Virtual Gallery September 2020
Welcome to the Homewood Arts Council's first virtual gallery. We are excited to feature the works of five local artists in this exhibit. Please meet Robert Gadomski, Jen Johnson, David Meehan, John Murphy and Beverly Szaton.
Click on the gallery to view full size and to see descriptions and pricing. If you are interested in purchasing a piece from this exhibit, please email us at info@homewoodartscouncil.com.
Interested in exhibiting with us in the future? Please click here for our Exhibitor Application. We look forward to creating more opportunities for us to connect through the arts in the coming months. The Homewood Arts Council appreciates your continued support.
Next Call for Art Deadline: January 25
Show Theme: Open
Virtual Show Opening: February 1
Robert Gadomski
Homewood
I am a native Chicagoan from the Back of the Yards, Gage Park, West Lawn and Pilsen neighborhoods. I attended Saint Rita High School, Chicago Technical School, The Art Institute, and Western Illinois University. I have been a commercial artist, designer/muralist and fine artist for over 40 years. I have also worked as an Artist In Residence for the Illinois Art Council and Visiting Artists in the Inner City Schools for the Oriental Institute. My wife, Carol, and I lived and worked in rural Western Illinois before moving to the Chicago south suburbs of Park Forest and Homewood, where we currently live. We have 2 adult daughters and 5 grandchildren.
About My Artwork
I use the term hard-edged, quirky realism to describe my work. My paintings use layers of representational images, geometric abstractions, historic and contemporary designs, and natural patterns. The subject matter is based on personal experience, observation, conscious thought and dream imagery. Living most of my life on Chicago’s south side, has influenced an awareness of the surreal atmosphere of urban living.
Jen Johnson
Homewood
Growing up, I was surrounded by women who used fiber in a variety of ways. Crocheting, quilting, embroidery - my family created so many things, and seeing their work around me at all times made it feel very ordinary. Because of this, for a long time, I saw fiber work as more of a craft than an art. Then, without me really realizing it, it started to find its way into my own artwork, and I experienced how versatile the medium could be. Wool is such an ancient and natural material, and it makes me feel connected to not only my own family, but the artists of ages past.
David Meehan
Homewood
This body of work was done in collaboration with a poet. The combined work explored ideas of brevity and cherishing something with the knowledge that that something is fleeting. The photographs alone illustrate an attempt to see things for the first time. I grew up in the Homewood/Flossmoor area so many of the businesses and signs seem insignificant after so many years. But by going out in the middle of the night, the town turns to a ghost town occupied by neon and dark shop windows.
John Murphy
Chicago Heights
John retired from police work in 2015 after 34 years of service. My father-in-law gave me a box of his old license plates and I made him a sign from them, after seeing some examples at an art fair. I then started making them for friend’s who owned classic cars. I made one for a friend’s business and he encouraged me to sell them. I construct the signs in my garage, where I put together a small workshop.
About My Artwork
Hand cut vintage license plates screwed to painted wood. Hung by wire or silver or black chain. Attached by chrome or black powder coated license plate bolts.
Beverly Szaton
Park Forest
Have lived in the area since 1985 and currently make beaded jewelry and paint. I have exhibited in the PFArt Fair, the Homewood Art Far, the Salon Artists Gallery and a number of other local venues. I would be delighted to be included in your group.
About My Artwork
I make beaded jewelry using primarily semi-precious stone and earthy tones. I strive to create pieces that make the wearer feel connected to warmth and beauty. My paintings are largely of horses.
