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COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION
FALL 2014
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM
L
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PATRONS
Daniel G. Saavedra
PRESIDENT
Diana & Jeffrey Behr
Lon & Dick Behr
Greetings!
Anita Layng
PAST PRESIDENT
Cheryl & Rick Bischoff
John Holevas
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Julie & James Buchanan
Karen Harding
Lisa Lindman
Scott Prine
VICE PRESIDENTS
Hope you had a wonderful spring
and summer and are ready for all the
programs RAM has in store this fall
and winter. (See our Calendar page
for dates.)
Sharyn & Joe Castrogiovanni
Greg Harlan
TREASURER
Linda Dennis
Susan Carlin
SECRETARY
Patty & Alex Funderburg
Cheryl Bischoff
David Boccignone
Paul Burkholder
Diane Jaroch Cain
Peggy Fry
Gail Funderburg
Rob Funderburg
Jerry Kortman
Julie Lindsay
Cindy Luther
Patrick O’Keefe
Amy Olson
Steve Pitkin
Larry Sheets
Nancy von Lugossy
Kay Wadsworth
Cathy & Rob Funderburg
Mary Jo & Milt Brown
Diane Jaroch Cain
Joan Davis
Corky & Rich Dell
Roger & Wendy Perks Fisher
Gail & Hugh Funderburg
Del Gloyd
Judy & John Graff
Patricia & Norm Hagman
Karen Vaughn Harding
Mary F. Heffran
Margret Hesler Hynes
Sally & Gary Jouris
Lesley & Tom Killoren
Mary & Bengt Kuller
Lisa & Mark Lindman
Dick Behr
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
Kathleen & Brent Meade
STAFF
Sandra & Michael Perlow
Linda Dennis
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laura J. Minore
Ida Rhea
Patty & Bob Rhea
Carrie Johnson
CURATOR
Cherri Rittenhouse
Nancy E. Sauer
OFFICE MANAGER
Joan Stonecipher
Sarah Bursley McNamara
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Carma Yoder
Stacey LaRosa
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
JUNIOR PATRONS
Scott Saporiti
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS + DESIGN
Sue & Dave Schroepfer
Paula Turner
Lynn Fischer-Carlson
Teri Turner
The museum had an eventful summer. In June RAM was
awarded a $369,000 grant from IDNR for the renovation
and upgrade of our Collection Vault. The significant
improvements will assist in the preservation and storage
of our growing 1900-piece Permanent Collection, part of
which is showcased in museum exhibits all year round.
Although the existing system served our needs for more
than 20 years the new racking system will provide a safer
environment for the RAM Collection while enhancing
storage, art handling, exhibition preparation and record
keeping. Our goal is to have the new system in place by the
end of the year.
RAM’s first sculpture on the Rockford Riverwalk was
installed in August. Untitled 1 was created in 1973 by Robert
Engman and donated to the museum by Cherryvale Mall
and CBL Associates Properties, which had displayed the
bright yellow sculpture for many years. We thank Dick Behr
who generously provided funding for and coordinated its
restoration, painting and installation by his crew.
The 10th annual Art in the Garden was a smashing success
due to the efforts of Chair Shelly Green and her committee.
In honor of the premier sponsors, who have all sponsored
the event from its start, a plaque was placed at the museum
entrance thanking Lon and Dick Behr, Sharyn and Joe
Castrogiovanni and Karen Harding for their generosity.
This year’s Greenwich Village Art Fair hosted 150 artists
and was one of the most successful in history. We thank
Chairman Scott Prine and his team who again ran a
seamless art fair. Last year marked 20 years of presenting
sponsorship for Alpine Bank; this year a plaque was placed
at the museum entrance thanking Alpine for its dedication
and its many employees who greet our Greenwich visitors
each year.
Please join us for the opening of new feature exhibition
Tradiciones, and look for Ghost Bikes placed throughout
the community.
Happy Fall!
Jason Judd
REGISTRAR
Denise Glasenapp
EDUCATION ASSISTANT
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
list as of print date
Linda Dennis
Executive Director
A Partner in Excellence of the Illinois Arts Council,
Rockford Art Museum enriches the quality of
life for people of all ages in the Rockford region
through visual arts programs of collection,
exhibition and education. Located inside
Riverfront Museum Park for the Arts & Sciences,
a Rockford Park District facility, RAM is supported
by memberships, individual and corporate
contributions, and a grant from the Illinois Arts
Council Agency. Proceeds from Art in the Garden,
Greenwich Village Art Fair, Evergreen Ball, and the
Rockford Art Museum Store provide additional
financial support.
