FALL 2004
In this Issue
Visualizing Medicine Exhibit
Robert Hanson, Conductor ESO
New "Kids Meet Art"™ sponsor
The Northern Trust Company
Tips for artists
Executive Director's Report
Dear Friends of the Arts,
When the schools open in late August the Council will begin the tenth season of "Kids Meet Art"™ ("KMA"™).
David Hill was visiting the gallery one summer day in 1994 and I told him about a new program I was designing. He said, "Kids Meet Art," and so it was named. Kris Howard asked Tom MacCarthy to underwrite the pilot program. With the encouragement of Jerry Chapman, the Superintendent of High School District 211at that time, the program began at Fremd High School in Palatine. A new phase of the Council was launched. "KMA"™ was successful from day one and has been growing and changing with each presentation.
Many people ask me why I developed this program and how I know working with an artist and seeing a performance can inspire a child and interest him in an art form. Here's some proof:
· Ann Barzel watched dancers, sponsored by her PTA, in Des Moines, Iowa when she was 9 years old and said, "Oooh, that's for me." Since the early 1930's she attended every opening night of every ballet and modern dance recital in Chicago. In 1937 she began photographing each performance. Now in her 90's, all the programs, photos, and newspaper clippings she collected are part of the dance archives at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
· Rachel Barton, the young Chicago violinist who lost her leg in a train accident, was barely 2 years old when she heard a violinist perform in her church. Barton told her parents, "I want to do that."
· James Michener, a foundling adopted by an impoverished laundress who had to occasionally return him to the poorhouse, recalls how she introduced him to great books and music. Michener said, "I learned from my mother that there is a world into which even the most abjectly poor can pass freely, …It saved me."
· The late conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, George Solti at age 5, heard Erich Kleiber conduct Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. "As soon as it began, I almost fell into a trance," he recalled in a 1995 interview. "By the end of the concert, I knew that this was it. This will be my life."
· And my newest discovery, Scott Barrows, medical illustrator, Graduate Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of the Biomedical Visualization Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago, absolutely stole my heart as he related the role the film The Fantastic Voyage played in his life. He said, "Ever since I saw 'The Fantastic Voyage' in grade school I've always tried to imagine that I'm a character injected into the bloodstream." Look at Scott's work on our cover and pages 8 and 9 and you'll see just how inspired he was by the movie.
And, closer to home:
· Paula Pisani, a teacher at Paddock Elementary School in Palatine, in a letter to "KMA"™ sponsor Robert Fiorani of Square D Company, Group Schneider, relates the story of a boy in her class who "is hyperactive but very bright and artistic. He was so turned-on by the lesson in perspective that he continued to use the learned skills, channeling his energy in a positive way. His parents were also pleased to see this enthusiasm and enrolled him in further art lessons."
· Diane Kostick taught in the Barrington Elementary School System for 39 years before her retirement last June. Chuck Cass, a student from 1985-86 sent Diane a letter every teacher dreams of receiving. Chuck became a photographer for the Sun newspaper in Naperville. See a sample of his photography and portions of his letter before Diane's column, Integrating the Arts Into the Curriculum.
And so it goes, a lot of short vignettes all telling the same story … we capture the interest of children by exposing them to new sights, sounds, and experiences. We give them the priceless gift of a life-long interest, hobby, career, entrée to a special world.
Many "KMA"™ presenters are refining their presentations, to "integrate the arts into the science, math, language arts and social studies curriculum" of the schools. We have many successful initiatives which I'll share with you in a later SPOTLIGHTS.
I close with a thank you to NWCC artist, photographer, production editor of SPOTLIGHTS, past staff member at NWCC, and "KMA"™ presenter Deanna Goldberg. Deanna has gone back to school to study animation, architecture and other computer aided design related subjects. As a class project she designed the "Kids Meet Art"™ logo that appears with this article.
Warmest Regards,
Kathy
VISUALIZING MEDICINE
September 7, 2004 to October 20, 2004
Reception Saturday, October 9, 2004
The Northwest Cultural Council is honored to exhibit medical art and illustrations from the historical and irreplaceable collection of the Department of Biomedical Visualization at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This is the first time this art will be exhibited as a complete body of work in our area.
Scott Barrows, artist and Graduate Program Director of the Biomedical Visualization Program at UIC, and biomedical sculptor Professor Ray Evenhouse will be at the gallery reception to meet and speak with our guests.
The graduate program in Biomedical Visualization at UIC is one of only four such programs in the nation, and its extensive collection of medical art and illustration is unrivaled anywhere. The artworks included in this exhibition began their life as medical text illustrations, on posters, in journals, in surgical atlases, or in other publications such as Gray's Anatomy, and were in large part educational tools. Unsurpassed, as they are, in design and execution, they have gone beyond their original intent, and demand consideration as works of art.
