website.

***Uncork Illinois is Downtown Oak Park's first wine festival. Wine aficionados will have a unique opportunity to sample over 100 wines from more than 10 local wineries and taste locally-produced artisan foods. Admission is $15 at the gate and includes a free souvenir glass and 7 tastings (while supplies last). Additional tasting tickets may be purchased for $1.00. In addition to tastings, vineyards will sell wines by the glass or bottle, and offer pairing tips with favorite dishes from local restaurants. All proceeds will benefit Wonder Works Children's Museum, an Oak Park children's museum that unleashes creativity and imagination in children through art, performance, building and more. For more information, visit the website.

Sunday, June 3

***Sing to Live Community Chorus presents: Chicago Opus: A Celebration of Chicago Composers. General Admission: $20 Seniors/Students: $15. Show Starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Anne and Howard Gottlieb Hall, 38 South Peoria St., Chicago. For tickets or for more information, visit the website.

***The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park will open the Hemingway Boyhood Home at 600 N. Kenilworth to visitors for the last time on Sunday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. as part of the Oak Park Day in Our Village festivities.This is a unique opportunity to tour the interior of this century-old home where famous author Ernest Hemingway honed his schoolboy writing skills while attending Holmes Elementary School around the corner and later Oak Park and River Forest High School. For more information, visit the website.

Wednesday, June 6

***Circle Theatre presents: Almost An Evening A dark comic trio of plays that go to Hell-both here and in the hereafter. Written by Ethan Coen (Fargo, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski), and presented in an intimate studio space. Adults $28, Sr/Students $26 at Circle Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park. For tickets or more information, visit the website.

***Balkanski Boemi. Macedonian and Balkan folk music on clarinet and guitar. 7 p.m. at Gaetano's Ristorante, 7636 W. Madison St., Forest Park.

Ongoing

***The Oak Park Area Arts Council is proud to present the artwork of Janette Durand, on display during the months of May and June in the Oak Park Area Arts Council's Gallery at Village Hall. Janette's work consists of intricate designs, paintings and a touch of quilting. Village Hall is located at 123 Madison St., Oak Park. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

***The Oak Park Area Arts Council is proud to present artist Janice Elkins. Janice's artwork is on display at the Forest Park National Bank, 7348 W. Madison St., Forest Park. Janice Elkins works in acrylics, oils and encaustic wax. She also creates collages, drawings, monoprints and intaglio. In addition, she has taught painting for twelve years.

***The Oak Park Area Arts Council is proud to present the photography of Jim Krysan. Buildings often outlast their intended purpose. At the whim of culture and/or the economy, some are demolished, some decay, but others are repurposed. Jim Krysan photographs the latter to document historical change. The exhibit is on display at the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, 1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park.

***Exercise Experiments for Artists. Exercise Experiments for Artists meets every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Pieritz Office Supply on the corner of Ridgeland and South Blvd. 30 minutes of fun outdoors with other creatives. $7 donation is suggested. For details contact Nancy Trock, (708)699-4663 or NTROCKSTER@earthlink.net.

***Artist Jesse Howard presents The Urban Abyss. Jesse Howard's series The Urban Abyss is on display at the Oak Park Public Library in the Exhibition Gallery on the 2nd floor, 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

***Circle Theatre presents: When the Rain Stops Falling. A journey across time, where the acts and sins of the past prove repeatedly devastating to each succeeding generation. Friday all seats: $24, Saturday & Sunday: Adults $28, Sr/Students $26 at Circle Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park. For tickets or more information, visit the website.

***Art Auction Benefit for The Oak Park Education Foundation. See the art works in Magic Tree's front window and bid on favorites through the end of May. Art purchasers will be benefiting the Oak Park Education Foundation's Art Start program. 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

***Harrison Works presents the work of Gayle Yeatman Fisher. Fisher has dedicated herself to learning the fine art of oil painting and is greatly influenced by the natural world. Butterflies and flowers are featured prominently in her work. This is Fisher's first public art show. Harrison Works is located at 17 Harrison St., Oak Park. For more information, visit the website.

Calling All Artists

***Holley Court Terrace is teaming up with The Wednesday Journal and The Oak Park Art League to host the first annual "Chalk One Up for the Oak Park Art League." This outdoor street painting festival is scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd. Artists will have a dedicated space to produce their artwork using colored pastel on the black pavement. In addition, local sponsoring businesses will set up booths. This family event will also have an area for younger artists to participate for free. All proceeds will benefit The Oak Park Art League. For more information or to apply, visit the website.

***The Chicago Artists' Coalition now accepting applications for an original, large-scale, three-dimensional ceiling installation as part of Taste of Chicago's new Chef du Jour dining tent. This new element of the festival promises to garner widespread media attention and attract approximately 1,000 guests. For more information or to apply, visit the website.

***Visit Oak Park extends an invitation to all artist to apply for an opportunity to share their work at Art al Fresco. The Oak Park Visitors Center provides an opportunity for artists to display and sell their artwork at the entryway of the Visitors Center, 1010 Lake St., Oak Park. For more information or to apply, contact Visit Oak Park at artalfresco@visitoakpark.com.

***Artists Wanted is seeking artists for their 3rd Annual Self Competition. This call is for art and photography with the goal of launching the story of one artist on the world stage. Entries accepted through May 31. For more information, visit the website.

