art review

Art Exhibit Review:
 
WITHIN: we all breathe the same air
Sculpture by  Rev. Kong Xin (SLim)
 
August 25 - September 5, 2008
Ronald Williams Library
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N. St Louis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, 60625
 
I walked into the Northeastern Illinois University Library and was immediately embraced by this exhibit titled WITHIN. The floor instillation was so delicately placed and at first glance I immediately saw a portrait of the Bodhidharma, a reoccurring theme in Kong Xins work. This instillation seemed to evolve as I stared at it, I noticed the interaction with the arrows on the floor giving reference to a meditation labyrinth. When I realized that this entire instillation was created by at least 200 + miniature sculptures of what looked to be ceramic leaves, but at closer observation they looked like bowing silhouettes, I was amazed at the artist dedication and patience in creating this piece. There were numerous amounts of sculptures in various sizes and statures displayed around the reception area of the library. These sculptures created by Kong Xin are exceptional works of art and many of them look as ancient and revered as the practice of meditation.
Her attention to detail and craft is a learned discipline and gives insight into her life as a Buddhist nun. 
Her homage to Bodhidharma is apparent, his silhouette and countenance peaks out at you continually through her work and becomes a comforting character of peace.
 
by Lesley Martinez
 
 
you can contact the artist through
 
 
 



Prss.Release Transit Theatre Co. presents "Stage Reading of Mr Welfare"

Transit Theatre Co. Presents The upcoming stage reading of Mr. Welfare, "A Homage to the late August Wilson" promises to be a reading you would never want to miss. A stellar cast of Chicago's finest theatre giants has been gathered for this event.
The reading will take place at the Freedom Hall, located at 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest, Illinois on the date of Saturday, September 13th at 3pm; a reception will follow.
Tickets are $7, and can be purchased in advance if you call 312-965-0595, at the door.

Mr. Welfare is a story about a tavern owner who is faced with the decision to help the alderman by providing shelter to several homeless citizens in the community:
This is a story about accountability to self and others.

All Media coverage is welcome and Press Comps. are available upon request. If your Media Group would like an interview with Transit Theatre Co. or Wendell Etherly, please call 312-965-0595

Wendell Etherly is the 2008 Recipient of the Illinois Arts Fellowship award for Playwrights and one who has found abundant success within the Chicago Theatre District. In 2005 he joined the Black Playwright's Initiative in association with the Black Ensemble Theater. His plays include: Let no man put asunder, Son of a Preacher man, The Inheritance, The Red Summer, A Love Misplaced, Carnal Savior, 22nd & Sterling, Driving Capone, Between Legs & Open Ears, Broadway Hoax and Surrogate.
Mr. Welfare was selected for the 3rd Annual Black Playwrights Festival 2007 hosted by the Black Ensemble Theater.
Mr Welfare has been published by Ink Spill publishing and is now in book form and can be ordered through www.createspace.com/3350520 , or Amazon.com for $15.
Wendell Etherly will be in attendence to sign all copies of his play.
Press flyer attached and ready to print and distribute.






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Resources for Chicagoland Artists

Google organizations for more information

Illinois Arts Council
The Illinois Arts Council web site provides basic information regarding the programs and services of the Illinois Arts Council. Found on the site are program descriptions, newsletters, annual reports, the Illinois Art Fair Directory, news releases, meeting dates, program deadlines, links to related sites as well as agency program guidelines and application forms available for download.

Illinois Arts Alliance
The Illinois Arts Alliance (IAA), a 501(c)4 organization, is devoted to policy development, legislative advocacy and guiding collective political action statewide.

Arts & Business Council of Chicago
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago's (A&BC/Chicago) mission is to link the strengths of arts and business, promoting community growth and vitality through the arts. It builds partnerships that enhance the management capacity of arts organizations while strengthening the leadership capacities of business professionals through effective volunteerism.

Chicago Artists Coalition
The Chicago Artists' Coalition is a non-profit service organization, founded in 1974, open to all artists and non-artists.

Chicago Artists Resource
A program of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) is created by artists for artists. With hundreds of articles from several national partner organizations, especially the New York Foundation for the Arts, UIC Center for Health in the Arts and LA-based Side Street Projects, as well as extensive links to grants, funding, awards and other services for artists, CAR offers a rich platform for artist's interests. This national content is combined with a rich array of links to local organizations.

