ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM: YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

Barbara Adam Alignment Rockford Alpine Bank American Alliance of Museums Anderson Japanese Gardens Colleen + David Anderson Linda + John Anderson Stephen Warde Anderson Aqua-Aerobic Systems Armer Ahlstrand Charitable Foundation Art in Bloom Art with a View Artists’ Ensemble Theater Arts Alliance Illinois Aspire Financial Group / Lana Engen Association of Midwest Museums Pat + Bruce Atwood Teri + Paul Baits Jill + Tom Becker Lyn + Roger Becknell The Beffa Family Lon + Dick Behr Sarah + Kurt Bell Bergstrom Inc. Charitable Foundation Cherry + David Beto Better Business Bureau of Rockford Cheryl + Rick Bischoff The Blazer Foundation Blue Star Museums / NEA Anne + David Boccignone Judy Boccignone Diane + Kendall Boone Boylan Catholic High School Wanda Burgard Carol + Paul Burkholder Susan + Taylor Carlin J. Carlson Growers / Jon Carlson Mary Caskey Sharyn + Joe Castrogiovanni Cherry Valley Sign Company Anita + Fred Church Clarcor Inc. Connie + Jim Coffey Coyle-Kiley Insurance Agency Leslie + Nick Crow Custom Copy & Printing Cathy + David Cyrs Joe + Diane Rose Dailing Jessie + Bill Dannenmaier Joan Davis Jody Deery Deli Italia Linda + Jim Dennis Sara + Dave Deutsch Karen + David Diamond Liz Dickinson Kathy + Philip Dierstein Discovery Center Museum Bill Doran Company Cherri + Phil Eaton Cindy + Denny Ebens Edwards Apple Orchard Kim + Harvey Einhorn Evergreen Ball Board

Brenda J. Falconer John Fiorenza Lynn Fischer-Carlson Lois + Terrance Fisher Julie + Craig Flynn Craig Flynn / Lundstrom Insurance Lynn + Lee Foecking Nancy Froelich Mr. + Mrs. John Fulton Funderburg Foundation Gail + Hugh Funderburg R. Robert + Sally D. Funderburg Charitable Agency Judy + Robert Gard Marylou + James Gault Gloyd Family Foundation Graff Charitable Foundation Paula Turner Grasso Great Harvest Bread Company Greenwich Village Art Fair Kim + John Griffin Tina + Steve Gunderson Gerrie Gustafson Dr. Sarah Hagarty Sherry + Greg Harlan Harlem School District 122 Kristin + Mark Hatch Rebecca + David Hewitt Ty Hillman Hinshaw + Culbertson LLP Sally + William Hoff Celeste + John Holevas Colleen + Jack Holmbeck Barbara + John Holmstrom Roberta Holzwarth + Norm Lindstedt Rita + Daniel Houlihan Kristie + Philip Ianno Illinois Arts Council Agency Illinois Association of Museums Illinois Bank + Trust Illinois State Credit Union Industrial Molds iPaper Rockford JackSprat Custom Invitations Carol Jambor-Smith JavaMania Coffee Roastery Sally + Jerome Jones Josef Barbados Steakhouse + Oyster Bar Pam + Jim Keeling Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Ann + Jack Keith Kelley-Williamson Company Keystone Insurance Jenny + Matt Kirchner Janet Kjellstrom Laurie + Curt Kleckler Klehm Arboretum + Botanic Garden Genevieve + Thornton Kline Connie + Kevin Kney Norm Knott + Steve Beard Carolyn + Bill Kobler Kortman Gallery J.R. Kortman Center for Design LaMonica Beverages Barbara + Richard Lanaghan Christine + Jack Lenox

