Summer - Northwest Cultural Council

Spotlights
Northwest Cultural Council Summer 2006
Places We Call Home
Northwest Cultural Council’s
2006 Annual International Juried Photography Exhibition
An exhibition exploring what HOME means to the artist.
Exhibition dates June 6 to July 30, 2006
Please Join us at the
Opening Reception Saturday, June 17, 2 – 4 p.m. and
Closing Reception Sunday July, 30 2 to 4 p.m
Sponsored by
Square D-Schneider Electric
Vice President Robert Fiorani
will present awards June 17 at 2:30 p.m.
5999 New Wilke Road, Suite 307, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
847-956-7966 nwcc@northwestculturalcouncil.org
free admission and complimentary refreshments
NWCC BOARD MEMBERS
Executive Director’s Report
JoAnn Peterson
Kimball Hill, Inc.
PRESIDENT
Dear Friends,
Suzanne Sana
Community Volunteer
SECRETARY
Mark Lusson
Northwest Community Healthcare
CO-TREASURER
Ann Ryan
Community Volunteer
CO-TREASURER
Kathy Umlauf
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Prem Advani
Educate the Children Foundation
Hal Barber
Kimball Hill, Inc.
Since the Council’s 1988 founding, Square D-Schneider Electric and Robert Fiorani,
Vice-President Communication, have been loyal, enthusiastic supporters of NWCC. The
company recently gave the Council a generous gift that will be used to enhance existing
programs and sponsor new ones. For instance, the Square D-Schneider Electric gift will
allow NWCC to bring “Kids Meet Art”™ to several Elgin District #300 Elementary
Schools, and the company will join other donors to underwrite the Council’s work. In
addition, it will sponsor the Annual Photography Competition. Please join us at the
reception on June 17 from 2-4, when Mr. Fiorani will announce the competition’s annual
winners.
April was an active month for the Council.
Ginny Combs
Community Volunteer
The Council’s reception for Architectural Inspirations
on April 23rd drew a large, appreciative audience to
enjoy architectural renderings created by architect
John Green. Green’s show included meticulous
drawings of famous architecture from around the
world as well as his plans for modern buildings,
homes and parks that were inspired by those sites
and buildings. For photos and more on his show,
see pages 8 and 9. I give my thanks to Sue Dunn for
introducing us to John.
Robert P. Fiorani
Square D - Schneider Electric Company
Diane Hill
Community Volunteer
Kris Howard
Community Volunteer
Eric Johnson
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Yoshitsugu Kimata
Kimata Personnel & Consultants, Inc.
Jack Lloyd
Harris Bank Palatine
Thomas P. MacCarthy
Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company
Thanks to the efforts of NWCC volunteer Sherrie
Kirmse, the Council celebrated April’s National Poetry
Month with a display of poems written by NWCC’s
SECOND SATURDAY POETRY WORKSHOP
leaders. The poems were prominently displayed at
Barnes and Noble bookstore in Schaumburg.
Larry Moats
Moats Office Properties
Donald D. Torisky
Century Solutions LLC
Mary Jo Willis
Community Volunteer
HONORARY DIRECTOR
David K. Hill
Kimball Hill Homes, Inc.
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Michael D. Moorman
Community Volunteer
VISUAL ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
Joan Brinkworth
NWCC Artist
Roselinde Davis
Rolling Meadows Library
Marge Duer
Fremd High School
Paula Fisher
NWCC Artist
Connie Heavey
Plum Grove Junior High
Pam Lowrie
NWCC Artist
Lynn Miller
NWCC Artist
Mike Springer
Graphic Artist
PAST PRESIDENTS
William H. Bolinder
Zurich North America
Founding President
Robert Fiorani
Square D Schneider Electric Company
Martin Ryan
Poet, Professor Emeritus Harper College
Donald Nelson
NICOR
Donald D. Torisky
Lease Resolution Corporation NWCC Board Member Mary Jo Willis, who is also
retired Chair of Harper College’s Performing Arts Department, invited NWCC Board of
Directors, Advisory Board members, artists, poets and special friends of the Council to an
April reception at Harper College for their 29th Annual National Small Works Exhibition,
2006.
The 22 pieces, representing 15 artists, were selected from a pool of more than 1,300 slides. The limited number of works was installed in a large room, which allowed individual
pieces to be viewed by visitors without distractions.
Both Dr. Dennis Weeks, Dean of Liberal Arts, and Mary Jo Willis spoke about the
importance of art. Dennis said, “For me the arts enable us to see our world in a different
way from how we normally see our daily lives. The arts bring us fully alive.” And Mary
Jo said, “Through art, we share our common humanity. Through art, we do the work of
the heart and the work of the spirit.”
Their comments reflect the reasons for the Council’s existence.
Sincerely,
Kathy Umlauf
Reading the Art of Words
Eiffes Integrates Language Arts
goals into the Art Classroom
Darlene Eiffes, librarian at the Rolling Meadows Public Library, seeks to
combine Illinois English language art goals with Illinois applied art goals in
her “Kids Meet Art”™ (“KMA”™) sessions. Darlene brings a background of rich personal
experience to NWCC. She has taught art at the
International School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
and at Academia Cotopaxi, Quito, Ecuador. Her
art experience includes designing theater sets,
props and posters, t-shirts, and beaded jewelry.