Historic and current works from students and professors will be on display, including works from the founder of the program at UIC, and pioneer of the "Chicago Style" of illustration, Thomas Smith Jones.
With the Council's focus on "Kids Meet Art"™ can there be a better example of integrating the arts into science?
We look forward to welcoming you to this unusual and exceptional exhibition.
Robert Hanson - Music Director, Elgin Symphony Orchestra Sharon Findley Kirmse
Thirty years ago the Elgin Symphony Orchestra was a local organization operating out of Elgin Community College on a budget of $23,000 annually. They performed three concerts a year, along with a few children's performances.
Robert Hanson was just completing his Doctorate degree at Northwestern University and was poised to begin a promising career at a major university. He astonished his colleagues by choosing instead to join the Elgin symphony.
At that time the memorable Margaret Hillis, whose illustrious career brought her a Grammy and recognition as the premier choral director in the world, was serving as Music Director of the ESO. The call to work with Hillis proved stronger than the call of academia and Hanson has never looked back. He joined the orchestra in 1974, became Co-Director with Hillis in 1983 and succeeded to the post of Music Director upon her retirement in 1985.
His tenure in that position has been nothing less than remarkable. Under his leadership the ESO has become Illinois' premier regional orchestra, performing over 50 concerts each year and operating with an annual budget which now exceeds $2 million. At a time when arts organizations across the country are struggling for funding, the ESO has experienced major budget growth.
Hanson quickly spreads the credit to others. He credits the leadership provided by ECC in the early years as a pivotal factor in setting the orchestra on the road to future success. The creation of their own Board of Directors, separate from the college, provided invaluable support. And, of course, the musicians, whom he describes as "phenomenal."
Still, it cannot be denied that he is the driving force, moving the orchestra continually forward technically and musically. Chicago Tribune music critic, John von Rhein, called him an "orchestra builder" and noted that the ESO continues to excel because of "astute management and superior leadership."
During Maestro Hanson's 30th anniversary season just past, von Rhein named him Chicagoan of the Year. The Illinois Council of Orchestras (ICO), which honored him as Conductor of the Year in 2001, named him Cultural Leader of the Year in 2004. And he was recently inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame.
The orchestra also continues to garner accolades. It has been named Orchestra of the Year by the ICO twice. It is also one of about 40 organizations across the state which has been designated by the Illinois State Legislature as an Established Regional Arts Institution and a State Treasure. The ESO is also the only orchestra in Illinois whose concerts are broadcast regularly on WFMT, usually heard at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.
Although he does not solicit guest conductor positions, preferring to focus on projects which will move the Elgin organization forward, Maestro Hanson has conducted orchestras across the country. His dedication to education and bringing fine music to the youth audience has resulted in the development of the Elgin Area Youth Orchestra, the Elgin Community College Conservatory and the ECC Institute for the Performing Arts. He continues the long tradition of children's concerts with the ESO's Kids Konzerts and Petite Musique performances.
Hanson also served as one of the Northwest Cultural Council's founding board members and still recognizes and supports the Council's mission.
Also an accomplished composer, Hanson is in demand for commissions and is committed through the 2006 season for new works. He is currently orchestrating his original composition of four songs for soprano and orchestra based on the poetry of Florence Palmer. The Youth Orchestra will premier the work this November.
Hanson's enthusiasm is undiminished as he begins his 31st season. His upcoming projects included upgrading technical programming and improving the acoustics of Hemmens Theater, the organization's home base in Elgin. Always with a concern for education as well as entertainment, he plans to debut what is to become a series on American music, "Finding Our American Voice." Fans will be delighted to hear that he is also working on recording and tour contracts.
With an illustrious three-decade career behind him, Robert Hanson is moving forward with more exciting plans for the future.
Integrating Art Into the Curriculum: Photography
by Diane Kostick
Photographs are a wonderful way for students to capture and preserve memories and to illustrate ideas. Photos can accompany written material or stand alone as the subject. They can serve as a springboard for writing and supporting short stories, poems, expository prose, history, math, or science.
Students may use a disposable, a 35 mm, or a digital camera to capture their images. It's a good idea to teach students some basics about cameras, equipment, and photography before launching them on their own.
Here are some simple suggestions:
-Students should examine the works of Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Irving
Penn, Margaret Bourke-White, or the like and discuss why their photos are
memorable and works of art.
- Learn basic vocabulary such as: lens shade, viewfinder, tripod, panoramic,
flash, depth of field, red eye, shutter button, self-time release button.
- Experiment with a camera without film to get to know it.
-Keep fingers away from the lens.
-Lean against a support to steady the camera.
- Take pictures of people engaged in activities.
-Horizontal shots work best for landscapes, vertical shots for people and
pets.
-Move in to the subject, taking 4 steps away from it, turn and shoot.
