Blue Moon Gallery features new art from Zion artist Michael Litewski in 'Going Home' collection opening July 25
Blue Moon Gallery plans to open from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 25, with four art exhibits featuring local and regional artists , including Michael Litewski, a Zion-based mixed media artist who is presenting 14 works in a new collection titled “Going Home & Other Places.”
Litewski's current collection of work was created over the last several years and includes several pieces created during the coronavirus quarantine. The exhibit examines the emotionality of concepts such as “house” and “home” as well as the effects of current world events on family and society.
Litewski integrates a variety of mediums in his work including acrylic, watercolor, graphite, wood, plastic, and paper. He is also known for his use of universal symbolism. Litewski is not only an artist but also a master craftsman working with wood. The results are paintings and mixed media assemblages meticulously created and superbly framed.
“There is nothing more important than the sanctity of our house and home, our family, and our society as a whole," Kendra Kett, director of Blue Moon Gallery, said. "We are deeply honored to show Michael Litewski's artwork and its timely and urgent commentary at the gallery.”
In addition, Blue Moon is showcasing batik work by Michael McConville, one of Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin's few artists working in this centuries-old Indonesian medium which involves applying wax to cloth and then dying the cloth so that the waxed portions resist the dye. McConville is presenting 13 color-saturated batiks featuring botanical beauties in an exhibit called “Blooming.”
“We are thrilled to have a batik artist at the gallery not only because Michael is playing such a strong role in bringing batik to our geography but also because his work is highly aesthetic, dense with enlivening color, and provides a strong connection to nature for the viewer. Everyone should have a McConville batik in their home,” Kett said.
Abstract paintings by David Hinske of Evanston are also on display. Hinske's rich monochromatic, topographical, deeply textured paintings are dramatic yet serene. His favorite presentation is the square format. Hinske has shown his works throughout Santa Fe, Taos, Nashville, and Chicago.
Photo-based artist Mary Neely is presenting her latest works inspired by daily life as a resident of Waukegan, which has a thriving arts community, a beautiful Lake Michigan lake front and marina, and a plethora of historic sites. Neely is a frequent juror, instructor and presenter. She has shown her photography throughout the Midwest and is a Lake County favorite.
The gallery will be open to the public from 6-9 p.m. July 25 and from 1-4 p.m. July 26, as well as from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays thereafter. In keeping with Restore Illinois COVID-19 guidelines, all visitors and staff must wear a mask at the gallery, social distancing will be required and the group size may not exceed 10. For details and updates visit the Blue Moon Gallery Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/bluemoongallery
Blue Moon Gallery is at 18620 Belvidere Road, Grayslake. All events are free and open to the public.