The project entitled “Reading the Art of Words”
starts with a brief history of manuscripts and
codex in Europe, examines modern examples of
printed materials in contemporary magazines,
and ends with a student collage project
which incorporates the concept of artwork in
illuminated texts. Following the introduction, students fill in a
personal reflection survey to discover words
that describe their unique self. The art activity
is a personal collage of words and pictures. A
letter from their name is cut out in large size
and embellished in the manner of ancient
illuminated manuscripts. Words and pictures cut from magazines, reflect the
students’ personalities and are arranged around the decorated letter and then
glued in place. When the project is finished, students critique their work using a
form to guide their thoughts.
Darlene Eiffes
At the end, students have an art piece in which modern
materials are used to express personal thoughts in the
manner of ancient illuminated manuscripts. Thus the dry
academic goals are brought to life in an illumination.
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Barbara Schneider, textile artist and Deborah Rosen, poet
Introduce Students to Japanese Art Forms
Barbara Schneider holding completed origami boxes
NWCC artist Barbara Schneider provides a
multidisciplinary cultural experience to children in
her “Kids Meet Art”™ sessions. The culture is that of
Japan, where Barbara has traveled frequently.
Each session starts with a slide show, using pictures
she has taken herself and is tailored to the project of
the day. Students enter and leave the classroom to
the sound of Taiko drums, providing an additional
dimension of Japanese culture. During the lesson
itself, the soft, calm sound of Kyoto music plays in the
background.
ORIGAMI BOXES
To introduce the “Origami Box” project, Barbara shows
slides from Japan illustrating design principles as seen
in origami, crafts and packaging. The project asks
kids to create a folded two piece box set. They learn
to cut, fold, and assemble a top and bottom of a box
set. In the process they learn relationships between
a two dimensional pattern and its three dimensional
realization. They explore visual and size relationships,
learn hand skills, and come to realize how precision
makes the pattern work correctly. Finally, the use of
Japanese papers to decorate the box further enhances
the cultural experience.
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Harris Bank Palatine employee Maoli Kaplan works on an
Origami box with a Lake Louise student.
NOTAN PAPERCUT DESIGN
The “Notan Papercut Design” project explores the
Notan or dark-light design principle. This principle
is about the interaction of positive (light) and
negative (dark) space, based on the ancient Yin Yan
symbol, mirror images revolving around the point
of equilibrium. Opposites in Yin and Yan and Notan
complement one another, the interaction of dark and
light in harmony.
In this project students cut free form designs from
black paper and reassemble them in a precise way
on a white background. The purpose is to appreciate
the relationship between the positive and negative
spaces. Everything is used, nothing discarded.
Students consider examples of both symmetrical
and asymmetrical solutions. The project is infinitely
variable and changes perceptions of the use of space,
light, dark, size and shape. Students become aware of
relationships between positive and negative shapes,
consider visual and size relationships, learn hand skills,
and use creativity to vary the results.
Deanna Goldberg
HAIKU
In addition to her sessions teaching
writing skills and the process of writing,
“Kids Meet Art”™ presenter Deborah
Rosen, also teaches the ancient art of
writing Haiku poetry.
Haiku is the shortest form of all poetry;
it captures a moment in the writer’s
life. Originally Haiku poems focused
on the beauty of nature. As people
from different cultures became familiar
with and enjoyed the ability to share
the essence of a thought or idea, with
limited words, the subject matter of
Haikus expanded.
A Haiku is three lines long with the
first and third line composed of five
syllables, while the second has seven
syllables. An example of a Haiku
written by a student at Blackwell School
in Schaumburg, IL.
Deborah Rosen with samples of students’ work written during “KMA”™ Haiku presentations.
Both projects provide insights
to the culture of Japan while
enabling students to use basic
art principles to produce a
satisfying piece of art.
Going down the chimney
Eating cookies giving gifts
Santa is the best.
The work of both Barbara and Deborah
not only introduces students to
interesting art forms but encourages
students to seek more information about
a culture they are not familiar with. It is
our hope that this new knowledge will
engender respect and appreciation for a
culture other than their own.
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ICONS AND ALTARS
An exhibition of work by “Twenty Two on View”
March 7 to March 28, 2006 Reception Sunday March 19, 1-3 pm
“Twenty Two on View” was
formed several years ago by
women artists who had exhibited
together for many years at the
Contemporary ArtCenter, in
Arlington Heights. They continue
to meet bimonthly to share their
visions of art, to experience
art encounters together and to
discuss the development of art.
For this exhibition, each artist
examined the theme in her own
unique way, creating paintings,
drawings, photographs,
sculptures, and mixed media
pieces, presenting a broad range
of artistic interpretations of ICONS
AND ALTARS.
Visitors and artists enjoying the reception.
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Wheeled Reliquary, Wood, Tin and Paper by Carole Komarek “From
time to time, I have created works inspired by the idea of the reliquary… These special containers may hold, preserve, and at times transport
simple substances that can serve as memorials, and are usually found
in churches. In some instances, when these were remnants of a saintly
person, these substances were believed to have the spiritual powers of
the long dead individual. Icons, and images found on retablos (small
devotional paintings of holy personages) used in Mexico and Latin
America are also part of altars in the home, which inspired some of my
work.”
