SUMMER 2022
L BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PATRONS
PRESIDENT Keri Benhoff
John Anderson
PAST PRESIDENT David Boccignone
Cheryl Bischoff
EXECUTIVE TRUSTEES Steve Bois John Holevas Daniel G. Saavedra
Steve Bois
Anne and David Boccignone Liz Dickinson Lynn Fischer-Carlson Cathy and Rob Funderburg Gail and Hugh Funderburg
SECRETARY Holly Squicciarini
Paula Turner Grasso
TRUSTEES Jim Bennett Diane Jaroch Cain Jordan Calgaro Todd Fischer-Free Jerry Kortman Dana Martin Steve Pitkin
Patricia Hagman
SUPPORT GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Valerie Olafson | GVAF Anne Boccignone | WAB
Judy and John Graff Jeanne Gropp-Wedig Karen Vaughn Harding Mary Heffran Janella and Matt Herbig Margret Hesler Hynes Vicki Johnson Sally and Gary Jouris Lisa and Mark Lindman Diane Meltmar Patty and Bob Rhea Stella Schroeder Dave Schroepfer Joan Stonecipher
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CURATOR Carrie Johnson OPERATIONS MANAGER MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS + DESIGN Sarah Axelson ASSISTANT CURATOR Frances Downey
Dear Members
Lon and Dick Behr
TREASURER Greg Harlan
TRUSTEES EMERITUS Dick Behr Rob Funderburg Lisa Lindman
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CURATOR
Cathie and Bill Thiede
Summer is here! We are thrilled to be moving into this season with so many exciting programs and exhibitions on the horizon, including Shape of Light: Contemporary Painting and Studio Glass which opens on June 10th. This exhibition celebrates the 2022 International Year of Glass and is generously sponsored by Joan Stonecipher and Studio Wealth Advisory Group with free admission sponsored by Studio Wealth Advisory Group–David Boccignone. We’ve got great programming accompanying this exhibition including a panel lecture, an adult watercolor workshop, a lively book discussion focused around The Glass Menagerie and Coffee with the Curator. It’s going to be a summer packed full of fantastic exhibition-related programs. Check out the Education page for fun, new camps for our little artists. Jenny Mathews will be leading super hero fantasy & SCI-FI illustration camp as well as a futuristic painting camp. These are filling up quickly so check out our website for more information and register soon. This Fall also brings back Greenwich Village Art Fair for its 74th year. A big thanks to Valerie Olafson for chairing Greenwich this year! Nearly 100 artists and vendors are gearing up for the full 2 days in our parking lot this year. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the fair back to its normal capacity and hope that you’ll be able to join us. As always, please check out our website and social media pages to keep up with current exhibitions and programs.
JUNIOR PATRONS Javier Jimenez
list as of print date
INTERIM EDUCATION + ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Chloe Gale
We are so grateful for the sponsorships we receive so that we’re able to offer free admission and low to no cost programming. If you’re interested in sponsorsing an exhibition, free admission or programming, please contact me at cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org. Looking forward to seeing you this summer!
MUSEUM ASSISTANT April Marque
Carrie Johnson Executive Director/Curator photo of Carrie Johnson by Shelly Mosman, 2019
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. Proceeds from Women’s Art Board, Greenwich Village Art Fair, Art in Bloom, Fashion in Bloom, and the Rockford Art Museum Store provide additional financial support.
COVER: Jon M. Wolfe (American, b. 1955) Red Veins, 1983 blown, cut and polished glass Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of Donald and Carol Wiiken RIGHT: Richard Hull (American, b. 1955) Lock It or Lose It, 1982 oil and wax ground on canvas Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of Loren and Joshua Simons
IT IS OUR MISSION TO FOSTER CREATIVITY AND BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH VISUAL ARTS.