This program is partially
sponsored by a grant from
the Illinois Arts Council
OCTOBER
3
RAAC FALL ARTSCENE | 5–9 PM (ART ANNEX ONLY)
4
RAAC FALL ARTSCENE | 4–9 PM (ART ANNEX ONLY)
5
RAM OKTOBERFEST @ PEARL
11 AM–5 PM
7
COMMUNITY NIGHT @ ABREO
5 PM
10
TRADICIONES MEMBER PREVIEW
5–6 PM | GALLERY WALK
6–7:30 PM | RECEPTION
11 TRADICIONES PUBLIC OPENING
10 AM–5 PM
15
BARBARA RINELLA LUNCHEON
11 AM
18
FEELING LIKE FRIDA (AGES 6+)
2–4 PM
28
BARTENDER NIGHT @ PEARL
5:30–7:30 PM
29 TRADICIONES TEACHER
WORKSHOP | 4:30–6:30 PM
30
CORK + CANVAS (AGES 21+)
6:30–8:30 PM
NOVEMBER
1
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
FESTIVAL | 12–4 PM
10
PORTFOLIO DAY @ RAM
10 AM–1 PM
13
B JONES SHOPPING DAY
10 AM–6 PM
15
NO BOUNDARIES: ARTS DAY
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
12–4 PM
20
BRIAN ASHBY &
EMMANUEL CAMACHO
TRADICIONES LECTURE | 7 PM
DECEMBER
6
EVERGREEN BALL XXVI
6–11 PM
10
ERIC FUERTES
TRADICIONES LECTURE | 7 PM
13
HEAVY METALS (AGES 6+)
2–4 PM
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION
FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
NEW@RAM | FEB 28–OCT 26, 2014
RAM Anderson Gallery
NEW @ RAM a recurring series of exhibits that highlight recent
acquisitions to the Rockford Art Museum Permanent Collection.
The current exhibit represents one gift in its entirety: 31 works of art
by 14 contemporary artists and highlights new and returning artists
to the collection, including Eric Bellis and Matt Lamb.
Eric Bellis (British, b. 1946) was born near Liverpool and has
worked as a professional artist since the early 1970s. Currently
residing in London, he is represented by many galleries throughout
the U.K. and U.S., including Thomas Masters Gallery, Chicago,
and Yard Dog Gallery, Austin, Texas. His work has been exhibited
at several museums and galleries in the U.K., including the Royal
Academy in London.
Bellis also writes, records and performs music—both as a solo
artist and as a longtime member of Brit band The Mekons—under
the pseudonym Rico Bell. Formed in the late 1970s, the band has
produced numerous albums of well-regarded music and continues
to record and tour. Bellis and other members of the band have also
worked collaboratively on a number of visual and performance
art projects; highlights include Theater Project for a Rock Band,
a collaboration with conceptual artist Vito Acconci at the DIA
Center, New York; and Pussy, King of the Pirates, a performance
piece and CD in collaboration with the late author Kathy Acker,
which was presented not only in London but also at the Museum of
Contemporary Art Chicago and Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle.
Seven paintings in this gift are by Chicago artist and peace activist
Matt Lamb (American, 1932–2012). Ceremony (Indian Landscape),
already part of the RAM Permanent Collection, accompanies these
new works – and should look familiar to many members, as it was
the catalogue cover image for the 1997 RAM exhibition Matt Lamb:
Obsessive Spirit, and is featured in the commemorative centennial
book RAM 100: Rockford Art Museum, 1913–2013.
These paintings continue Lamb’s investigation into a childlike
predisposition to approaching spirituality. Whether facing issues
of joy, resurrection or sorrow, the artist’s expressive marks create
a brooding and literally thick palette of color on the surface of the
canvas. Simple organic shapes pulsate in and out of recognition,
revealing faces, creatures and adornment.
Also featured in this exhibit are works by Michael Abraham, Mark
Chatterley, Julie Heffernan, Laurie Hogin, Steven Hudson, Geraldine
Javier, Sherry Karver, Vera Klement, Lorna Marsh, Herbert Murrie,
Jackie Tileston and Caleb Weintraub. NEW @ RAM remains on view
through Sunday, Oct. 26.
THE CURRENT EXHIBIT REPRESENTS ONE GIFT IN ITS ENTIRETY: 31 WORKS OF ART BY 14 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS.
