SUMMER 2004

Executive Director's Report

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, May 2, the recently opened John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County art collection was presented to the community at an open house. The event included the unveiling of the newly commissioned sculpture "The Oasis", by world renowned Chicago sculptor, Richard Hunt.

Included in the collection are two pieces by Charles Julius Umlauf. He was one of the more important artists of the WPA (Works Project Administration.) During this period he created many WPA commissions, including "The Mahogany Panel Triptych" and the cast concrete sculpture "Protection." Two of his sculptures were exhibited at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. Umlauf's work can be seen in public collections and museums across the U.S., and at his museum and outdoor sculpture garden in Austin, Texas.

The WPA pieces were originally commissioned for the old Cook County Hospital more than 70 years ago, and the County Care Foundation donated the funds to refurbish and install Umlauf's works in the new John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Mr. Stroger was kind enough to honor members of my husband's family by inviting them to the rededication and installation of these beautiful works of art.

As a young girl in nurses training, NWCC Executive Board Member, Ann Ryan and her friends would often chat and enjoy lunch together sitting on the rim of the pool of "Protection." My brother-in-law, Gary Umlauf, photographed Ann sitting in that favorite spot, once again.

The Council has received a fabulous gift and challenge grant from David Hill.

David Hill has been awarded the National Lifetime Public Service Prize from Hearthstone, Inc., a major institutional investor in residential development, and Builder magazine. The award comes with a $250,000 grant that allows him to donate to non-profit charities and community organizations of his choice.

NWCC President JoAnn Peterson and David visited with me at the gallery in February and discussed my desire to bring the Council's "Kids Meet Art"™ ("KMA"™) program to Elgin School District U-46. David awarded the Council $25,000 and created a matching grant challenge. If the Council can raise $40,000 for "KMA"™ in Elgin he will give NWCC an additional $15,000, allowing us to bring "KMA"™ to 40 schools in Elgin. In addition he has offered to solicit his many friends and associates to assist in meeting his challenge. This is an incredible gift.

David and his wife Diane have been faithful supporters of the Northwest Cultural Council since its inception 15 years ago. The gift of quality gallery and office space over the last 14 years has given the Council credibility; now this grant gives us stability and validates "KMA"™. To have such a well respected, generous person care about the well being of the Cultural Council can only be considered an extraordinary blessing.

2004 has been a wonderful year so far, and I'm looking forward to the Council's continued success. Come share in our joy and celebrate the arts and the people that make it all possible.

Warmest Regards,

Kathy Umlauf

Friends of the Council Exhibit, April 17, 2004

The Northwest Cultural Council is a unique organization. After 15 years, a symbiotic relationship has developed between artists and corporate sponsors. Both groups are necessary to the success of the Council.

Because of corporate funding artists have the opportunity to exhibit their paintings and sculptures at beautiful corporate sites. Poets can learn to write poetry in a non-intimidating atmosphere with a place to both read and publish their works, SPOTLIGHTS is published each quarter, and "Kids Meet Art"™ ("KMA"™) exists.

Because of NWCC artists, corporations can take pride in saying they support the creative process and make the arts available to their employees and the residents of the communities where their corporations prosper.

The Friends of the Council exhibition recognized current and past corporate gallery artists, art teachers from schools that receive KMA™ presentations, KMA™ presenters and the corporations that make it all possible.

"Kids Meet Art"™ Showcase

March 2004

"Kids Meet Art"™ is an innovative arts education program, that brings professional artists into elementary, junior and high schools, to introduce students to the various art forms. It offers hands-on, one-on-one training in art, music, theater, writing, dance, and special units on the Mayan and Japanese cultures.

NWCC's program aims to encourage self-esteem, creative expression and independent thought processing. Students gain new skills, a deeper respect of other cultures, and a sense of pride in their accomplishments. All without losing the spontaneity and joy of the arts.

At the showcase artists demonstrated their projects and visitors had the opportunity to ask questions and learn how our artists can enhance the learning experience of students.