COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION FALL 2016
L BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PATRONS
PRESIDENT John Holevas
John R. Anderson
PAST PRESIDENT Daniel G. Saavedra
Cheryl Bischoff
PRESIDENT-ELECT David Boccignone
Leann & Jeff Burch
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear members,
Lon & Dick Behr
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the beginning of this glorious fall season. Fall at RAM brings an incredible array of exhibitions, programs and events.
Julie & Jim Buchanan
Diane Jaroch Cain VICE PRESIDENTS Anita Layng Lisa Lindman
Sharyn & Joe Castrogiovanni Joan Davis
TREASURER Greg Harlan
Corky & Rich Dell
SECRETARY Peggy Fry
Lynn Fischer-Carlson
Paul Burkholder Diane Jaroch Cain Lynn Fischer-Carlson Gail Funderburg Sherri Habben Karen Harding Jerry Kortman Patrick O’Keefe Steve Pitkin David Potter Scott Prine Larry Sheets Nancy von Lugossy Kay Wadsworth
Patty & Alex Funderburg
TRUSTEES EMERITUS Dick Behr Rob Funderburg
Lesley & Tom Killoren
Linda Dennis
Roger & Wendy Perks Fisher
Gail & Hugh Funderburg Cathy & Rob Funderburg Del Gloyd Judy & John Graff Paula Turner Grasso Patricia & Norm Hagman Karen Vaughn Harding Mary Heffran Margret Hesler Hynes
Mary & Bengt Kuller Anita Layng
STAFF
Lisa & Mark Lindman
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Linda Dennis
Kathleen & Brent Meade
CURATOR Carrie Johnson OFFICE MANAGER Nancy E. Sauer COMMUNITY RELATIONS Sarah Bursley McNamara EDUCATION COORDINATOR Miranda Lindvall
Diane Meltmar Laura J. Minore Sandra & Michael Perlow Patty & Bob Rhea Dave Schroepfer
RAM is a strong steward of strength and development that forms the fabric of our community. We are an essential resource that educates, builds strong bonds and connects individuals. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the RAM staff we thank all of you who support our museum throughout the year and enjoy the creativity that allows us to express ourselves and challenge our intellect while bringing joy to our lives.
Alexandra Rhea Teri Turner
Sincerely,
list as of print date
Linda Dennis Executive Director
REGISTRAR Dillon Coulahan
Kailley Lindman Federighi
COVER: Sarah Krepp, Title, Year Courtesy of
On October 19th Women’s Art Board presents its annual luncheon featuring Barbara Rinella who will portray characters from the book The Swans of Fifth Avenue. To wrap up the year’s events the Evergreen Ball Board hosts Evergreen Ball XXVIII on December 3rd. See our Support Group page for more details.
Our annual Year in Review will be in the mail shortly; please take a look at the museum’s accomplishments for 2016 and consider giving to our Year-End Drive. Please help us to continue to strengthen the ability of the museum to continue to enrich the quality of life in our community.
JUNIOR PATRONS
Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum exists to enrich the quality of life in the Rockford region through a permanent art collection, frequent art exhibitions, and lifelong art education. Located inside Riverfront Museum Park (a Rockford Park District facility), RAM is supported by memberships, individual and corporate contributions, and partially supported by a Partners in Excellence grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by the Armer Ahlstrand Charitable Foundation. Proceeds from Women’s Art Board, Evergreen Ball, Greenwich Village Art Fair, Art in the Garden, and the Rockford Art Museum Store provide additional financial support.
As we move into October we open with a new exhibition: Deconstructing the American Landscape featuring Sarah Krepp and Joel Ross who use the American landscape as an inspiration for their work. Please join us for the gallery walk and opening reception on Friday, October 7th, starting at 5 p.m. See our Education page for exhibition-related programming.