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION
TRADICIONES
OCT 10, 2014–FEB 1, 2015 | RAM FUNDERBURG + KULLER GALLERIES
sponsored by Dean Alan Olson Foundation
MEMBERS PREVIEW | FRI, OCT 10
5–6 PM | GALLERY WALK
6–7:30 PM | RECEPTION
PUBLIC OPENING | SAT, OCT 11
10 AM–5 PM | FREE ADMISSION
Tradiciones examines thought-provoking
cultural traditions that celebrate the
beauty in life and death. Featured are
paintings, installations and film by a
select group of Latino artists, including
Javier Chavira, Maria Tomasula, Marcos
Raya and Carlos Rolón / Dzine, plus
filmmakers Brian Ashby, Emmanual
Camacho and Gabriela Fernandez.
by the duality of his rich Puerto Rican
heritage and first-generation immigrant
upbringing.
Also featured is award-winning
documentary “Botanicas de la Villita”
by filmmakers Brian Ashby, Emmanual
Camacho and Gabriela Fernandez.
Botanicas (literal translation: “botany
stores”) can be found in Hispanic and
Caribbean communities in cities across
the United States. Most botanicas purvey
goods and services including herbal
and folk medicines, religious items and
holistic health advice, while a smaller
subset offer spiritual procedures such
as cleansing or spell-casting. In Chicago,
more than a dozen botanicas can be
found operating along or near 26th Street
from Kedzie to Kostner in Little Village,
the heart of the city’s Mexican immigrant
community.
Organized by Rockford Art Museum, curated
by RAM Curator Carrie Johnson. This exhibition
and its related educational programming are
sponsored by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation
and partially supported by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council Agency. All RAM education
programs are supported in part by Women’s Art
Board.
Javier Chavira draws on traditional
Mexican sources of imagery influenced
by his Catholic upbringing – the iconic
depictions of saints that adorned his
childhood home resonate through his
powerful portraits of humanitarian and
political activists.
The stunning paintings of RAM Collection
artist Maria Tomasula are reminiscent of
17th century vanitas. Rich jewel tones,
pulpy fruits and gem-encrusted crowns
give her paintings a luxurious beauty
while her use of symbolic references
captures an undertone of religion that
heralds back to her childhood, where she
was raised in a working class immigrant
Latino neighborhood in South Chicago.
Marcos Raya, often called “The Outlaw
Artist of 18th Street,” delves into the
dark psychological experiences from his
upbringing in Mexico and later in “the
nightmares of barrio existence.” Gritty,
political and deeply personal, Raya
creates an on-site installation that reflects
the obstacles, loneliness and turmoil of
life in the barrio.
Created as the focal point of his Ghost
Bike Project, Carlos Rolón / Dzine
uses ghost bikes in a site-specific
installation to explore universal themes
of grief,memory, love and loss. This
towering sculpture serves as a symbolic
metaphor—and collective memorial—
for the lives of those we have loved
and lost. His work is heavily influenced
Javier Chavira, Queen of Hearts, 2005. Courtesy of the artist
ABREO COMMUNITY NIGHT
FOR THE GHOST BIKE PROJECT
TUE, OCT 7 | 5 PM
515 E STATE ST, ROCKFORD
To help raise funds for the Ghost Bike
Project Abreo restaurant chose RAM
for its Oct. 7 Community Night – $1 of
each item sold will be donated to the
project. Come join us for a fun night!
COLLECTION EXHIBITION EDUCATION
CAMP COLLAGE
RAM, Discovery Center and Rockford Dance Company hosted
Camp Collage in July, two free weeklong camps for about 75
3rd–5th graders in RPS District 205. Thank you to Bunny and
John Schmidt for their sponsorship of this exciting program!
TRADICIONES TEACHER WORKSHOP
WED, OCT 29 | 4:30–6:30 PM
FREE FOR TEACHERS, TO REGISTER
CALL 815.972.2874
This after-hours even gives teachers a special overview of the
newest exhibition. The workshop includes a private, docent-led
tour of Tradiciones, hands-on activity that corresponds to the
exhibition, and take-home packet with supplemental materials
for classroom use. Space limited, registration required.
PORTFOLIO DAY
RAM PORTFOLIO DAY
MON, NOV 10 | 10 AM–1 PM, FREE
High school and college students can learn about degree
programs and career opportunities in the visual, graphic and
performing arts at this free event, the only one of its kind in
Rockford region. Admissions representatives from several
universities and colleges across the Midwest will be at RAM
for this annual arts college fair. No registration required.