***The Propeller Fund is presented by Gallery 400 at the University of Illinois at Chicago and threewalls for independent visual artists, curators, and visual art groups in Cook County. Application deadline is August 1. For more information, visit the website.

***The International Children's Media Center is now accepting submissions for their top festivals and programs in 2012-2013. Submitting your film to the ICMC enters it into consideration for five high profile cultural events. For more information, visit the website.

***Urban Canvas Street Art Events. There will be 3 public art events in downtown Chicago. Street Art Events will be the creation of art using ground spaces as canvas. Use chalk, tempera paints, or other mediums. Public participation is free. The first event will be Saturday, June 30th on the Chicago Art Institute sidewalk. For more information, contact Cheryl Williams at (773)874-9315 or c71544@aol.com.

Upcoming Events

***The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest Roll Over, Beethoven 60's Party! Hit the vintage stores (or dig through your closets...) and re-live the '60s at The Symphony of OP&RF's fundraiser on June 16th from 7 p.m-11 p.m. at the Tennis & Fitness Club, located at 301 Lake Street, Oak Park. Live DJ, dancing, yummies, prizes, and cash bar.

***Chicago Sinfonietta 2012-2013 Season has been announced. For a list of events, visit the website.

***The Oak Park Art League announces the 2nd Annual Carriage House Gallery National Juried Exhibition, October 12 through November 16, 2012. The exhibit is open to all artists nationwide working in any visual media including Photography and Digital art. Submitted artworks will be juried and then judged by Margot McMahon for Best of Show.

***Chicago Pastel Painters announce a lecture and two day Master class taught by Bill Hosner. He is an internationally recognized and award winning painter and teacher. It will focus on the figure en plein air. The Lecture will be on August 10th and the class will be August 11th and 12th. Held at Gillson Beach, Wilmette. For more information or to sign up, visit the website.

***How Far to Austin at the Metro. Local band How Far to Austin will be performing at the Metro on June 16th. For more information, visit the website.

***Celebrate Reading & Writing at the Printers Row Lit Fest. The Printer's Row Lit Fest is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest. With authors from Dan Rather to Sapphire, this is a must for fans of all forms of literature. For more information, visit the website.

***Join The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park and Columbia College for a special presentation of the HBO Films production Hemingway & Gellhorn, followed by a Conversation about the film with the President of HBO Films, Len Amato, and the film's executive producer, Alexandra E. Ryan. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception at Columbia College's Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash. The screening begins at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but registrations are required. For more information, visit the website.

Upcoming Classes/Camps

***The Oak Park Art League's Summer Intensive Workshops are open to registration. Take your skills to a new level with one or both of the 3 day intensive workshops taught by OPAL instructors and professional artists Kathy Hirsh and Jesse Howard. If you know you want to take one of the workshops, don't wait to register because space is limited. You won't want to miss out on the chance to learn from these amazing artists. Open to teens and adults of any skill level. For more information or the apply, visit the website.

***Summer Camp at Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple Registration Open. Camps are for Kids in Grades 2-6. For more information or to sign up, visit the website.

***Creative Changes Studio offers an intensive metalsmithing class. The five session intensive will be held on each night, July 25-29, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You will learn a detailed overlay process, including how to work effectively with the saw, flux and solder and oxy-acetyline torch. Everyone will complete the class with a beautiful project. To register, call (708)805-2441.

***Terra Incognito Summer Arts Camps. Terra Incognito offers multi-media, themed art camps for kids 5-9 yrs. of age. For kids 9-12 they have 5 sessions of Preteen Wheel Throwing. And for kids 12-16 they offer Teen Wheel Throwing or Teen Jewelry/Metals. For more information or to sign up, visit the website.

***Oak Park Conservatory summer camps. In Eco Rangers, kids will experience the smells, sounds, and wildlife at the Conservatory. Find out why cacti have spines and which plants have hair! Create their own cactus garden and tropical rain garden and learn what they need to stay healthy. Visit Illinois woods and prairies and collect some of the worms and bugs that live there. Experience nature up close and learn what they can do to protect it.
In Eco Friendly Art Camp, they will learn basic drawing, painting and simple sculpture skills influenced by the natural world around them. Educational craft projects for each of the four seasons will be created using the elements of water, wind, fire, and earth with emphasis on the use of natural paints, dyes and fibers. Find out how choices affect the earth, environment, animals, and ocean life. For more information or to sign up, visit the website.

*** Registration is now open for the Oak Park Education Foundation's B.A.S.E. Camps. They have an exciting roster of classes for June for students entering grades 1-9. Programs are open to students from any and all schools. For more information or to sign up, visit the website.

***Sense of Urgency Theater summer acting classes for teens and adults. Classes will focus on scene study and monologues. Classes will also discuss the business of acting. For more information, visit the website.

Misc.

***Winifred Haun & Dancers has been invited to Montrose, CO to participate in a dance residency from June 13 to June 17. Sponsored by the Black Canyon Cultural Arts Center, the residency will include teaching modern dance workshops and choreography from Company repertory to local dancers. The residency will conclude with a full Company performance. Congratulations to Winifred Haun & Dancers.

***Are you following the show ABDC on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.? Be sure to tune in next week and see one of Oak Park's finest, young Ian Eastwood (son of artists Julia & Peter). Ian and his crew Mos Wanted are competing for America's Best Dance Crew. Vote and support this talented dancer!! Check out this week's show on Youtube.