Desk Top Icons, Acrylic on Canvas by Lee Stanton What do we worship
as a culture. Is it money, sex, violence? Is it technology? What does our
cultural climate say about us as a people? Millions of us sit in front of
our computer screens all day, clicking on our desktop icons, tapping on
keys. Is the computer becoming the altar of the new millennium? The Evangelists, Copper Repousse by Sandra Blanc. The copper is first tooled with its design, then blackened
with liver of sulfur, and then gently rubbed with steel
wool creating a soft old copper patina. The patina
is preserved with wax. Ever since my children did
repousse pieces when they were young and in art classes,
I have loved the process and the look and started doing
my own work in the past few years. Among pieces
I have done are individual pieces of the symbols of
the evangelists which now belong to Our Lady of the
Wayside Church. Another was a cross utilizing the
processed copper attached to the wood. Although
this was originally intended as a processional cross,
it ended up as a reliquary cross in memory of 9/11. The
Evangelists utilizes the symbols of all four evangelists,
Matthew, Mark Luke and John in addition to other
Christian symbols in a 5 1/2 foot by 12” wide banner. Altars with silver repousse design were often found
in early churches. I preferred the look of the warm
copper but felt the medium and subject was appropriate
to the Icons and Altars theme “Twenty Two on View”
had decided uponopper is first tooled with it’s design,
then blackened with liver of sulfur, then gently rubbed
with steel wool creating a soft old copper patina. The
patina is preserved with wax. Ever since my children
did repousse pieces when they were young and in art
classes, I have loved the process and the look, and started
doing my own work in the past few years. Among
pieces I have done are individual pieces of the symbols
of the evangelists which now belong to Our Lady of
the Wayside Church. Another was a cross utilizing
the processed copper attached to the wood. Although
this was originally intended as a processional cross,
it ended up as a reliquary cross in memory of 9/11. “The
Evangelists” utilizes the symbols of all four evangelists,
Matthew, Mark Luke and John in addition to other
Christian symbols in a 5 1/2 foot by 12” wide banner. In the early churches were often found altars with silver
repousse design. I preferred the look of the warm
copper, but felt the medium and subject was appropriate
to the Icons and Altars theme “Twenty Two on View”
had decided upon.
Ancestors Almanac, Mixed Tintypes by Margot Gottfried. “I
felt the functional, discarded bits and pieces could give new
life to this body of work, which makes me more connected
to my past. My thoughts go back, past the people I knew to
the ancestors from hundreds of years ago. I feel I know about
their lives.”
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ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATIONS
The Gods Are In The Details
April 11 - May 23, 2006
Works by Groundwork Architects and John Green, AIA,
NCARB
Reception Sunday, April 23, 2-4 p.m.
John Green developed a phenomenal show, Architectural
Inspirations, which clearly illustrated some of what influenced his
designs for local buildings, such as community centers, residential
structures and storage facilities. Green, of Groundwork LTD., in
Buffalo Grove, was joined by his business partner, David Wytmar.
Green travels extensively and his work reflects the rich insight
he’s gained from visiting countries like Guatemala, France and
China. He has been inspired by temples in ancient Egypt and the
colorful streets of Buenos Aires.
Groundwork Ltd partners, David Wytmar and John Green.
He seamlessly integrates sometimes ancient forms and design
elements into modern architecture. In his work, you see
intimate connections between seemingly disparate architectural
expressions. For instance, you wouldn’t imagine that the
architectural details of a Buffalo Grove storage building were
reinterpretations of forms and textures found at the Taj Mahal
in Acra, India. Yet seeing renderings, building plans, as well
as images of the two structures side by side, you’re instantly
persuaded of the visual connection between the two buildings. In addition to photos and drawings, the show also included some
spectacular examples of native clothing that Green
has brought back from Bhutan, the Ukraine and
Ghana.
The afternoon was capped off with a Q&A session
with the audience. The discussion included
Wytmar’s and Green’s views about sustainable
design (and jokes about “green” and Green
architecture), comments on some of Green’s
adventures overseas (ask him about his flight out of
Bhutan) and why one of the architects is a devotee
of Frank Lloyd Wright and the other is a Mies van
der Rohe enthusiast.
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Charlotte Lattof, NWCC artist Joan Brinkworth and David Wytmar
John Green greeting his friends.
Thank yous to Northwest Cultural Council artist Bill Dunn and his wife Sue, who
introduced us to John Green
John Green seamlessly
integrates sometimes
ancient forms and
design elements into
modern architecture.
Paula Bartlett, NWCC artist Nancy Rayborn, and Grace Wytmar
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AN ARTIST’S VIEW
Three Flags
By Nancy Rayborn
A
s our van full of artists traveled across the
rolling French countryside, we were struck
by the peaceful beauty of the tiny stone
villages. They seemed untouched by time. But then
we were reminded that not so long ago, these same
quiet little farmsteads were occupied by invading
Nazi forces.
The people of Normandy have not forgotten.
Wherever the French flag is displayed in this area,
it is surrounded by those of Britain and the United
States. These triple displays are visible all along
the way as we travel from Giverny to Honfleur, our
painting destination on the English Channel.
Upon our arrival, we split up to explore the winding
streets before settling down to paint the harbor.
Attracted to rows of little shops where three flags
are displayed, I was lucky enough to find a bench
directly across the narrow street. I settled down to
sketch the sight.
Absorbed by my composition, I did not notice
that a trio of young French teenage boys rode up
on their bicycles and silently surrounded me as I
drew. Finally one could contain himself no longer
– I had rearranged the flags in my drawing and had
placed the French flag to one side, rather than in the
middle. “Une meprize,” he triumphantly announced
to his companions, pointing out “my mistake.”
When I responded in English, huge smiles crossed
their faces. “Une Americain!” We all laughed as
they continued to chatter among themselves while
they watched me begin to paint. Eventually they
became restless and rode off down the cobblestone
street.
The memory of this encounter still brings a smile
to my face. I’m not so sure that I would feel
comfortable being surrounded by a group of teenage
boys in this country, but on this particular day, in
this particular place, we were all at ease.