Past participants include:
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Columbia College Chicago
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Rock Valley College
Rockford College
Bradley University
Elmhurst College
Iowa State University
Millikin University
TRADICIONES
ADULT PROGRAMMING
TRADICIONES LECTURE SERIES
CORK + CANVAS | THU, OCT 30, 7 PM
BRIAN ASHBY & EMMANUEL CAMACHO | THU, NOV 20, 7 PM
ERIC FUERTES | WED, DEC 10, 7 PM
NO BOUNDARIES: ARTS DAY
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
SAT, NOV 15 | 12–4 PM, ALL AGES (FREE)
FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY “A CHANCE TO DANCE”
RAM presents No Boundaries, an exciting day of fine arts
experiences for people with disabilities. This family program
features a special performance by A Chance to Dance; hands-on
art activities; dance workshops; and other fun stations designed
for visitors of all ages and abilities. Partners include Rockford
Dance Company and Rockford Park District.
ADULT RVC CLASSES | rockfordartmuseum.org/adult_RVC
WHIZ KIDS CLASSES | rockfordartmuseum.org/whiz_kids_RVC
CHILDREN’S
CLASSES
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM
TRADICIONES
CHILDREN’S CLASSES
FEELING LIKE FRIDA
SAT, OCT 18 | 2–4 PM, AGES 6+, $8
Frida Kahlo created many self-portraits at different times in her
life, from childhood to adulthood. Learn about the stories behind
her art, her accident that inspired most of her work, and how she
used art to heal and express herself. Paint your own self-portrait
and then create a bright, bold Frida-inspired pendant
and necklace to wear.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
SAT, NOV 1 | 1–4 PM, ALL AGES
Presented by Rockford Art Museum, Discovery Center Museum,
Rockford Dance Company, Burpee Museum of Natural History
and La Voz Latina
Food, fun, dancing, crafts – activities for the entire family! Dia de
los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a family celebration, full of rich
traditions that honor the cycle of life and death. Includes half-off
admission to participating museums.
HEAVY METALS
SAT, DEC 13 | 2–4 PM, AGES 6+, $8
You don’t have to listen to heavy metal to have fun in this class!
For generations, Mexican artists have been creating bright and
bold artwork out of metal. Learn the art of Mexican metal tooling
and create a piece of your every own, adding embellishments
such as papier-mâché, paints and markers.
ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED, TO REGISTER CALL 815.972.2874
SPONSORED IN PART BY WOMEN’S ART BOARD
FALL 2014 STUDIO ARTIST CLASSES
OCT 7–NOV 6 | TUE, WED, THU
NOV 11–DEC 11 | TUE, WED, THU
TO REGISTER CALL STACEY, 815.972.2874
Studio Artist Classes at RAM, led by local artist Jasmina
Jovanovic, offer the adult artist an opportunity to paint in a studio
atmosphere. Individual instruction is offered for all levels of
experience, from beginning to advanced students. Media taught
include acrylic, charcoal, oil, pastel, pencil, and watercolor.
Subject matter includes animals, architecture, landscapes,
portraiture, and still-life. There are six classes, two hours in
length. Each class is limited to 10 participants and fills quickly.
MUSEUM EVENTS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
ART IN THE GARDEN
The tenth annual summer fundraising gala was held Aug. 2 at La
Paloma Gardens with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Proceeds
support Rockford Art Museum throughout the year. Many thanks
for a magical evening down the rabbit hole to Chair Shelly Green
and Honorary Chair Karen Harding; Premier Sponsors Lon and
Dick Behr, Sharyn and Joe Castrogiovanni, Karen Vaughn Harding;
Supporting Sponsors Alpine Bank, Mary Jo and Milt Brown, Jewell
Events Catering; and Contributing Sponsors Periodontics of
Rockford Ltd. and Napleton.
RAM OKTOBERFEST @ PEARL
OCT 5 | 11 AM–5 PM, $5
6876 SPRING CREEK RD, ROCKFORD
Celebrate the fall season with German and Austrian culinary
treats by Chef Josef Schwaiger, plus German music,
beer – and great raffle prizes. Presented by Pearl Bistro,
ticket proceeds support RAM. MORE INFO CALL PEARL,
815.654.3400
BARBARA RINELLA LUNCHEON
OCT 15 | 11 AM, $45
GIOVANNI’S, 610 N BELL SCHOOL RD, ROCKFORD
NORMA POLCEK, EVENT CHAIR
CINDY LUTHER, WOMEN’S ART BOARD PRESIDENT
The 2014 Women’s Art
Board Luncheon features a
one-woman performance
by Barbara Rinella as
Madame Nhu, based on
Finding the Dragon Lady:
The Mystery of Vietnam’s
Madame Nhu by Monique
R I N E L L A
Brinson Demery. The
annual event includes
a silent auction, raffle, gift shop and book sale. Sponsored
by BMO Private Bank and the Women’s Center of Rockford
Health System, proceeds support RAM education programs.