Chicago Dance and Music Alliance
Chicago Dance and Music Alliance provides direct services to members engaged in all genres of dance and music in the Chicago area, acts as an advocate on their behalf, and disseminates information about their activities to the general public.

The Donors Forum of Chicago
The Donors Forum of Chicago is the region's premier resource for leadership, education, research, and action on behalf of philanthropy and nonprofits. The Donors Forum enables the philanthropic and nonprofit sector to address community concerns with comprehensive information, skilled leadership, and the resources necessary to build institutions and affect change.

The Illinois Arts Alliance Foundation
The Illinois Arts Alliance Foundation (IAAF), a 501(c)3 organization, serves amateur and professional artists, students, audiences, and advocates, providing research, public education, programs, and information to enhance the health of nonprofit arts organizations, encourage support of the arts, and highlight the arts' impact on Illinois communities.

The Illinois Theatre Association
It is the Mission of the Illinois Theatre Association to Advocate Theatre In Illinois through: Encouragement and facilitation of closer and better communication among professional, community, and educational theatres in Illinois. Provision of public information about the extent and variety of theatre in Illinois. Cooperation with state and federal agencies, and with regional and national theatre organizations in promoting recognition of and development of theatre programs at all levels. Maintenance and improvement of theatre production, teaching, and research at all levels in Illinois. Affirmation of the value of theatre in the lives of individuals.

Buchanan Center for the Arts
The Buchanan Center for the Arts is housed in an historic building on "the square" in downtown Monmouth, Illinois. It features a 2,400 square foot exhibition space, Artisan Gift Shop, and a large studio for art classes, meetings and other art related community events.

Carbondale Community Arts
Carbondale Community Arts, a not for profit local arts agency, provides programming such as "Arts in Celebration"," September Night", MegaArts MiniCamps for kids, Summer Chautauquas, and The All Southern High School Musical Theatre Project. We also manage several exhibit sites in the Carbondale area and administer the Southern Arts Fund, a regranting project in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council. Our newest initiative, ArtWorks in Schools, was launched in the spring of 2003 to place significant works of art in and around our area's public schools.

Centralia Cultural Society
The Centralia Cultural Society linking people with the arts and artists with the community through, Appreciation, Education, Exhibition, Performance.



Decatur Area Arts Council
The mission of the Decatur Area Arts Council is to enhance the quality of life of all citizens through the arts, assuring that the arts are a necessary component of life in our community.


Fox Valley Arts Council
The mission of the Fox Valley Arts Council is to take a leadership role in the support and encouragement of the arts in the Fox Valley.


McLean County Arts Center
We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of the Arts in McLean County.

Near Northwest Area Arts Council
NNWAC was founded to share the power of creativity to build healthy, viable communities. Just as streets and sewers need infrastructure, so does the cultural life of a neighborhood.

Northwest Area Arts Council
The Northwest Area Arts Council is a volunteer agency dedicated to connecting artists of all ages with the community at large and to fostering creativity in all areas of life.

Oak Park Area Arts Council
The Oak Park Area Arts Council's mission is to promote, develop and support the performing, visual and literary arts in Oak Park and neighboring suburban communities.

Quad City Arts
QUAD CITY ARTS is a regional arts council serving the citizens of Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties in Illinois and Clinton, Muscatine and Scott counties in Iowa and artists within a 150-mile radius.

Quincy Society of Fine Arts
The Quincy Society of Fine Arts, America's 1st Community Arts Council, was founded in 1947. QSFA works to foster, strengthen and expand the language, visual and performing arts in Adams County, Illinois.

Rockford Area Arts Council
The Rockford Area Arts Council supports, promotes, and develops the arts for everyone in our Northern Illinois region.

Springfield Area Arts Council
The Springfield Area Arts Council promotes the existence and visibility of all art forms; provides educational and financial support of artists and art organizations; promotes and underwrites arts in education; supports local, state and national policies which increase public appreciation for the arts; and advocates for participation in the arts by all citizens in our communities.

Americans for the Arts Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With a 40-year record of service, we are dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

ArtJob A comprehensive listing of career and employment opportunities.

Arts Midwest
Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Photographer L.D. Martinez

Photographer Lesley DeJan Martinez
Chicago Il.,
Professional Photographer since: 1998
Publishing Credits include:
Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago, Windy City Word, Apocalypse Literary Arts magazine volume 14 & 15
Contact: sparrow@contexturephoto.com