Joan Stonecipher
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS + DESIGN Sarah Axelson
EDUCATION ASSISTANT + STORE COORDINATOR Denise Glasenapp
We started this season with Greenwich Village Art Fair, chaired by David Potter and the ongoing and dedicated GVAF committee. This event has over 200 volunteers that bring one of the most organized and interesting art fairs to the Midwest. We are truly grateful for all their hard work. No event would be successful without the support of its sponsors; we send a heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor of 23 years, Alpine Bank, and our premier sponsors, the Dean Alan Olson Foundation, GreenFire Restaurant and The Rock River Times.
ages 50 and younger
OCTOBER 7
DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE MEMBERS PREVIEW 5–6 PM | GALLERY WALK WITH THE ARTISTS 6–7 PM | MEMBERS RECEPTION
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DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE PUBLIC OPENING + FALL ARTSCENE @ RAM 7–9 PM | FREE ADMISSION, CASH BAR
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WOMEN’S ART BOARD LUNCHEON FEATURING BARBARA RINELLA | 11 AM EXHIBITION CHILDREN’S CLASS I SAW THE SIGN AGES 7–12 | 10–11:30 AM
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM ARTIST LECTURE: SARAH KREPP | 7–8:30 PM
FALL ARTSCENE @ RAM | 4–9 PM FREE ADMISSION, OPEN LATE
NOVEMBER 7
ANNUAL ART COLLEGE FAIR PORTFOLIO DAY @ RAM | 10 AM–1 PM
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EXHIBITION CHILDREN’S CLASS GLEANING MEANING AGES 9–14 | 10–11:30 AM
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM ARTIST LECTURE: JOEL ROSS | 7–8:30 PM
DECEMBER 3
RAM WINTER GALA EVERGREEN BALL XXVIII | 6–11 PM
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ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM STORE HOLIDAY HOURS | 10 AM–3 PM
JANUARY 20
EXHIBITION PROGRAM COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR | 10–11 AM
Joel Ross, Failure to Communicate, 2000 Courtesy of the artist
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION A CLOSER LOOK
Jessica Holt (American, 1934–2016), That Which Is Seen Was Made Out of Things Which Do Not Appear, 1984, oil and encaustic on canvas. Collection of Rockford Art Museum, Bequest of John J. Libowski. Image © Estate of Jessica Holt.
Rockford Art Museum artist Jessica Holt quietly passed away in June. The lasting mark she made on the museum itself was meaningful and profound: 1
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IN MEMORIAM excerpted from Holt’s recent obituary
Jessica Dickinson Holt, 81, died peacefully June 7, 2016, in her home along the Rock River in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. … Jessica had returned to her first love—art—later in life, taking painting courses at Rockford College [now Rockford University], supporting the Rockford art scene and eventually receiving her MFA in painting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She participated
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THE JESSICA HOLT PURCHASE AWARD is an important part of the RAM Permanent Collection. The passionate arts advocate, an artist herself, annually provided funding from 1992 to 2000 for the museum to purchase one artwork by any artist who lived or maintained a studio in the Rockford region for at least one year to encourage and honor local artistic achievement and build the museum’s collection of artwork created by local artists. The Holt Award coincided with an important moment in museum history; the 1990s marked a resurgence of acquiring artwork for the RAM
in solo and small group shows at Roy Boyd Gallery, Abel Joseph Gallery and Randolph Street Gallery in Chicago. Her husband died in 1985, and a few years later, she was drawn back to the open spaces of the west – moving to a 70-acre ranch near Parkman, Wyoming. She continued to show her art at Rockford Art Museum, Nicholaysen Art Museum and Ucross Foundation, in addition to being invited to participate in international artists’ residencies in Italy, Iceland, and Canada. She went back for a second master’s
Permanent Collection, and continued the long tradition of championing local artists. The select group of HOLT AWARD RECIPIENTS includes (2) Deborah Newton, Red on the Roof I; (1) Matthew Herbig, Looking Out One Eye and In the Other: Self-Image No. 60; (5) Thad Duhigg, Edge of Intent; (4) Betsy Youngquist, Red Wolf to the Rescue; (8) Lynn Fischer-Carlson, Processor #5; (6) Hugh “Red” Argraves, Cubist City; (9) Jim Julin, Flower #7; (3) Marlene McCauley, Snake Eyes; and (7) John Deill, Trail Ends Marker II.
degree in philosophy at Colorado State University, and founded the Bauen Camp, which lasted from 2000 to 2010, inspiring hundreds of underserved teen artists, muralists, poets, actors, dancers, writers, and musicians from urban, rural, and Native American communities across the U.S. In 2007, for her Bauen Camp work, Jessica was noted as a Purpose Prize Civic Ventures Fellow through a program at Stanford University. In 2012, after 22 years, Jessica moved back home to Wisconsin to be close to family because of health
concerns. She lived passionately for and was inspired by the love of her family, the laughter of her grandchildren, and the possibility of life-changing work and play for people of all ages and backgrounds in the arts, garden and the natural world.