GALLERIES OPEN | THU–SUN, 10 AM—5 PM FREE ADMISSION SPONSORED BY STUDIO WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP— DAVID BOCCIGNONE
JUNE 10
THE SHAPE OF LIGHT EXHIBITION OPENING GALLERY WALK | 5:15–6 PM MEMBERS PREVIEW | 6–7 PM FREE PUBLIC OPENING | 7–8:30 PM
25
STORYTIME + CRAFT WITH RPL | 9:30—10 AM
28—JUL 1
ILLUSTRATION CAMP: SUPER HERO, FANTASY + SCI-FI | 10–11:30 AM
JULY 16
STORYTIME + CRAFT WITH RPL | 9:30—10 AM
20
EXHIBITION-RELATED PANEL LECTURE | 6—7:30 PM
25-29
WORLD EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP | 9 AM—4 PM
AUGUST 1-5
WORLD EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP | 9 AM—4 PM
6
RAM BOOK CLUB | 10–11:30 AM
6
STORYTIME + CRAFT WITH RPL | 9:30—10 AM
9-12
PAINTING CAMP: THE FUTURE + OTHER WORLDS 10–11:30 AM
17
ADULT WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP | 6–7:30 PM
27
STORYTIME + CRAFT WITH RPL | 9:30—10 AM
SEPTEMBER 17-18
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR | SAT, 10 AM–6 PM SUN, 10 AM–5 PM
23
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR | 10 AM
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION HOT DOG KINGDOM It’s hard to make a statement much bolder or more dubious than the one painted on the wall outside Billy Boy: “FRESH CUT FRIES OVER 100,000,000 POTATOES A YEAR.” Much more modestly, the Doug-Out proclaims, “May Be The Best Hot Dog in Town.” Meanwhile, a brown and yellow hotdog stand in New Buffalo takes a different approach altogether: “WE HAVE BIG WEENIES”. If the contrast between these advertisements makes anything clear, it’s this: when you run your own hot dog stand, you call the shots. Patty Carroll’s Hot Dog Stands series began in 1987 as part of the Changing Chicago documentary project which selected thirty-three photographers to document the city of Chicago as it existed in the late 80s and to serve as a time capsule preserving the city’s unique culture. Collected by institutions such as Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Photography, and Chicago History Museum, Rockford Art Museum is proud to present our entire collection of works from the Hot Dog Stands series for the very first time. The photographs from Carroll’s Hot Dog Stands are truly less about food and location and much more about the people who populate those locations and eat those foods. As a synthesis of European immigrant cuisines, the hotdog became an icon of American culture and an emblem of the twentieth-century ideals of the “American Dream” and the “Melting Pot”. As a foodstuff with both a sense of humor and robust and complex history, they represent the entrepreneurial immigrant narrative, which posits that there is a place and a way up for everyone who is willing to work towards it.
Patty Carroll (American, b. 1946) Billy Boy, 1988 silver dye-bleach print Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation
Carroll’s large-format color photographs exist as a testament to a Midwestern cultural phenomenon. What began as a single image of an independent “mom and pop” fast food stand grew as her series developed into the composite image of a hot dog kingdom; a city peppered with small family-owned businesses. Whether closed for the night or open for the season, thriving or struggling, adorned with chipped paint or blazing neon, the vivid images in this exhibition capture a sense of tenacity and create a unique portrait of Chicagoland on the doorstep of the twenty-first century. Since the inception of this series in 1987, thirty-five years have gone by, and Carroll’s hot dog stands feel deeply veiled in the mists of the past. Corporate expansion, gentrification, and the dawn of a new millennium have aged these images of proudly hand-painted eateries well beyond their years. But not so long ago, it was hard-earned word-of-mouth reputation and brightly-colored plywood signs flaunting cartoonesque menu items rather than online reviews and search engine optimization that attracted customers. Hot Dog Kingdom offers an opportunity to dream of a not-sodistant past where hyper-commercial fast-food chains and pretentious “fine dining” establishments crumble under the sheer charismatic radiation of the Chicago hot dog stand.
Hot Dog Kingdom is currently on view in Anderson gallery through September 11. Patty Carroll (American, b. 1946) Taco Stripes, Addison & Central, 1988 silver dye-bleach print Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION THE SHAPE OF LIGHT: CONTEMPORARY PAINTING + STUDIO GLASS JUN 10–SEP 25, 2022 | ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM Free Admission sponsored by Studio Wealth Advisory Group—David Boccignone Exhibition sponsored by Joan Stonecipher and Studio Wealth Advisory Group
FRI, JUN 10 | MEMBERS PREVIEW 5:15–6 PM | GALLERY WALK 6–7 PM | MEMBERS PREVIEW
FRI, JUN 10 | PUBLIC OPENING 7–8:30 PM | FREE ADMISSION
The United Nations has declared 2022 as the International Year of Glass (#IYOG2022) with programming occurring worldwide to celebrate all aspects of glass: studio and public art glass, architecture, history, technology, industry, and science. RAM is excited to join this global celebration with a new feature exhibition designed to welcome viewers into the fascinating realm of glass as a medium. Celebrating the International Year of Glass 2022, The Shape of Light explores the relationship between contemporary painting and studio glass. Whether it’s color, shape, pattern or subject matter, this feature exhibition pairs paintings from Rockford Art Museum’s Permanent Collection and studio glass on loan from Illinois artists and collectors. Also on view are selections from the museum’s studio glass collection. Paintings and photography artists include Nicolas Africano, Phyllis Bramson, William Conger, Susanne Doremus, Jackie Kazarian, Jason Salavon, Jessica Holt, Wesley Kimler, Carlos Rolón, Maggie Thienemann, Robert McCauley, Vera Klement, Su-en Wong, Irving Kriesberg, and Richard Hull. Glass artists include Drew Helge, Jon Kuhn, Jon Wolfe, José Chardiet, Lisabeth Sterling, Mark Fowler, Sidney Hutter, David Schwarz, Charles Savoie, Jiyong Lee, William Carlson, Joel Philip Myers, Amy Ruffert, Janusz Walentynowicz, Carmen Lozar, Deanna Clayten, Debora Moore, Benjamin Moore, and William Morris. John Littleton & Kate Vogel (American, b. 1957/born England 1956) Bag Explosion, 1990 blown and fused glass Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of Francis and June Spiezer