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Arts Commentary
By Dr. Dennis L. Weeks, Dean of Liberal Arts, Harper College
W
hen the Beatles were going strong, they wrote a song whose lyrics included the
following words: “We all live in a yellow submarine.” NASA has retrieved a capsule
that has comet dust in it, and they claim that the dust might contain some elements
used to create life. Marshall McLuhan, the major name in history of ideas and communication
theory who lived from 1911 to 1980, saw our world as a global village. Physicists believe that
all matter is a dance of electrons. I think that you see where I am going with this opening. All of
us, no matter our culture, live on the earth and interact with each other. We are all the same stuff,
good or bad. We are all subject to the same hopes and dreams, good or bad. We are all victims of
ourselves, good or bad.
Wait a moment! Victims of ourselves? What can I possibly mean by that concept. While the idea
may be a bit submerged in our consciousness, it is still there. We
seem to do things that victimize us. Certain activities lure us in
with their apparent promise of attention and yet they seem to fail
upon closer examination. I paraphrase T.S. Eliot who wrote that
to announce as one’s own idea a truth that has been long known
is to gain immediate attention at the price of ultimate neglect. It seems that the difference between the classical definition of
culture as a culmination of the best that mankind has to offer
civilization and what is dull and repetitive can sometimes be so
close the division almost disappears. For example, the latest rage
in New York and London galleries is to show the work of an artist,
John Myatt, who originally made his living painting wonderful
forgeries of famous works. Now, after being released from a British prison, his work is identified
with a disclaimer on the back of the canvas as well as a microchip. There is even a web site where
anyone may purchase a “genuine fake.” Ironically, we do not know how many of his forgeries still
exist in private and public collections and are thought to be the original work. The dividing line
almost, but not quite, disappears, and in this case enters the criminal world. If there is a floating line out there, then are we in danger of losing the original? I say that we are. If
we see movies that are basically the same plot: boy meets girl; boy and girl fight; boy and girl make
up; boy and girl marry; all live happily ever after, then we accept the imitation for the original. Once we do this, I maintain, we become so accustomed to second class that it becomes okay,
acceptable, the standard. Our culture becomes one of acceptance rather than one of innovation. Granted, it is easier to swim downstream rather than up stream, but what price do we pay? We pay
by becoming less authentic, less real.
We must demand the best of our schools, our artists, our leaders, ourselves. Without rigor in our
culture, we will surely pay the price of ultimate neglect. As we look to the future, we should see
that we do, indeed, live interactive lives. But, we also need to realize that without discriminating
opinions about our culture, we will start to accept second best as first place. Our yellow submarine
will look very much like a submarine, but the question will be come “will it hold out the water?”
We seem to
do things that
victimize us.
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Allied Arts of Arlington Heights
A
llied Arts of Arlington Heights is a group of women
who meet once a month to learn more about all
artistic mediums and engage in some hands-on
activities. The Kimball Hill gallery became an intimate stage
when Gary DeVar entertained and shared his experience as a
mime. He continued the fun during the refreshment hour and
everyone had a wonderful afternoon.
The Council is pleased to offer artistic and dramatic programs
to organizations. Please call 847-956-7966 if you would like
information or to schedule an event.
➜
CALL FOR ARTISTS & POETS
A Family Is… International Juried Exhibition
November 9 – December 28, 2006
An exhibition that will celebrate families of all kinds.
Seeking visual art in all mediums depicting the artist’s definition of family. $25 jury fee.
Seeking unpublished poems presenting the writer’s view of what family means. $15/2 poems. Cash awards.
Submissions Deadline: September 1, 2006.
Send #10 SASE for prospectus to: NWCC Corporate Gallery
A Family is… 2006
5999 New Wilke Rd., Suite 307
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
or visit our website at: northwestculturalcouncil.org to download a prospectus
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Corporate Gallery
Exhibitions
July 3, 2006 through October 2, 2006
Arlington Green
Executive Center
2701 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arl Hts.
Claire Wally, Oil & Pastel
EImwood Park Public Library
1 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park
Robert Krawczyk, Computer Art
Diane Ward, Watercolors
Northwest Community
Hospital Wellness Center
900 W. Central Rd., Arlington Heights
Frankie Johnson, Oils
Rolling Meadows Library
3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows
Eric Hill, Mixed Media
Northwest CulturalCouncil/
Kimball Hill Galleries
5999 New Wilke Road, Suites 307 & 308, Rolling
Meadows
June 6-July 27
“Places We Call Home” 2006 International Juried
Photography Competition. Reception Saturday June
17, 2-4 pm. August 22-September 21
“New and Current NWCC Artists”. Reception
September 10, 2-4 pm. Gallery open Tuesdays and
Thursdays 9:30-4:30, or by appointment.
ALL ART IS FOR SALE
Second Saturday
Poetry Workshops
Poetry sessions take place at the Northwest
Cultural Council Gallery, 5999 New Wilke
Road, Suite 307, Rolling Meadows, IL
60008. Each workshop is independent. Bring 12 copies of your poem(s). There
will be ample time for individual critiques
at each session. If you have any questions
please call or e-mail the gallery at 847/9567966 or
northwestculturalcouncil@yahoo.com
The cost of each workshop is $15:
❏ Cecilia Pinto July 8
“Revision/Obsession”
❏ Jackie White August 12
“When Poetry Meets the Paragraph: tall tales, subconscious surrealism, and lavish, loopy language”
❏ Maureen Flannery September 9
“Write a Villanelle”
Calendar for Summer Events
Daily, regular library hours
Drop-in Chess Club. Daniel Kwarcinski
watercolors. Free. Des Plaines Art Guild. Nancy
Lejman, 847-824-7945
Caught in the Act Youth Theater Summer
Production of “Anything Goes”. This program
is designed for the 10 to 15 year old singer/actor/
dancer looking for an immersion experience in
the world of musical theater. $360 for Palatine
Park District residents/$540 for non-residents.
Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange, 847-7055123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
15, Saturday, 10 am - 12 noon
Tie-Dye. Learn how to brighten your white
wardrobe with spiral or yoke patterned vibrant
colors. Bring a 100% cotton t-shirt and a pair of
white cotton socks to class. $20 for Palatine Park
District Residents/$30 for non-residents. Palatine
Park District. Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123
x237, clange@palatineparks.org
10 and 17, Monday, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Summer Fun Craft Camp. We’ll create,
experiment and play games. Please wear old
clothes and bring a new white t-shirt to the first
class. $42 for Palatine Park District residents/$63
for non-residents. Palatine Park District. Carol
M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
27, Thursday, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Calligraphy Workshop. Use basic techniques
to create beautifully addressed envelopes,
quotes and cards. Pen and paper are provided.
$25 Palatine Park District Residents/ $38 nonresidents. Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange,
847-705-5123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
11, Tuesday, 7 - 8 pm
Family Book Discussion. Families of fourth
graders and above will read and discuss The
Wanderer by Sharon Creech. Free. Youth
Services, 847-376-2839
July
Art
Children
Daily
Summer Reading Clubs for children and
teens. For children through grade 6 - Voyage to
Book Island; for grades 7-12 - Voyage Through
Time. Free. Des Plaines Public Library.
Youth Services, 847-376-2839
Mondays, 9 am - 1 pm or 9 am -3 pm
Multi-Media Art Camp-Ages 5-13. Week of
working with clay, printmaking, wood and more
to discover and explore creativity through the
arts. Bring a sack lunch and dress for mess. 9
am - 1 pm $180 or 9 am - 3 pm $220. Register
In Person or Mail. ClayWorks Studio Lakeside.
Pam Maxwell, 847/428-3946, pmaxwell@
riverstreetart.com
Fridays, 10-10:30 am
Preschool movies. Short films for preschoolers.
Free. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth Services,
847-376-2839
5 and 19, Wednesday, 10 am - 12 noon
Drop-in Craft. For all ages; materials provided.
Free. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth Services,
847-376-2839
6 and 20, Thursday, 2 - 2:30 pm
Drop-in Storytime. Stories and related activities
for children 2-5 years old. Free. Youth Services,
847-376-2839
7, Friday, 6:30 - 8 pm
Card Making 101. Learn how to make stunning
cards for all occasions - birthdays, holidays,
thank-you’s, etc. $12 for Palatine Park District
residents/$18 for non-residents. Palatine Park
District. Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237,
clange@palatineparks.org
10, Monday, 2 - 3 pm
Island Games. For grades 3-6; parachute games,
peg leg race, canon ball games, treasure toss and
more. Free. Youth Services, 847-376-2839
10 -31, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
11, 18, and 25, Tuesday, 11 am - 1 pm
Drop-in Brown Bag Movie. For children in
grades 3-8; bring a brown bag lunch and watch
a movie. Free. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth
Services, 847-376-2839
11, 18 and 25, Tuesday, 11:30 am
Just Entertain Me! Joel Frankel, Jim Gill and
Michelle Hunter entertain families with songs
and stories. Free. Nancy Chamberlain, 847-5067142, nchamberlain@ahpd.org
12, Wednesday, 2:30 pm
So You Want to be a Pirate? Ages 5-7 come
dressed as pirates and enjoy pirate related
activities. Free. Youth Services, 847-376-2839
12 and 26, Wednesday, 10 - 10:30 am
Storytime. Stories, songs and fingerplays for
children 2-7 years old. Free. Youth Services, 847376-2839
13, Thursday, 1:30 pm
The Imagination Island Magic Show. For
grades K and up; a magician will take children
to meet pirate related characters. Free. Tickets in
advance at Youth Services. Des Plaines Public
Library. Youth Services, 847-376-2839
13 and 27, Thursday, 1 - 3 pm
Drop-in Craft. For all ages; materials provided.
Free. Youth Services, 847-376-2839
25, Tuesday, 1:30 pm
Pirate and Treasure Stories. Pirate and treasure
stories from a visiting pirate for children in
grades K-8. Free. Tickets in advance at Youth
Services. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth
Services, 847-376-2839
28, Friday, 6:30 - 8 pm
Craft In The Hat. The perfect parent/child date!
Each class is a surprise craft project. Children
aged 6-9 must register with an adult. $12 for
Palatine Park District residents/$18 for nonresidents. Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange,
847-705-5123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
Festivals
8 and 9, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00 am - 5 pm
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Skokie Art Guild’s 45th Annual Art Fair. This
is a well-established fine art outdoor art fair. Free.
