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Krista Coltrin
(630)
293-2200 ext. 135
kcoltrin@westchicago.org |
City of West
Chicago
475 Main
Street
West Chicago,
Illinois 60185 |
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Artists Forge Friendships while Pursuing Lifelong Dreams
“Pastel Pals” Opening Reception
Gallery 200 - 200 Main Street, West Chicago
Friday, April 9, 2010
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. |
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(From left to right) Artists Judith Laczo, Dierdre Schanen and Heide Morris are part of a group of women whose friendships developed while rediscovering their passions for art through a pastel class a the DuPage Art League in Wheaton, Illinois. |
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West Chicago, Illinois: March 25, 2010 – Life’s travels often take people in unexpected directions, with pursuits of the heart taking a back seat to careers, families and unexpected situations. A common journey to return to their passions for art has united the ten women of “Pastel Pals”, the Featured Art exhibit at Gallery 200 during April 2010.
West Chicago resident and Cultural Arts Commission chairperson Heide Morris organized the exhibit, which includes artists Judith Laczo, Doris Bettin, Ann MacFarland, Gwen Meeder, Diana Mitchell, Laura Nicholson-Tom, Eileen Hinkle, Carol Wiesman and Dierdre Schanen. The group met while enrolled at the DuPage Art League in Wheaton, Illinois while studying soft pastels with instructor Anne Von Ehr.
Although the style of each artist is unique, they work together and find motivation in the lifelong friendships that have developed within the group. According to Nicholson-Tom, “Having an opportunity to paint with like-minded individuals every week is a great thing.”
Although several women enjoyed careers in art fields, many are exploring their lifelong passions for art after retiring from careers in sales, education and advertising to name a few. Involvement with careers and families was gratifying, but all encompassing. Bettin, a director of Christian education for 17 years, was too busy for art. She stated, “Now I’ve achieved a goal that was always a dream.”
Retired after 33 years in secondary education, Mitchell now enjoys her time together in class with fellow students, finding that involvement in art allows her mind to rest. She states, “Life would be very boring to me without art. It’s therapy.”
The public is invited to attend a free Opening Reception of Art for “Pastel Pals” on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago. The exhibit will remain on display throughout April.
Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, and is one more reason West Chicago was named an Illinois Arts Friendly Community in 2007. Gallery 200 is open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 |
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| CITY OF WEST
CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois
60185 T - (630)
293-2200 www.westchicago.org |
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