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE OCT 7, 2016–JAN 29, 2017 | ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM FRI, OCT 7 MEMBERS PREVIEW 5–6 PM | GALLERY WALK WITH THE ARTISTS 6–7 PM | MEMBERS RECEPTION PUBLIC OPENING + FALL ART SCENE @ RAM 7–9 PM | FREE ADMISSION, CASH BAR Using the American landscape as a map—rode-hard highways, blown-out tires, gritty miles traveled by millions of people—Sarah Krepp and Joel Ross draw inspiration for their distinctive, visually challenging works that explore socially complex themes in dynamically different ways. Krepp’s intricate paintings pulse with the familiar colors and patterns of the highway. Mixing strong gestural marks, layers of text, grid marks, and gobs of gorgeous paint, she exquisitely manipulates delicately shredded tires and scraps from the road into beautifully abstract paintings and installations. Krepp’s magnificent pieces serve as powerful metaphors for survival and rebirth. Ross’s work, on the other hand, offers a subtler approach to the landscape that is just as compelling. Featured in this exhibition are text-based sculptures, mixed media installations, and photographs documenting his hyper-temporary public art installations. Ross frequently forces the viewer to become a part of his work – inconspicuously placing sculpturesturned-roadside signage in public spaces ranging from farm roads to major highways. Most are typically removed by authorities or taken as
trophies by citizens within 24 hours, “so the work’s encounter with its initial audience, travelers on the road, is often rather brief,” Ross said. “A series of photographs of these installations and works on paper become a record of these events as well as the primary point of engagement with their second audience, the art-going public.” Founding director of DIALOGUE Chicago, Krepp is professor emeritus and former chair of the painting program at the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where Ross is currently associate professor; he is represented by Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago. Both artists will be in attendance at the Oct. 7 opening, and each will share more about their respective bodies of work in separate artist lectures that are free and open to the public. Organized by Rockford Art Museum and curated by RAM Curator Carrie Johnson, this exhibition and its related educational programming are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by the Armer Ahlstrand Charitable Foundation. RAM education programs are supported in part by Women’s Art Board.
Joel Ross, False Promises, 2008 Courtesy of the artist
ARTIST LECTURE: SARAH KREPP THU, OCT 27, 7–8:30 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
ARTIST LECTURE: JOEL ROSS THU, NOV 17, 7–8:30 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING PROGRAMMING SUPPORTED IN PART BY WOMEN’S ART BOARD
ARTIST LECTURE: SARAH KREPP THU, OCT 27, 7–8:30 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Learn more about exhibiting artist Sarah Krepp’s body of work in an engaging lecture in the galleries.
ARTIST LECTURE: JOEL ROSS THU, NOV 17, 7–8:30 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join exhibiting artist Joel Ross as he speaks in-depth about his work.
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRI, JAN 20, 10–11 AM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
CHECK ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG FOR NEW AND UPDATED PROGRAM OFFERINGS
2016-17 HOMESCHOOL ART CLASSES K–8 WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER–APRIL CHOOSE TIME: 9:30–11:30 AM OR 1–3 PM SPACE LIMITED, REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO REGISTER CALL (815) 972-2874 Each year RAM offers 16 homeschool classes that run September through April. This year, the curriculum is structured into 4 units of 4 classes each. Units focus on a particular period or culture while exploring formal elements and principles of design in visual art. Two sessions of each class are held Wednesdays; register for morning or afternoon session for each class of the 4 units listed. MORE INFO AND CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AT ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG.