Skokie Art Guild. B. Willerman, 847-677-8163,
skokieart@aol.com
14 and 15, Friday, 6 - 11 pm, Saturday, 2 -10 pm
Irish Fest. Celtic entertainment; bands, dancers,
pipes and drums; food, vendors, contests and
more. Friday: $5 adults; children free. Saturday,
$7 adults; $2 children. Arlington Heights Park
District. Kathy Robertson, 847-255-1225,
crobertson@ahpd.org
Foreign/Art Films
21, Friday, 6:30 pm
Documentary Film Series. A series of
documentary films, phone Registration Desk for
titles. Free. Des Plaines Public Library. 847-3762787
Lecture
20, Thursday, 12 noon
Brown Bag Lunches. Enjoy your lunch and
learn of Elgin’s remarkable music history with
D. Nelson. Free. Elgin Area Historical Museum.
Elizabeth Marston, 847-742-4248, elginhistory@
foxvalley.net
Literature
Daily
Summer Reading Club for Adults. Adults are
invited to read for fun and prizes. Register at
Readers’ Services Desk on third floor. Free. Des
Plaines Public Library. Readers’ Services Desk,
847-376-2840
11, Tuesday, 10 am
Tuesday Morning Book Group. Swing by
Rupert Holmes, books available one month prior
at Registration Desk. Des Plaines Public Library.
847-376-2787
purchase. Free. Lake County Forest Preserves.
Chris Ayers, 847-968-3477, greenbelt@co.lake.
il.us
District residents/$18 for non-residents. Palatine
Park District. Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123
x237, clange@palatineparks.org
Theater
15, Tuesday, 1 -3 pm
Plein Air Painting for Kids. Experiment with
a variety of art media while learning beginning
painting techniques outdoors on the museum
grounds. $19 AH residents, $24 non-residents.
pre-register with Arlington Heights Park District.
Cathy Robertson, 847-506-7147, crobertson@
ahpd.org
22, Saturday, 1 and 2:30 pm
Class Act Youth Theatre. program for age 9 to
teen presents “The XYZ Files” for family, friends,
and theatre attendees. $5. Schaumburg Park
District. Toni Higgins-Thrash, 847-490-7015,
Tothrash@parkfun.com
21 - 23 and 28 - 30, Friday, Saturday, 8 pm,
Sunday 2 pm
Oliver! Presented by the Footlighters Theatre.
Advance: Adults $7 Student/Senior $5. Des
Plaines Park District. Nancy Suwalski, 847-3915700, nancys@desplainesparks.org
August
6, Sunday, 1 - 7 pm
Taste of Lake County Cultures. Celebrate the
various cultures that call Lake County home!
Experience dance, music, food and art. Free.
Lake County Forest Preserves. Chris Ayers, 847968-3477, greenbelt@co.lake.il.us
Art
Foreign/Art Films
Daily, regular library hours
Drop-in Chess Club. Joan Heath Fortner
watercolors and acrylics. Free. Des Plaines Art
Guild. Nancy Lejman, 847-824-7945
18, Friday, 6:30 pm
Documentary Film Series. A series of
documentary films; Phone Registration Desk
for titles. Free. Des Plaines Public Library.
Registration Desk, 847-376-2787
5 and 6, Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday, 11 am
- 4 pm
American Association of University Women’s
Art Showcase. 47th Fine Art and Fine Craft
Show, a centerpiece of the Elgin Fine Arts
Festival. Free. Elgin Area Branch American
Association of University Women. Jeanne
Hebeisen, 847/741-6264, jeanne@mc.net
3, 10, 17, Thursday, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Calligraphy Workshop. Use basic techniques
to create beautifully addressed envelopes,
quotes and cards. Pen and paper are provided.
$25 Palatine Park District Residents/ $38 nonresidents. Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange,
847-705-5123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
13, Thursday, 7:30 pm
Thursday Evening Book Discussion. The Things
They Carried by Tim O’Brien, books available
one month prior at Registration Desk. Free. Des
Plaines Public Library. 847-376-2787
7 - 24, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
10 am - 7 pm
Travel Documents. This exhibition focuses on
artists’ responses to travel experiences.
Free. Oakton Community College. Koehnline
Museum of Art, 847-635-2633, katet@oakton.
edu
Museum
Children
10 - 31, Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 4:30 pm,
Sunday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Fabric Art by Suzanne Riggio. Award-winning,
world renowned quilts of artist Susanne M.
Riggio. $6 for adults and $2.50 for youth ages
four to 17, free for children three years and under.
Lake County Forest Preserves.
Mondays, 9 am - 1 pm or 9 am - 3 pm
Multi-Media Art Camp-Ages 5-13. Week of
working with clay, printmaking, wood and more
to discover and explore creativity through the
arts. Bring a sack lunch and dress for mess. 9
am - 1 pm $180 or 9 am - 3 pm $220. Register
In Person or Mail. ClayWorks Studio Lakeside.
Pam Maxwell, 847/428-3946, pmaxwell@
riverstreetart.com
Music
14, Friday, 12 noon
Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band. Island
songs with energy and humor. Jimmy Buffet fans
will love this band! Free. Palatine Park District.
Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
Festivals
Fridays, 10 - 10:30 am
Preschool movies. Short films for preschoolers.
Free. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth Services,
847-376-2839
16, Sunday, 5 - 7 pm
Jazzin’ in the Park. Enjoy jazz in the open air
of our outdoor amphitheater. Free. Lake County
Forest Preserves. Chris Ayers, 847-968-3477,
greenbelt@co.lake.il.us
4, Friday, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Water Color Explosion. Explore the fun of
liquid water color. Create amazing tie-dye effects.
