Art in Alternative Spaces

presents

Heroines

Artists Pay Tribute to Their Personal Heroines

Participating artists include:

Bruce Brown, Joe Chovan, Gail Flack Crandus, Julia DelNagro-Oehmke, 

Ann Haberl, Andrea Harris, Renee McGinnis, Christine Milostan

Tracy Ostmann and Rachel Weaver Rivera

Artwork on display at:

Apollo Theatre

2540 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL

Artists Reception: 

Friday, May 7, 2004

5:30 - 7:30 pm

On Exhibition through July 25, 2004

Please support our special sponsor - 

Bordos for donating appetizers & pizza for the artists reception!

Bordos - 2476 N. Lincoln, Chicago - Tel: (773) 529-6900

Grandma's Hands

Pencil on Paper

36 x 25"

Bruce Brown

"There are so many great women that influence us in this journey called life.   Some are more recognizable than others.   There are CEO's of companies, political leaders, entertainers and athletes.  However, the woman that influenced me the most in this life was 'Grandma'.   Everyone has cherished memories of their grandmother.   Grandma to me represents love, strength, caring, giving, comfort and spiritual guidance.  At 99 years old, she is truly my hero and the most influential person in my life.  She raised scores of children while parents worked.  She has lived through some of the most traumatic periods in civil rights history and has always taught her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to love and respect God's people regardless of their skin color.   In addition, she has touched the lives of so many over the years that she defines the term 'Heroines'.   Grandma's Hands is an original creation using pencil on arches paper to reflect the importance of the hands that have molded so many and the careful watchful eyes that have seen a century of experiences in this journey called life.   We celebrate all grandmothers for making a difference in history."

Bruce received his degree in Art specializing in visual communication from Illinois State University.  His work has been exhibited at the DuSable Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, Lake County Museum, Evanston Ethnic Art Festival, Jack Benny Center and the African Festival of the Arts.    His art has been featured in calendars for Allstate Insurance, WGCI Radio and Kraft Foods.    Bruce has received numerous awards for his work, including 1st place in the Annual Black Creativity Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry.    In 1999, Illinois State University awarded him "The Outstanding Young Alumni Award" for his artistic performance, community/charity involvement and business leadership.   This is Bruce's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Annie and Helen

Acrylic on Canvas

36 x 36"

Joe Chovan

"I chose Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan as the women to give tribute to.   It was too difficult to separate the two, therefore the painting represents them both.    I don't know of a better example of a teacher and the student where both had so much to overcome, yet together they lived life to the fullest and added so much to society.   Annie took on Helen's case with a background of being left an orphan in a poor house and was mostly blind herself.   Helen needed someone with Annie's extreme patience and commitment in order to break through to the other side.   The painting represents the moment that Annie helped Helen understand the mystery of language.   Here at the water well with surrounding honeysuckle flowers, Helen first made the relationship between words and the objects around her that represented those words.   This enlightenment opened the door to Helen's future.    From here, they went on together to do great things.   Helen became a brilliant internationally known writer and activist.   Her efforts in education, women's rights and exhaustive works for the deaf and blind were incredible.   She was the eternal optimist, even to the end of her life.   She took away all excuses... a shining beacon to all who knew her and her writings... a heroine to me." 

Joe majored in fine art and science at Ripon College in Wisconsin.   He went on to study at the Art Institute of Chicago, Triton College and the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.   Along with his paintings, he has done anatomical and surgical artwork for medical books for the past 25 years.   His artwork has been shown at Artemesia gallery and in Lake Geneva and Door County, Wisconsin.   This is Joe's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Rebecca at the Well

Pencil on Paper

15 x 20"

Gail Flack Crandus

"Many people think of the Old Testament in the Bible as a moral and ethical as well as a religious document.  Some think of it as a historical document as well.   I find that it describes the human condition throughout.   The story of Rebecca at the Well symbolized the story of working women, the  day-in, day-out, back-breaking work, and the endless tedium of repeated chores that women bore, as well as the sacrifices that were expected of women, the tenderness, care and nurturing of others (even traveling strangers).   I understand how difficult it was - and may still be - for a woman to strike out on her own."

