Encore! Mt Morris

Fine Arts Exhibition
Map to Old Sandstone Gallery
Gallery Hours
Fridays 6:30-9:30pm
July 15, 22, 29 and August 5, 2016

Jeff Adams: Mt. Morris, IL; Bronze Sculpture
Artist Statement: My artistic vision is to create sculptures with emotional messages that transcend the subject matter of the piece. Through my figures, I depict the invisible physical forces of wind and waves, the mythical process of metamorphosis, and elusive emotions exposed in a moment. As I breathe life into my sculptures, I strive to capture their spirit in the permanent solidity of bronze.
The technical execution of my ideas is the result of 25+ years of experience in the field of bronze sculpture. At the age of 15, I began working in a fine art foundry and it was there that I first sculpted and sold several original works. However, it wasn't until returning to foundry work after receiving an engineering degree that my interest in sculpting was rekindled. Since 1985, I have worked almost exclusively creating and casting my own sculptures. By controlling this entire process, I am able to transfer all the properties and potentials I created in clay into the finished bronze. I believe it is this marriage of artistic intuition, design elements, theme and craftsmanship that make my sculptures unique.
Pamela Bernard: St. Charles, IL; Colored Pencil
Pam Bernard has been a resident of St. Charles for 42 years. She is married with three children and taught elementary school art in the area. Since retiring from U-46 she has been working as an artist, concentrating in colored pencil and watercolor. Currently a member of AAL and GGAG and CPSA, her work has been exhibited in their shows, at the St. Charles Library, The Holmstead, If Walls Could Talk... and Wasco Nursery.
Carol Bonick: Elgin, IL; Colored Pencil
I was raised in the Midwest and most of my paintings depict the rural and wooded area of Illinois and Wisconsin. I also love creating scenes from the early 1900's - a slower era of immense charm and appeal for me. My father was also an artist and great storyteller. I must have inherited that desire to tell stories, because I often try to weave a storyline into my subject matter.
After receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Art & Education from Northern Illinois University, I taught at the secondary level for several years in the Algonquin and Elgin area and then left to raise my family. When my children were grown, I became involved in creating several businesses. It wasn't until my son called on my art background to complete one of his own entrepreneurial projects, that my interest in personally producing art was once again renewed. After creating several 6 ft. landscape paintings for backdrops, I knew I was 'hooked' on painting again. I hope you enjoy my paintings and the stories they relate.
Carol Bonick began her personal pursuit of art by producing a diverse portfolio of paintings. Her work has been exhibited at the Oscar Swan Inn Art Show in 2013, the Bloomingdale Park Museum Art Show - 2014, a one-person Art Exhibit & Sale at The Little Traveler in Geneva – 2015.
Andria Burchett: Geneva, IL; Colored Pencil
Portrait artist, Andria Burchett, has a background in fashion merchandising, but since 1990 has been concentrating on her colored pencil and graphite creations. She has won numerous local and regional awards, and is an active member in the Colored Pencil Society of America. Andie's highly acclaimed commission work can be found in both private and corporate collections. She continues to teach drawing and colored pencil classes from her home studio, and conducts workshops in surrounding galleries and art leagues.
Artist Statement: It’s all about the body language. With careful attention to composition and design, my work celebrates my delight in how people visually and quietly communicate. Whether it is a slight smirk, an intense concentration, or soulful eyes, each of my subjects subtly tells a story through their posture and expression. Depending on the desired effect, I use anywhere from one to dozens of pencils, layered and blended seamlessly. A colored base often peeks through the finished work, and provides unity under an expansive palette. A variety of techniques pushes the limits on ways to apply colored pencil, which in turn, through textures and color moods, brings the story to life.
Gail Fitzsimmons: Geneva, IL: Watercolor
Gail Fitzsimmons of Geneva, IL chose an early retirement from employment to have more time to spend with her family, and to learn to paint. So starting 15 years ago, she began reading watercolor instruction books and taking numerous classes and workshops, and continues to do so. Gail has attended classes instructed by Ingrid Albrecht, B.J. Chevalier, Mel Stabin, Ratindra Das, Bridget Austin, Anne Von Ehr, David Hettinger, Robert Krajecki, Andria Burchett, and others. Gail credits Kaneville artist and instructor Robert Krajecki, a former teacher at the American Academy of Art in Chicago for his excellent teaching of art fundamentals and watercolor painting, along with a lot of painting practice, to be instrumental in her growth and success as a painter.
Fitzsimmons strives for originality in her artwork. Floral and landscapes are her most frequent subjects. She progressed from watercolor painting to pastel, oil and colored pencil painting, and includes portraiture subjects. Her travels provide photographic references which she paints in her home studio. She believes that the fundamental rules of design, composition, value, and color are necessary to create a beautiful work of art, but foremost required is a good drawing to build from.
Gail is the current President of the Aurora Art League. This group of 45 local artists exhibits several times a year in the Fox Valley area.
Phyllis Gilliam: Sugar Grove, IL: Watercolor
I have no formal art education, but have always loved to draw and paint. I began painting watercolor and learning the fundamentals of art with Mr. Robert Krajecki in the early nineties.
I also draw with pastel and colored pencil. I am a member of the Aurora Art League and currently show my art in local art shows and various locations in the Aurora area. I paint mostly landscapes, buildings, and some barns.

Donations to fund future art exhibitions and the work of Encore! Mt. Morris are tax-deductible and can made through the Village of Mt. Morris. Please make checks payable to the Village of Mt. Morris, with “Encore” on the note line, and mail to Village of Mt. Morris, 105 W. Lincoln St., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.