$12 for Palatine Park District residents/$18
for non-residents. Palatine Park District. Carol
M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
30, Sunday, 4 - 7 pm
Sounds of Jamaica. Jamaican music, limbo
14 contest. Authentic Caribbean food available for
11, Friday, 6:30 - 8 pm
Craft In The Hat. Parent/child activity. Each
class is a surprise craft project. Children aged 6-9
must register with an adult. $12 for Palatine Park
Lecture
12 and 19, Saturday, 1 pm
Elgin WestSide /Skyline Tours. Walking tours,
one of which focuses on the development of
Elgin’s Westside; the other on its revitalized
downtown. Historical anecdotes and architectural
knowledge woven together for afternoon of
enlightened fun! Free. Elgin Area Historical
Society. Elizabeth Marston, 847-742-4248,
elginhistory@foxvalley.net
Literature
1, Tuesday, 10 am
Tuesday Morning Book Group. Sightseeing by
Rattawut Lapcharoensap, books available one
month prior at Registration Desk. Des Plaines
Public Library. 847-376-2787
10, Thursday, 7:30 pm
Thursday Evening Book Discussion. Pride
and Prejudice by Jane Austen, books available
one month prior at Registration Desk. Free. Des
Plaines Public Library. 847-376-2787
17, Thursday, 12 noon
Brown Bag Lunches. Enjoy your lunch and
learn of Elgin’s black history with author R.
Sutton in August. Free. Elgin Area Historical
Museum. Elizabeth Marston, 847-742-4248,
elginhistory@foxvalley.net
Museum
Daily, Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 4:30 pm,
Sunday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Fabric Art by Suzanne Riggio. Award-winning
world renowned quilts of artist Susanne M.
Riggio in this special exhibition. $6 for adults
and $2.50 for youth ages four to 17, free for
children three years and under. Lake County
Forest Preserves. Andrew Osborne, 847-9683400, LCMuseum@co.lake.il.us
1 - 20, Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 4:30 pm,
Sunday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Native American Art: Designs for Life.
Over one hundred pieces from the permanent
Native American collection of the Lake County
Discovery Museum. $6 for adults and $2.50 for
youth ages 4 to 17, free for children 3 years and
under. Lake County Forest Preserves. Andrew
Osborne, 847-968-3400, LCMuseum@co.lake.
il.us
5 - 27, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Arlington Artists on Display. Multi-media work
of Arlington Heights’ artists is showcased. $2
donation suggested. Kristina Christie, 847-2551225, kchristie@ahpd.org
Shakespeare Summer’s End Festival. The
Shakespeare classic “Romeo & Juliet”, outdoors,
under a tent. $16. Senior and group rates
available. 847-301-1206. Elk Grove Center for
the Performing Arts. Jim Hirsch, (847) 301-1206,
jhirsch@rcn.com
September
Author Visit - Jim Kokoris, author of the
novel “The Rich Part Of Life” speaks. Free. Mt.
Prospect Public Library. Linda Burns, 847 2535675, lburns@mppl.org
Music
Art
2, Wednesday, 8 pm
Country Sky Band. Chicagoland’s premier
country music cover band! Palatine Park District.
Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
Daily, regular library hours
Judith Edelman oils. Free. Des Plaines Art Guild.
Nancy Lejman, 847-824-7945
19, Tuesday, 7 - 8:30 pm
Great Books Discussion. The Value of Science
by Henri Poincare. Free. Palatine Public Library.
Barb Royce, 847-358-5881x166, broyce@ppld.
alibrary.com
12, Tuesday, 7 pm
DesPlaines Art Guild. Monthly meeting with a
demo artist and social intermission also.
$3 Guest fee. DesPlaines Art Guild. Margaret
Newman, 847-824-8952, MNewman190@aol.
com
25, Monday, 7:30 pm
Writing Workshop. Lisa Rosenthal, ed. of “The
Writing Group Book” presents workshop on
creating an effective writing group. Free. Mount
Prospect Public Library. Linda Burns, 847-2535675, lburns@mppl.org
Children
Museum
4, Friday, 8 pm
Palatine Concert Band. An evening of light
summer fare with a variety of selections ranging
from classical to popular. Free. Palatine Park
District. Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237,
clange@palatineparks.org
Fridays, 10 - 10:30 am
Preschool movies. Short films for preschoolers.
Free. Des Plaines Public Library. Youth Services,
847-376-2839
9, Wednesday, 8 pm
Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp. Cajun
fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt and
his band bring the excitement of Louisiana to the
stage. Free. Palatine Park District.
Carol M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
10, Sunday, 1 - 7 pm
Fiestas Patrias. Celebrate Mexican and Central
American independence at this family festival.
Enjoy dance, music, historical reenactments,
children’s activities and authentic Latin American
food. Free. Lake County Forest Preserves. Chris
Ayers, 847-968-3477, greenbelt@co.lake.il.us
1, Friday, 11 am - 4:30 pm
Fabric Art by Suzanne Riggio. Award-winning,
world renowned quilts of artist Susanne M.
Riggio in this special exhibition. $6 for adults
and $2.50 for youth ages four to 17, and Free
for children three years and under. Lake County
Forest Preserves. Andrew Osborne, 847-9683400, LCMuseum@co.lake.il.us
11, Friday, 8 pm
Smokehouse. Classic to current rock performing
songs by such artists as: Aerosmith, Tom Petty,
Z. Z. Top, 3 Doors Down, Creed and Jimmy
Eat World. Free. Palatine Park District. Carol
M. Lange, 847-705-5123 x237, clange@
palatineparks.org
Lecture
13, Sunday, 1 - 4:30 pm
An Afternoon of Music with the Night
Eagle Singers. An afternoon of traditional
Native American drumming and dancing as we
celebrate the closing weeks of our current special
exhibition. Free with museum admission. Lake
County Forest Preserves. Andrew Osborne, 847968-3400. LCMuseum@co.lake.il.us
14, Thursday, 12 noon
Brown Bag Lunches. Enjoy your lunch and
learn of Elgin’s remarkable history, author TBA.