- Be sure there is enough light.
-Tell a "story".
-Develop an individual style.
Students may display their photos in albums, set them around the room for others to view, use them in the school newspaper/yearbook, or make them into a photography exhibit for parents, students and other teachers. Remember photos "freeze time" and they are an unusual way for students to express their creativity.
You might ask a local photographer to come to class to help students learn about taking good pictures before sending them out to take their own photos. In addition, if cameras are not available, students could select "photos" from magazines that appeal to them and complements their classroom projects.
Teachers are invited to submit their classroom-tested art lessons which can be "woven" into the curriculum. Send copies of your plans to NWCC, C/O SPOTLIGHTS, Integrating Art Into the Curriculum Project, 5999 New Wilke Road, Suite 307, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. A small honorarium is offered for each project we include in SPOTLIGHTS.
Potpourri
NWCC Corporate Gallery Artist, Nancy Rayborn, has served as Slide Receiving Chairman for nearly 10 years for the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, formerly known as the Midwest Watercolor Society. During this time she has been writing and publishing articles in their newsletters about how slides should be prepared for entering the jurying process.
Thanks for sharing your expertise with our readers, Nancy.
TIPS for PRESENTING YOUR SLIDES for JURYING
It is important to keep in mind that your slides are being viewed along with many other artists' slides during the same session by the juror. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that your work be presented in a crisp, professional manner in order to catch the attention of that juror.
1. If you are doing your own photography, the image of your painting should completely fill the slide. No matting, framing, thumbtacks, grass, sky or other extraneous materials should be visible.
2. Any area of the slide that is not your actual painting or sculpture should appear as a black background. This can be accomplished by either photographing against a black matboard or other black background or by removing the slide from its mount and masking with mylar tape.
3. Mylar or polyester tape is available at most photo shops or may be ordered from the Light Impressions catalog (800-828-6216). This is a very thin silver tape which can be applied directly to the film after it is removed from the slide mount. Replacement mounts are available at most photo shops or in the Light Impressions catalog.
4. To photograph outdoors, most artists feel that midday on an overcast day works best, with the artwork set up on an easel. Be sure that your camera is directly parallel to the painting (on a tripod, if possible) so that you do not distort the image.
5. Photographing indoors requires tungsten film (use a tripod and shutter release, if possible) with the painting resting on a black background. Two lamps should be set equidistant to the piece at 40 degree angles. In order to avoid "hot spots," do not place them too close to the painting. The bulbs used in the lamps are 250W 3200°K and are available at most photo shops. The dealer can advise you if you have questions.
6. Two sources that I have used to have slides of my work done professionally are Solaris Imaging in Schaumburg, IL (847) 843-1010 and Perfect Image in Des Plaines, IL (847) 297-2277.
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NWCC artist Bert Coons has moved to St. Louis. He has been a wonderful friend to the Council over these past five years, bringing quality artists to our Corporate Gallery Program, in addition to exhibiting his own outstanding sculpture and photography. Through his efforts an NWCC Corporate Gallery was established in the beautiful new Elmwood Park Library. We will all miss Bert and his huge talent and generosity to NWCC. Good luck to you and your lovely wife Doris!
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Ingrid Neuhofer Dohm received the 2004 Rockford Illinois Mayor's Award Reflecting Achievement. In presenting the award Mayor Scott said "You are an artist with incomparable assets."
Ingrid and her husband Patrick will be spending half of the year in Arizona and half in Rockford. She will only be able to exhibit her beautiful paintings of flowers and gardens as a back-up artist in our Corporate Gallery Program. Ingrid will also be missed in the schools; she has been a fine "KMA"™ presenter, showing kids how to paint with watercolors.
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Congratulations to Board Member Jackie Gould, of Assurance Agency, Ltd., on the arrival of her third son, Owen Marcus, born July 9.
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Welcome New 2005 NWCC Corporate Gallery Artists
Deidre Fox - Graphite
Eric Hill - Mixed Media
Anni Holm - Inkjet Printing
Robert Kwas - Watercolor
John Stanicek - Graphite & Pastel
Henry Witt - Sculpture
In Memoriam
Mary Jo Green was an accomplished harpist playing throughout the Chicago area at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Shubert Theatre, and in the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. She became a part of the Council's "Kids Meet Art"™ program soon after it began.During her "KMA"™ presentations she explained how a harp is constructed, then enchanted the students with the heavenly sounds of her instrument. Every child was invited to sit on Mary Jo's stool, place the harp on his shoulder, and make music.In addition to performing, teaching others to play the harp was a vital part of her life. We have many pictures of Mary Jo entertaining at gallery openings and other celebrations; but this photo is symbolic of her spirit.Mary Jo passed away July 15, 2004. Many of us will be missing her when the school bells ring this autumn.