We are thrilled to have the support of The Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to further the development and appreciation of art made from glass. The Art Alliance informs the public, including collectors, critics and curators, by encouraging and supporting museum and art center glass exhibitions, and public programs and regional collector groups. The Shape of Light is organized by Rockford Art Museum Curator Carrie Johnson. Free admission sponsored by Studio Wealth Advisory Group—David Boccignone. The exhibition and its related educational programming are sponsored by Joan Stonecipher and Studio Wealth Advisory Group and partially supported by a Partners in Excellence grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Women’s Art Board of Rockford Art Museum.
Susanne Doremus (American, b. 1943) Interior with Mirror, 1984 oil on canvas Collection of Rockford Art Museum Gift of Francis and June Spiezer
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION Details and registration at rockfordartmuseum.org.
EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMMING
Exhibition-related programming is sponosored by a Partner’s in Excellence Grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Women’s Art Board of Rockford Art Museum.
PANEL LECTURE WITH STUDIO GLASS ARTISTS WED, JUL 20 | 6–7:30 PM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join us for a conversation with exhibiting artists Carmen Lozar and Drew Helge and studio glass gallerist Ken Saunders as they discuss the intricacies of working with glass as a medium and their experiences in the realm of contemporary studio glass. RAM BOOK CLUB SAT, AUG 6 | 10–11:30 AM FREE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED In 1944 Tennessee Williams’ acclaimed play The Glass Menagerie premiered in Chicago. RAM staff will lead an engaging discussion of the play and its use of glass as a theme and metaphor throughout the work. Whether you read the entire work or portions, we invite you to find your copy from our friends at the Rockford Public Library.
ADULT WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WED, AUG 17 | 6–7:30 PM $40 ($35 MEMBERS) REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Local artist Jenny Mathews returns to lead us in a watercolor workshop on how to capture the qualities of glass through painting prisms. This workshop will be suitable for artists of all skill levels.
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR FRI, SEP 23 | 10-11 AM FREE, COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE PROVIDED BY ROCKFORD ROASTING CO. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED Get a behind-the-scenes look into the process of curating the feature exhibition, The Shape of Light, with Executive Director/Curator Carrie Johnson.
A NOTE ABOUT RECURRING PROGRAMS Please check www.rockfordartmuseum.org and follow our social media for information on upcoming Fall programs for adults and kids including Open Figure Study Drawing and Cartoon Club.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS STORYTIME WITH ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY SATURDAYS | JUN 25, JUL 16, AUG 6, AUG 27 | 9:30 AM FREE, ART ACTIVITY INCLUDED NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED We welcome Rockford Public Library to The Studio at Rockford Art Museum for a free story and art activity every third Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM. No registration required. ILLUSTRATION CAMP: SUPER HERO, FANTASY + SCI-FI (GRADES K-5) TUE-FRI, JUN 28—JUL 1 | 10-11:30 AM $110 ($90 RAM MEMBERS) REGISTRATION REQUIRED SPACE IS LIMITED Does your young camper love superheroes, fantasy characters, or science fiction? Then they will love this marvelously creative 4-day multimedia illustration camp! Led by artist Jenny Mathews, campers will explore many types of media including colored pencil, ink, and watercolor. On top of creating super selfportraits, campers will learn the basics of storytelling and layout, and have time to develop their own mini-stories! WORLD EXPLORERS SUMMER ARTS CAMP (RISING ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL THIRD GRADERS) MON-FRI, JUL 25–29 | 9 AM-4 PM MON-FRI, AUG 1–5 | 9 AM-4 PM FREE, FUNDED BY RPS’ “LIVE, LEARN, PLAY” PROGRAM REGISTRATION REQUIRED, SPACE IS LIMITED Thanks to generous funding provided by Rockford Public School District’s “Live, Learn, Play” program, RAM is able to partner with Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company to present two, week-long camps for rising third graders in the RPS district. The ‘World Explorers Summer Arts Camp’ was created to connect students to rich and diverse musical and artistic communities. In these week-long summer camps, students will build fundamental artistic skills through creative art projects and listening, singing, and moving to songs from all over the world. Using cultural topics from Argentina, Native America, South Africa/Zulu, Columbia, and Armenia, students will gain confidence with new art forms and celebrate and create connections with these various cultures. Registration will open mid-June. Check out rockfordartmuseum.org/events for the latest information. PAINTING CAMP: THE FUTURE AND OTHER WORLDS (GRADES K-5) TUE-FRI, AUG 9–12 | 10-11:30 AM $110 ($90 RAM MEMBERS) REGISTRATION REQUIRED, SPACE IS LIMITED Join artist Jenny Mathews as she guides campers through the exciting world of painting! Campers will try out different types of paints, including watercolor and acrylics, and will learn the basics of painting landscapes, perspective, and architecture. Campers will paint their own surroundings, and also imagine their own future fantastical landscapes! Classes may be held outdoors, weather permitting.