Gail received a B.A. from Roosevelt University and a B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.    Her artwork has been shown at Woman Made Gallery, Peter Jones Gallery, and the Chicago Cultural Center to list just a few.    This is Gail's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct. 

Mother Theresa

Linoleum Block Print

12 x 14"

Julia DelNagro Oehmke

"This hand-carved and hand printed block print is a tribute to my heroine who gave her life in the care and love for the poor and disabled among the human life."

Julia, a portrait artist and sculptor, studied in the classical style at the Drisi School of Fine Art and later at the renowned studio of Koh-Varilla for sculpting.   She has been widely publicized in books and magazine, including Newsweek online.  Many of her works have been included in both editions of the Chicago Art Scene.    A year-long exhibit at O'Hare International Airport sponsored by Arts in Action featured her work and Burnham Publishers chose her painting "Freedom" for the book cover of Native American Justice.    Julia serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the John Vanderpoel Museum and also The Chicago Society of Artists.   Her portrait of the 9/11 fallen fireman from New York is on exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.    This is Julia's second exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Gay and Ginger

Oil on Canvas - Diptych

14.5 x 14.5" each

Ann Haberl

"I saw a film about Isadora Duncan when I was 13 and was especially moved by her commitment to freedom of un-self-conscious expression.   Her spirit resisted containment.   She traced the art of dance back to its roots as a sacred art and for her movement was worship.    I found the black and white photos that were the inspiration for this artwork in a box of old photographs.   Although it looks like two pictures of the same girl, on the back of one is lightly penciled 'Gay', the other 'Ginger.'   No one knew who they were.   The mystery twins dogged me until I documented them.   Like all the images I'm drawn to and Isadora's life, there is an ethereal narrative - air, movement, the luminous manifestation of the soul, and the music heard inwardly."

Ann studied art at Eastern Illinois University.    Ann's work has been exhibited at the North Shore Art League, Norris Gallery, the Woodstock Opera House to list just a few.   She has created many chairs for the Celebrity Chair Auction.     This is Ann's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

The Veil:  Mary Magdalene	The Veil:  Pakistan	The Veil:  Uganda
The Veil:  Saudi Arabia	Self Portrait	The Veil:  Iran

Oil and Wax on Canvas

24 x 24" each

Andrea Harris

"Each portrait represents an enlightened journey that began with the statement voiced by Al-Mubarak of Iraq,"’ my head is covered but not my brain!’" Al-Mubarak’s words seared through my heart to my very soul, causing me to reflect how women of cultural differences have managed to defy all odds and hold true to the power from within.

First in the series, Mary Magdalene is the archetype for boldness, strength and beauty. Her history inspirits me to remain steadfast to my convictions and encourages me to maintain integrity. For me, she is the image connecting the feminine soul.

The women of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and the young sisters from Iran represent a special courage. They are fighting for women’s rights-to vote, attend schools and maintain their dignity. Their resolution continues to inspire me with the passion to pursue my dreams.

For the final portrait I wrapped myself in the American Flag. I felt protected and safe, yet connected in spirit to the others I had painted."

Andrea studied at The School of The Art Institute.   Her work has been exhibited at Woman Made Gallery, the Noyes Cultural Center and at the Manhattan Arts International in New York, NY.  This is Andrea's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Eva Peron

Acrylic on Canvas

44 x 32"

Renee McGinnis

"I first heard the story of Evita when I was 20.    My roots are rural as hers were.   To learn that a woman could rise from such humble origins to become the most powerful woman in the western hemisphere in the 20th century inspired me.   Her tireless drive and compassion for the less fortunate and underrepresented will forever be a component of my passion."