Peg + Tom Lindblade Lisa + Mark Lindman Scott + Mona Adamany Lindvall Amy + Dan Loescher LoRayne Logan Kristie + Danny Lorden Nancy + Roger Lundstrom Magpie Karol + Michael Manley Sherrilyn + Donald Martin Mary’s Place Bonnie Marx Christine + David McCarty Sarah McClelland Betsey McCoy Barbara + Jeff McCoy Barbara + John F. McNamara Mercyhealth Meridian Implement MI-BOX Moving + Mobile Storage of Rockford Janet + Steve Moore Sue + Scott Mount Mrs. Fisher’s Inc. Nicholas Conservatory + Gardens Duawn + Bradley Nordlof Northern Public Radio WNIJ/WNIU Octane Interlounge Paula + Bruce Olson Courtney Olson Dean Alan Olson Foundation The Olympic Tavern Kay Pang Patricia + Robert Parshall JoMarie + Ray Paul Peak Fitness Inc. Shelley + Kevin Peifer The Pension Specialists Ltd. Periodontics of Rockford Ltd. Sandra + Michael Perlow Perryville Pet Hospital Cathy + Jay Pick Susan + Stephen Pitkin Wilma + Raymond Porter Michelle Princer Prorok Law Office PC Stephanie Quinn John + Lisa Stankey Rakus Niccole Ranz, In Home Medical Group Rasmussen College Der Rathskeller Gertrude + Richard Reynolds Patty + Bob Rhea River District Association Amie + Jason Rock / RockJensen Foundation Rock River Service The Rock River Times Rock Valley College Rock Valley Culligan City of Rockford Rockford Area Arts Council Rockford Area Convention + Visitors Bureau Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Rockford City Market Rockford Dance Company Rockford Mass Transit District Rockford Mutual Insurance Company Rockford Park District Rockford Photo Club Rockford Public School District 205 Rockford Woman’s Club Rockford University Robin + Douglas Roegner Rotary Club of Rockford East/ Cherry Valley Jeanne + Ed Rudnicki Una + Jim Ryan James + Arline Kimbel Sadlon Katie + Craig Sahlstrom Dorothy + Paul Salerno Savant Capital Management SAVOR–BMO Harris Bank Center Cookie + Joe Scandroli Karen + Thomas Schiller Schmeling Building Supply Karen + Tom Shifo Barbara + Jack Simon Signs Now Sjostrom + Sons Foundation Jane Smith Julie + Bill Snively Scott Snyder Ann + Larry Stegall Stone Eagle Tavern + Jim Vitale Joan Stonecipher Nadine Stuhr SwedishAmerican Foundation Kim + Brian Thiede Maggie + Rolf Thienemann Kathy + Bert Thomas Becky + Gary Thorsen Sarina + Jack Tillis Title Underwriters Agency Brenda + Curt Tobin Wilma Tracy Transform Rockford Therese + Scott Trenhaile Trickie Enterprises Tyler’s Landscaping UTC Aerospace Systems Vintage@501 Jean Vitale Suzanne + Jeffrey Wagner Jean + Frank Walter Clark Wangaard Lulu + Greg Watt Mary Ann + Fred Wham Marijean + Bill Whitcher WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Wipfli LLP Wolfe Landscaping Women’s Art Board Woodman’s Food Market / Phil Woodman Woodward Carma + Amos Yoder Wendy + Fred Young JoAnn + Mark Zarnke Rick Zumwalt Rick Zwicky list as of print date

ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM | 711 N MAIN ST ROCKFORD, IL 61103 | (815) 968-2787 | ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG

Support groups and event committees are essential to Rockford Art Museum. Many of these groups of dedicated volunteers present a signature annual event to help raise funds for RAM.

PATRONS

Lisa Lindman, Chair Patrons support RAM at the highest philanthropic levels of membership. Perks include remarkable opportunities for art-focused trips, stateside and abroad, that feature private tours and memorable experiences off the beaten path.

ROCKFORD ARTISAN MARKET AT ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM JAN 21, 2017

ART WITH A VIEW AUG 12, 2017

This chic outdoor bash featured DJ Maclin, dinner by Chef Paul Sletten of Abreo, music and entertainment

by Luxe Productions. Major sponsors: Aspire Financial Group/Lana Engen, Lon & Dick Behr, Gail & Hugh Funderburg, Industrial Molds, Joan Stonecipher.

GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR SEPT 16–17, 2017

Mona Adamany Lindvall, Chair First time first-quarter fundraiser RAM @ RAM Art Show and Sale featured 20 artists and makers with their assemblage art, block prints, ceramics, illustrations, jewelry and accessories, photographs, paintings, and more.

ART IN BLOOM JUN 27–29, 2017

David Boccignone, Chair Works from the RAM Collection were creatively interpreted through flowers and other organic material during this second annual three-day event. Presented

by RAM in partnership with Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Programming included a preview party, floral demonstrations, workshops, and programs. Major sponsors: Anne & David Boccignone, Karen & David Diamond, Cherri & Phil Eaton, Lisa & Mark Lindman, John & Lisa Stankey Rakus.

David Potter, Chair; Stephanie Caltagerone, Co-Chair Nearly 7,000 fairgoers attended the 69th Greenwich Village Art Fair, with 132 artists, live music, an artisan marketplace, children’s art activities, and much more.

Held rain or shine since 1948, this annual two-day outdoor event is the longest running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. Presenting Sponsor: Alpine Bank; Premier Sponsors: Blazer Foundation, Dean Alan Olson Foundation, The Rock River Times; 2017 Judge: Jason Judd.

WOMEN’S ART BOARD LUNCHEON FEATURING BARBARA RINELLA OCT 18, 2017

This popular fundraiser features a one-woman performance by Barbara Rinella based on Prince Charles by bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith, plus a silent auction, raffle, and gift shop with items from the RAM Store.

EVERGREEN BALL XXIX DEC 2, 2017

Kim Jerie, Chair The 29th annual winter fundraising gala includes fine dining, live music, plus silent and wine auctions, surrounded by feature exhibition Misfits.

trustees, PATRONS, staff TRUSTEES PRESIDENT John Holevas

PAST PRESIDENT Daniel G. Saavedra PRESIDENT-ELECT David Boccignone VICE PRESIDENTS Anita Church Lisa Lindman TREASURER Greg Harlan SECRETARY Peggy Fry

Paul Burkholder Diane Jaroch Cain Lynn Fischer-Carlson Jerry Kortman Patrick O’Keefe Steve Pitkin Scott Prine Niccole Ranz TRUSTEES EMERITUS Dick Behr Rob Funderburg SUPPORT GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Kim Jerie | EB David Potter | GVAF

PATRONS

Linda & John Anderson Lon & Dick Behr Cheryl Bischoff Julie & Jim Buchanan Leann & Jeff Burch Diane Jaroch Cain Sharyn & Joe Castrogiovanni Anita & Fred Church Joan Davis Corky & Rich Dell Linda Dennis Lynn Fischer-Carlson Roger & Wendy Perks Fisher Patty & Alex Funderburg 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 Tom Killoren Mary & Bengt Kuller Lisa & Mark Lindman Kathleen & Brent Meade Diane Meltmar Laura J. Minore Sandra & Michael Perlow Patty & Bob Rhea Dave Schroepfer Joan Stonecipher Cathie Thiede Carma Yoder JUNIOR PATRONS ages 50 and younger

Teri Turner

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Linda Dennis CURATOR Carrie Johnson OFFICE MANAGER Nancy E. Sauer COMMUNITY RELATIONS Sarah Bursley McNamara EDUCATION COORDINATOR Tracey Leigh Redding MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS + DESIGN Sarah Axelson REGISTRAR Dillon Coulahan EDUCATION ASSISTANT + STORE COORDINATOR Lily Pocs

ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM

Casey Riordan Millar, Immobilized. Push Trhough 2010. Courtesty of the artist..

Sponsors, donors, partners, members and more help RAM meet its mission of helping make life better in Rockford through art collection, exhibition and education.

sUPPORT

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

sponsors, donors, partners

COLLECTION Established in 1913, the Rockford Art Museum Permanent Collection continues to grow with modern and contemporary art, photography, contemporary glass, outsider art, and regional art with an emphasis on Illinois artists. Recently accepted and/or accessioned works listed below.