Seats limited, reservations required. TICKET INFO CALL RAM,
815.968.2787
WED, OCT 15, 2014
GIOVANNI’S RESTAURANT
610 NORTH BELL SCHOOL RD
ROCKFORD, IL 61107
PRESENTED BY
WOMEN’S ART BOARD OF
ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM
$45 PER PERSON
DOORS AND AUCTION OPEN | 11 AM
LUNCHEON AND NHU | 12 PM
SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLE,
GIFT SHOP, BOOKS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Barbara Rinella performs Madame Nhu from Finding the Dragon Lady: The Mystery of Vietnam’s Madame Nhu by Monique Brinson Demery
ART IN THE GARDEN 2014 CHAIR SHELLY GREEN (CENTER) WITH CHERYL BISCHOFF AND GLORIA
PERNACCIARO
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR
The 66th Greenwich Village Art Fair was held Sept. 13–14, with
more than 150 artists, many musicians and vendors, and thousands
of visitors. Ticket proceeds support RAM exhibitions, education
programs and more. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Alpine
Bank; Premier Sponsors The Blazer Foundation, Dean Alan Olson
Foundation and The Rock River Times; Chairman Scott Prine
and the event committee who work around the year to continue
this tradition; and to the hundreds of volunteers throughout the
weekend. Mark your calendars for next year: Sept. 19–20, 2015!
RAM SHOPPING EVENT @ B JONES
NOV 13 | 10 AM–6 PM
1655 N ALPINE RD, ROCKFORD
Support Rockford Art Museum when you shop at B Jones on
Nov. 13 – a portion of purchase proceeds benefit RAM. MORE
INFO CALL B JONES, 815.397.8135
EVERGREEN BALL XXVI
DEC 6 | 6 PM, $200
SAVE THE DATE–DEC 6,2014
The stunning works
of art on view in
Tradiciones make a
dramatic backdrop
for this annual affair.
Features dining
by Chef Philippe Forcioli;
music and dancing;
plus silent, live
and wine auctions.
Presented by FRIENDS
of Rockford Art
Museum, proceeds
support RAM. Seats
limited, reservations
required. TICKET OR
SPONSOR INFO
CALL RAM,
815.968.2787.
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR CHAIRMAN SCOTT PRINE, 2014 JUDGE JUAN FERNANDEZ, 2014
BEST OF SHOW RICK CORTEZ, GVAF ARTIST COORDINATOR PAUL COLOMBI AND RAM CURATOR
CARRIE JOHNSON (INSET CORTEZ DETAIL)
EvErgrEEn Ball XXvI
Infusion of Celebration and Tradition
RAM 100:
ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM,
1913–2013
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM
711 N. MAIN STREET
ROCKFORD, IL 61103
Non–Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Rockford, IL
Permit No. 1652
This commemorative
book tells the story of
the museum and its
collection, and includes 140 full-color
plates of selected
works from the RAM
Permanent Collection.
Available in the
RAM Store - $48
For more information
call 815.972.2865
LOCATION
RAM is located inside Riverfront Museum Park
at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, seven miles from I-90 (Business 20 Exit).
All exhibitions and events are wheelchair and
stroller accessible. Free parking.
STAY WARM IN STYLE WITH GIFTS FROM
ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM STORE
HOURS
open daily, 10 am–5 pm
ADMISSION
Adults: $7 | Students and Seniors: $3
RAM members and children under 12: FREE
Group Rate (10+): $2 per person
Free Day: Tuesday (group rates apply)
CONTACT
Office: 815.968.2787
Store: 815.972.2865
staff@rockfordartmuseum.org
COMMUNITY NIGHT AT ABREO
OCT 7
TRADICIONES
OCT 10–FEB 1
BARBARA RINELLA LUNCHEON
OCT 15
BARTENDER NIGHT @ PEARL
OCT 28
NO BOUNDARIES:
ARTS DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
NOV 15
EVERGREEN BALL XXVI
DEC 6
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG/CALENDAR
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM.ORG
Knit Handwarmers and Braided Cowl Scarf — GlissKnits
Glazed Ceramic Mug — Nanten Pottery
Tins of Loose Leaf Tea — Chai Town Tea
Barbier Journal Set
ROCKFORDARTMUSEUM
STORE
Featured items available at the ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM STORE.
Order by phone: 815.972.2865. Proceeds support RAM exhibitions and programs.