Free. Elgin Area Historical Museum. Elizabeth
Marston, 847-742-4248, elginhistory@foxvalley.
net
3, Tuesday, 7 - 8:30 pm
Evening of Women’s Barbershop. Performance
by Spring Valley, Prairie Echoes and ChoralAires choruses of variety of barbershop
music. Free. Peggy Schmidt, 630/830-7745,
mschm1013@msn.com
18, Friday, 8 pm
Johnny Star & The Meteors. The sound and
mood of America’s 50’s and 60’s music along
with many of the British invasion sounds. Free.
Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange, 847-7055123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
24, Thursday, 6:30 pm
The Mommies & The Daddies. Take two
acoustic guitar playing sisters with great voices,
throw in husbands who also sing, play electric
guitar, banjo and the bongoes and what do you
get? Free. Palatine Park District. Carol M. Lange,
847-705-5123 x237, clange@palatineparks.org
Theater
19, Saturday, 7:30 pm
Summer Talent Show. Dance, drama, vocal
and instrumental entries performed by the
Community’s finest dancers, actors, singers, and
musicians. $5.00. Schaumburg Park District.
Toni Higgins-Thrash, 847-490-7015, Tothrash@
parkfun.com
19, 20, 25 - 27, Friday and Saturday, 8 pm,
Sunday, 3 pm
Festivals
11, Monday, 7:30 pm
Puccini’s Turandot. Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lecture Corps present lecture on Puccini’s
Turandot. Free. Reservations Required. The
Garlands of Barrington. 847-756-3200
27, Wednesday, 3:30 pm
Gluck’s Iphigenie en Tauride. Lyric Opera of
Chicago Lecture Corps present the lecture on
Iphigenie en Tauride by Gluck. Free. Registration
Required. The Garlands of Barrington. 847-7563200
5, Tuesday, 10 am
Tuesday Morning Book Group. A Brief Lunacy
by Cynthia Thayer, books available one month
prior at Registration Desk. Free. Des Plaines
Public Library. 847-376-2787
Music
10, Sunday, 2 pm
America the Beautiful Concert with Joan
Hammel. Free. Prospect Heights Public Library.
847-259-3500, www.phl.alibrary.com
17, Sunday, 5 pm
Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Gala Concert &
Celebration. Sir James Galway, legendary flute
virtuoso, returns to Elgin for the 2006-2007 Gala
Concert & Celebration. $30-$90. $30-$90. Elgin
Symphony Orchestra. Box Office, (847) 8884000, boxoffice@elginsymphony.org
Theater
17, Sunday, 2 pm
Presidents and Their First Ladies Presents
Tippecanoe and Tyler Too. William and Sue
Wills in a dramatic portrayal. Free. Des Plaines
Public Library. 847-376-2787
24, Sunday, 12 noon
Historic Elgin Cemetery Walk. Living history,
meet community members of Elgin’s past!
$6-Adult, $3-Children, day of the event. Elgin
Area Historical Society. Marge Rowe, 847-7424248, elginhistory@foxvalley.net
Literature
14, Thursday, 7:30 pm
Thursday Evening Book Discussion. The
Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease, books
available one month prior at Registration Desk.
Free. Des Plaines Public Library.
847-376-2787,
14, Thursday, 1 - 2:30 pm
Non-Fiction Book Discussion. My Losing
Season by Pat Conroy.
Free. Palatine Public Library. Barb Royce, 847358-5881, x166, broyce@ppld.alibrary.com
18, Monday, 7:30 pm
15
Spotlights
Summer 2006
Northwest Cultural Council
5999 New Wilke Road – Suite 307
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
The NWCC mission is to enrich the life of
the community by providing opportunity
for all people to attend cultural events close
to home…to cooperate with existing arts
organizations, assist in the promotion of
cultural events, co-sponsor and support
development of new programs and activities
and create future audiences by exposing the
young to the joy of the arts.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S.POSTAGE P A I D
Permit NO. 2520
Palatine P&DC, IL
Return Service Requested
We are grateful to the corporations that
underwrite Spotlights:
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Kimball Hill Homes, Inc.
Newsletter/Calendar
Newsletter Editor
Kathy Umlauf
Production Editor Deanna Goldberg Calendar Editor
Robert Krawczyk Copy Editor
Kevin Brewner
Graphic Artist
John Stanicek
of the NORTHWEST CULTURAL COUNCIL
Arts Commentary Editor
Dennis Weeks
Arts Education Editor
Diane Kostick
Sponsors
Writers
Sharon Findley Kirmse
Elyse Umlauf Garneau
Nancy Rayborn
Betty Morley
Photographers
Deanna Goldberg
Kathleen Phillips
Kathy Umlauf
Distribution
Suzanne Sana
Eric Meyer
To contact us: Northwest Cultural Council
Telephone: 847-956-7966
northwestculturalcouncil@yahoo.com
Or visit our website:
www.northwestculturalcouncil.org
We gratefully acknowledge the
donation of the Northwest
Cultural Council’s beautiful
space by David Hill of
Kimball Hill Homes, Inc.
An initiative to support the works of the Council.
If you would like to become a sponsor contact the Council
at 847-956-7966.
Square D, a brand of Schneider Electric, is a proud sponsor
of the Northwest Cultural Council. For more than 100 years, Square D brand products
have provided safe, electrical distribution in homes and
businesses. For the best in electrical protection, insist on
Square D brand products.