NEW

Phyllis Bramson (American, b. 1941). Tears of Regret, 1992, oil/canvas and collage. Gift of Lon and Dick Behr.

Deborah Butterfield (American, b. 1949). Yellow, 2014, welded found steel. Gift of Lon and Dick Behr.

Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Old Car, mid-1980s.

Gift of Susan and Stephen Pitkin.

EDUCATION

Feature exhibitions and collection exhibits are organized by Rockford Art Museum, curated by RAM Curator Carrie Johnson, and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by the Armer Ahlstrand Charitable Foundation. All education programs are sponsored in part by Women’s Art Board.

Educational programming featured some old favorites and exciting new additions this year. Our Coffee with the Curator series expanded to include a discussion of Greenwich Village Art Fair with Chair David Potter and a conversation with featured artists Jenny Mathews and Thomas Vaultonburg. RAM offered a variety of youth programs, including classes and workshops drawing on exhibition-related themes and, in partnership with Rockford Public Library, a weekly Storytime Saturdays art and literature event.

More literary and performance art was brought into the galleries at our first Poetry Open Mic Night with the Mas Tequila Review and at a Songwriter Series concert featuring Vic Ruggiero and a variety of Rockford-area performers.

THE OTHERS FEB 10–MAY 29, 2017 SPONSORED BY ANNE & DAVID BOCCIGNONE + ROCKFORD AREA ARTS COUNCIL The Others explored 50 selections from the 200piece Francis and June Spiezer Collection of Rockford Art Museum, critically acclaimed as the most significant collection of Chicago art that exists today.

Scott Snyder (American, b. 1964). The Hammer Man (Self-Portrait), 1992, hard maple, steel, cast aluminum, motor, motion detector. Gift of the artist.

SUSAN + STEPHEN PITKIN COLLECTION This generous gift features 22 pieces by self-taught African American artists Archie Byron, Thornton Dial Jr., Dilmus Hall, Bessie Harvey, Theodore Hill, Lonnie Holley, Joe Light, Charlie Lucas, Mary T. Smith, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Felix Virgous, and Purvis Young.

EXHIBITION

Deborah Butterfield, Yellow, 2014.

Gift of Lon and Dick Behr.

RAM AT CITY HALL The Rockford Art Museum Collection increased its accessibility in 2017 through a creative collaboration with Mayor Thomas P. McNamara. Several pieces are currently on view in a special exhibit at City Hall, including work by local and regional artists Hugh “Red” Argraves, John Deill, Tom Heflin, Jessica Holt, Jim Julin, Sherry Karver, Andrew Langoussis, Mike Lash, Jeanne Ludeke, Deborah Newton, Tom Heflin, Sherry Karver, Marlene McCauley, Robert McCauley and Cherri Rittenhouse.

Sarah Reed-McNamara, Dreamy Fort, 2017.

Courtesy of the artist.

BITTERSWEET OBSERVATIONS JUNE 9–OCT 1, 2017 SPONSORED BY WOMEN’S ART BOARD + NICCOLE RANZ, IN HOME MEDICAL GROUP Bittersweet Observations explored the grown-up wonder of childlike nostalgia in a dramatic, fairytale setting through paintings, drawings, prints, animation and installations by Cincinnati artist, author and illustrator Casey Riordan Millard, Rockford artist and illustrator Jenny Mathews, Rockford printmaker Sarah Reed-McNamara, and Rockford custom craftsman Jeremy Klonicki.

MISFITS OCT 13, 2017–JAN 28, 2018 SPONSORED BY WOMEN’S ART BOARD Misfits surveys 1960s biker subculture through film, literature, and Danny Lyon’s iconic photography portfolio, The Bikeriders.