Get the inside scoop (and grab a cup of joe) during this lively conversation with RAM Curator Carrie Johnson about the latest feature exhibition— before it closes Jan. 29!
CHILDREN’S EXHIBITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS I SAW THE SIGN (AGES 7–12) SAT, OCT 22, 10–11:30 AM $8, ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED REGISTER AT ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG Inspired by exhibiting artist Joel Ross’s playful use of words, phrases and symbols, participants will create their own cheeky signage using material of their choosing.
GLEANING MEANING (AGES 9–14) SAT, NOV 12, 10–11:30 AM $10, ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED REGISTER AT ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG Inspired by exhibiting artist Sarah Krepp’s inventive use of mixed media, participants will explore how materials can hold meaning within them, and how many combinations of media can tell a powerful story.
PORTFOLIO DAY MON, NOV 7, 10 AM–1 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Held every November at Rockford Art Museum, this annual arts college fair is the only program of its kind in the Rockford region. Free and open to the public, Portfolio Day connects high school students and college undergraduates with admissions representatives from schools across the Midwest. Students are encouraged to bring portfolios for review; no registration required.
FALL 2016 STUDIO ARTIST CLASSES OCT 25–DEC 22 (NO CLASS NOV 22-24) CHOOSE DAY: TUE, WED, THU CHOOSE TIME: 9:45–11:45 AM OR 1–3 PM SPACE LIMITED, REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO REGISTER CALL (815) 972-2874 RAM Studio Artist Classes, led by local artist Jasmina Jovanovic, offer the adult artist an opportunity to paint in a studio atmosphere. Individual instruction is offered for all levels of experience, from beginning to advanced. MORE INFO AT ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG.
ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
FALL 2016 RAM ART CLASSES Register at RockValleyCollege.edu/Community/CCE
Past participating colleges and universities include Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley College, Illinois State University, Rockford University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Iowa State University, Southern Illinois University, and more.
MUSEUM EVENTS AND SUPPORT GROUPS EVERGREEN BALL XXVIII SAT, DEC 3, 6 PM, $200 Evergreen Ball remains essential to the growth and success of RAM, and continues to set the tone for the holiday fundraising season in our community. This year’s event includes fine dining by Chef Paul Sletten of Abreo and music by High Society Orchestra, with silent and wine auctions. Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum throughout the year. Co-chaired by Linda Dennis, Lisa Lindman, and Anita Layng. Limited seating, reservations required. RESERVATION DEADLINE NOV 22
WOMEN’S ART BOARD LUNCHEON FEATURING BARBARA RINELLA WED, OCT 19, 11 AM, $50
$200 per person, corporate tables available FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFO CALL RAM, (815) 968-2787
GIOVANNI’S, 610 N BELL SCHOOL RD, ROCKFORD
WOMEN’S ART BOARD LUNCHEON
PRESENTING SPONSOR MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM Featuring Barbara Rinella bringing to life characters from Melanie Benjamin’s novel. a oneThe 2016 Women’s Art Board Luncheon features
woman performance by19,Barbara Rinella who will bring WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2016 Open |from 11 AM •Melanie Luncheon/Program | 12 PM to lifeDoors/Auction characters Benjamin’s bestselling novelGIOVANNI’S The Swans of Fifth Avenue. This popular event 610 N a Bellsilent School Rdauction, | Rockford, IL raffle, 61107 includes and gift shop with items from PRESENTED the Rockford BY Art Museum Store. Presented by Women’s Art Board of Rockford Art Museum Women’s Art Board, ticket proceeds help the group $50 PER PERSON support RAM education programs throughout the year. For tickets call RAM at (815) 968-2787 or visit rockfordartmuseum.org. Chaired by Sherri Habben, co-chaired by Cindy Luther. Silentseating, Auction, Raffle, Books, Rockford Art Museum Store Limited reservations required. PRESENTING SPONSOR
RESERVATION DEADLINE OCT 12
$50 per person, $500 per table of 10 rockfordartmuseum.org FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFO CALL RAM, (815) 968-2787
The 68th Greenwich Village Art Fair took place Sept. 17 and 18 at RAM, with 136 artists, live music, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities, and much more. Held rain or shine since 1948, Greenwich is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. Ticket proceeds support RAM throughout the year. Many thanks to Presenting Sponsor Alpine Bank; Premier Sponsors Dean Alan Olson Foundation, GreenFire, and The Rock River Times; numerous Supporting, Contributing and In-Kind Sponsors; Chairman David Potter and the hard-working committee members; 2016 Judge Nathan Keay; hundreds of volunteers and thousands of fairgoers who make this such an enduring tradition for Rockford. Save the dates for next year: Sept. 16–17, 2017! Full list of sponsors, artists and vendors at rockfordartmuseum.org.