Renee received a B.F.A. from the Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL and studied sociology and anthropology at the University of Chicago. Most recently, she helped to organize and participated in The Chicago Solution Show with artist Ed Paschke. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Elmhurst Art Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, Woman Made Gallery, Hyde Park Art Center, Cornelia Arts Building, Wood Street Gallery, Artemesia, ARC Gallery and most recently Frazer Gallery in Washington, D.C. Horizon Gallery in Pittsburg, and several galleries in Bremen, Germany. In addition, her work has been shown at the Whitney Museum, Gang Gallery and the Limner Gallery in Soho, NY and at the Swan Gallery in Sydney, Australia, to list only a few. Her work is also part of a permanent collection at Chicago’s East Bank Club and was included in former President William Jefferson Clinton & Hillary Rodham Clinton’s collection in The White House. Renee is listed in the publications Who’s Who of American Women (21^st Edition) and the Encyclopedia of Living Artists (10^th Edition). Her entire suite of furniture was featured in Chicago's "Suite Home Chicago" public art project. This is Renee’s sixth exhibition through Anatomically Correct.

Georgia on My Mind

Acrylic on Canvas

32 x 25"

Christine Milostan

"As a schoolgirl, I recall going to The Art Institute of Chicago and being in awe of the larger than life work of a woman artist, Georgia O'Keeffe.    The life and works of Georgia O'Keeffe have been very influential in my art and my personal journey as an artist.     As teachers, we both shared a love affair with color and the Southwest.   Nature and places are also my favorite subjects.   My artistic path continues to unfold like Georgia's calla lilies.   We both have explored new environments, techniques and mediums.   Georgia said, 'When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment.   I want to give that world to someone else.'   So do I."

Christine received a B.A. from DePaul University.   She has taught creativity and watercolor classes at the College of Dupage, DePaul University, Fine Line Art Center and the Young Rembrandts Drawing Program for Children to list just a few of her tutorial credits.     Her work has been exhibited in numerous libraries and fine art centers.   This is Christine's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Punch n' Cake at Church

Oil on Canvas

60 x 36"

Tracy Ostmann

"My heroine is not based on one, but rather a group of women in my neighborhood who are hero's because they spend most of their lives raising the children in the neighborhood, even the ones that aren't related to them.  On top of this hard life, they still manage to stay happy and present themselves socially in a pleasant and presentable fashion, usually at church.   This painting was inspired by all the women walking past my house to go to church on Sunday - all dressed and dignified."

Tracy received her BFA from Webster University and attended The Art Institute of Chicago for her Post-Baccalaureate certificate on a merit scholarship. She supported herself in the service industry until 1997 when her career as an artist started to roll. Several of her works were sold out of bars, cafe’s, restaurants, boutiques and eventually galleries. Her main medium is oil on canvas, however, she makes most of her income from painting residential murals.  Ms. Ostmann has also participated in several public art projects and freelances for local museums. She is presently featured in the Chicago Magazine - Spring - Summer Home issue.  This is Tracy's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Portrait of Mary

Acrylic on Canvas

30 x 24"

Rachel Weaver Rivera

"And he came to her and said, 'Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"  But she was greatly troubled at the saying and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.  And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  Luke 26:28-31.

"This painting of Mary, mother of Jesus, reflects my admiration for the strength of all mothers.   Mary's willingness to accept the unknown is inspiring.   I painted her face as part woman, part lioness to show her courage.   The butterfly is a symbol of grace with which she met her life's challenges.   For me, Mary represents the feminine, creative energy of the Holy Spirit.   As a historical figure, she reminds us of the importance of the female perspective in positions of power."

Rachel received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and a B.F.A. from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.    Rachel coordinates Artabounds, a working studio for young artists at Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier.   She is a presenter and consultant on children's creative processes and developing learning environments that promote discovery through self-expression.   Most recently, Rachel has given presentations on children's learning through the arts at The Chicago Association for the Education of Young Children, the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, The Evanston Art Center, The Hyde Park Art Center and the Erickson Institute.     Her work has been exhibited at the Evanston Art Center, Woman Made Gallery the Ukrainian Museum in Chicago to list just a few.    This is Rachel's first exhibition with Anatomically Correct.

Founded in 1991, Anatomically Correct is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to showcasing works by artists in alternative spaces in a combined effort to educate, diversify, and promote community awareness of the visual and performing arts.