76TH YOUNG ARTIST SHOW SPONSORED BY INDUSTRIAL MOLDS + WOMEN’S ART BOARD CHARLES BEFFA PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION This gift of 45 photographs was donated by the Beffa family in memory of Charlie Beffa, a founding member of RAM’s Lens and Shutter Club, now the Rockford Photo Club.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION MAR 5–APR 2, 2017 Jurors: Katie Martin-Meurer, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee + Chris Sisson, Rockford University 146 pieces by 107 students at 16 schools within 50 miles of Rockford Art Museum Charlie Beffa, Freezing (Lake Mendota) printed 2016. Gift of the Beffa Family.

YOUTH DIVISION APR 9–MAY 7, 2017 400 works by K-8 students at 73 schools across Winnebago County

Our Movie Monday series added exhibition-related films like Hairy Who and the Chicago Imagists and Easy Rider to the programming mix. More creative programs debuted this year, including a motorcycle rally for Misfits with regional bands and local food trucks.

Free exhibits by local artists in RAM’s multipurpose Art Annex featured 2017 Artist-in-Residence Judith Meyer, Brett Whitacre, John Wemmer, and a special exhibit that opened during Fall ArtScene by Icelandic artist and Rockford University alumna Brynhildur Gudmundsdottir.

Groups of all ages enjoyed RAM through Field Trips and Tours, including multidisciplinary Terrific Tuesday field trips, badge workshops for scout groups, handson artmaking with our Artist in Residence, and tours with our outstanding volunteer docents.

Danny Lyon, Seventeenth Annual World’s Largest Motorcycle Blessing, St. Christopher Shrine, Midliothian, Illinois, from the seriesThe Bikeriders, 1966, gelatin silver print.

Copyright Danny Lyon. Courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago.

Nearly 50 RPS 205 elementary students participated in this year’s Camp Collage, a weeklong interdisciplinary summer camp taught with Rockford Dance Company and Discovery Center Museum.

The program, sponsored in part by the Rockford East/Cherry Valley Rotary Club, was offered free of charge so students who might not otherwise be able to participate were able to benefit from the opportunity. RAM also introduced summer camps for youth ages 6–12 in partnership with Discovery Center Museum.

Lectures and presentations were offered by Bradley Cahill and Kailley Lindman Federighi at this year’s Art Talks series, and Vesna Stelcer of Chicago’s Ed Paschke Art Center. Famed architect (and Belvidere native) Jeanne Gang was the featured speaker at a luncheon presented by Women’s Art Board. RAM offered bus trips to the Ed Paschke Art Center and Studio Gang after the lectures to provide further insight into these artists’ work.

RAM continued to offer Homeschool Art Classes for grades K–8, Studio Artist Classes led by artist Jasmina Jovanovic, and Whiz Kids and Community Education programs through Rock Valley College.

The 21st Century after-school program continues to engage students with limited access to arts experiences at Lathrop and Conklin elementary schools.

Ed Paschke, Viseon, 1984.

Gift of Francis and June Spiezer.

appreciated all day every Tuesday; and $5 Family Fridays were introduced for the summer season.

To continue making RAM accessible to our community, Free Day remained unchanged, welcoming visitors free of charge with donations

Lissette Tellado, Flinn Middle School, Bean.

More than 7,200 visitors attended the 76th Young Artist Show student art exhibition, which was sponsored by Industrial Molds and Women’s Art Board. Teachers at 20 public and private schools within 50 miles of RAM submitted nearly 1,100 pieces for consideration in the juried High School Division. This year’s jurors, Katie Martin-Meurer of UW-Milwaukee and Chris Sisson of Rockford University, chose 146 paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, and more by 107 students from 16 schools. 400 works by K–8 students at 73 public and private schools across Winnebago County were represented in the Youth Division, with outstanding artwork submitted by their teachers.

Portfolio Day @ RAM, our annual art college fair, is held every November. Representatives from Midwestern colleges and universities meet with local students at this free event – the only one of its kind in the Rockford region. Regular participants include Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Cleveland Institute of Art, Columbia College Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Rockford University, Rock Valley College, and more.