ART WITH A VIEW Rockford Art Museum debuted its new summer party, Art with a View, Aug. 13 at the Rockford Riverwalk Amphitheater with food by Chef Paul Sletten of Abreo, entertainment by Luxe Productions, and plenty of surprises – including fireworks on the river. Sponsors included Lon and Dick Behr, Joan Stonecipher, Aspire Financial Group / Lana Engen, BMO Private Bank, Gail and Hugh Funderburg, Savant Capital Management, Alpine Bank, Lisa and Mark Lindman, Patty and Bob Rhea, Jane Smith, Cheryl and Rick Bischoff, Joan Davis, and WilliamsMcCarthy LLP; additional support provided by Carol and Paul Burkholder, Susan and Taylor Carlin, Sharyn and Joe Castrogiovanni, Barrie and Alan Gibby, Bonnie Marx, Barb and Jeff McCoy, and Kay and Allen Pang.
ON VIEW COLLECTION EXHIBIT: PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH NOVEMBER 13 FRAME + ORDER
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM 711 N. MAIN STREET ROCKFORD, IL 61103
Non–Profit Org US Postage PAID Rockford, IL Permit No. 1652
COLLECTION EXHIBIT: AMERICAN MASTERS THROUGH JANUARY IN THE COMPANY OF GENTLEMEN COLLECTION EXHIBIT: MODERN + CONTEMPORARY THROUGH JANUARY CONCEPT + COLOR
FALL 2016 DECONSTRUCTING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE SARAH KREPP + JOEL ROSS OCT 7–JAN 29 WOMEN’S ART BOARD LUNCHEON FEATURING BARBARA RINELLA OCT 19 ARTIST LECTURE: SARAH KREPP OCT 27
EVENT RENTALS
PORTFOLIO DAY @ RAM NOV 7 ARTIST LECTURE: JOEL ROSS NOV 17 EVERGREEN BALL XXVIII DEC 3
LOCATION RAM is located inside Riverfront Museum Park at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, seven miles from I-90 (Business 20 Exit). All exhibitions and events are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Free parking. HOURS open daily, 10 am–5 pm ADMISSION Adults: $7 | Students and Seniors: $3 RAM members and children under 12: FREE Group Rate (10+): $2 per person Free Day: Tuesday (group rates apply) CONTACT Office: (815) 968-2787 Store: (815) 972-2865 staff@rockfordartmuseum.org
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG
WEDDING RECEPTIONS + CORPORATE EVENTS
Rockford Art Museum provides a memorable event space for wedding receptions and corporate events. Galleries have open floor plans, high ceilings and terrazzo floor, offering unlimited possibilities. For availability, a list of preferred caterers and more information call RAM at (815) 968-2787.
MEETINGS + WORKSHOPS Include tables and chairs, use of A/V equipment, free Wi-Fi
CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Includes invitations, free museum admission and RAM-led art activity. Families provide cake, refreshments and decorations. For availability, party themes and more information call RAM at (815) 968-2787.
FUNDERBURG + KULLER GALLERIES • Capacity: 350 seated/500 standing • Duration: up to 6 hours • Fee: $3,500 ANDERSON GALLERY • Capacity: 100 seated/200 standing • Duration: up to 3 hours • Fee: $2,500
ART ANNEX • Capacity: 50 • Fees based on length of rental: $25/hour; $100/half-day; $200/full-day ART ANNEX • Capacity: 25 • Duration: Up to 2 1/2 hours • Fees based on number of guests, including adults attending: $150 | up to 18 people $175 | 19-25 people