MUSEUM EVENTS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR SAT, SEP 17 | 10 AM–6 PM AND SUN, SEP 18 | 10 AM–5 PM $5 AT THE GATE Greenwich Village Art Fair returns for a full weekend on the grounds of Rockford Art Museum for the 74th year! The fair will happen the weekend of September 17th (10 AM to 6 PM) and 18th (10 AM to 5 PM) and will include excellent art, food trucks, fun cocktails, kids activities, live music and more! We are excited to take advantage of the beautiful river walk even more this year with art collectives, live music, a vendor marketplace and food vendors across the foot bridge in and around the Burpee Amphitheater. We can’t wait to experience this fun event with you! For the most up-to-date information visit us at greenwichvillageartfair.com and follow Greenwich on social media @greenwichvillageartfair.
SAVE THESE DATES! ART IN BLOOM | THU–SUN, NOV 3–6 Art in Bloom returns for the sixth year with an imaginative display of live florals and other organic material by local designers based on the upcoming feature exhibition Rockford Midwestern Biennial. Art in Bloom includes a ticketed Preview Party happening on Wednesday evening, November 2nd. Chaired by David Boccignone. FASHION IN BLOOM | SAT, NOV 5 Save the date for this annual fundraiser that fuses fashion with floral design and helps conclude Art in Bloom each year. A limited number of tickets will be sold, and reservations are required. Proceeds benefit Rockford Art Museum exhibitions and programs. Chaired by Jordan Calgaro.
CHECK ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG FOR NEW AND UPDATED PROGRAM OFFERINGS
EVENTS THE SHAPE OF LIGHT MEMBER + PUBLIC OPENING JUN 10
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM 711 N. MAIN STREET ROCKFORD, IL 61103
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR SEP 17 + 18
Non–Profit Org US Postage PAID Rockford, IL Permit No. 1652
ON VIEW IN FUNDERBURG + KULLER GALLERIES THE SHAPE OF LIGHT JUN 10–SEP 25 IN ANDERSON GALLERY SELECTED PORTRAITS THROUGH JUL 31 WILD BLUE YONDER THROUGH AUG 7 HOT DOG KINGDOM THROUGH SEP 11 CHICAGO IMAGISTS THROUGH SEP 18
JOIN US SEPT 17/18 AS A VOLUNTEER FOR Help us make the 74th annual Greenwich Village Art Fair a success! Volunteer opportunities include set-up/tear-down, grounds crew, admissions, kid’s activities, bar-backs, volunteer check-in, and more. Scan the QR code (or visit our website, greenwichvillageartfair.com) to be directed to the application.
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EVENT RENTALS
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at Rockford Art Museum APP Download the Rockford Art Museum app through the Apple store or access the web app at app.cuseum.com/rockford-art-museum. 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 Th–Su, 10 AM–5 PM ADMISSION Free admission during The Shape of Light: Contemporary Painting + Studio Glass sponsored by Studio Wealth Advisory Group—David Boccignone CONTACT Office: (815) 968-2787 Store: (815) 972-2865
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG
photo credit:@mari.trancoso
EVENT RENTALS at R o c k f o r d A r t M u s e u m
RAM galleries are ideal for weddings or corporate events accommodating up to 350 seated guests. The Studio is also available for meetings, workshops and smaller parties. For details visit rockfordartmuseum.org/parties-rentals.