Local artists showcase work at Bloomingdale Park District Museum
The Bloomingdale Park District Museum will showcase some of the best artwork by local artists in its juried mixed media show titled “Here, There — Anywhere!”
The show features works chosen from competition that was open to anyone who wished to submit. It opens Saturday, Sept. 14, and continues through Oct. 19 at the museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road.
When asked about the criteria for selecting pieces for the exhibit, the show’s judge, artist John A. Cather of Carol Stream, said, “I pick what I like.”
One artist whose work Cather liked is Todd A. Sherlock.
Sherlock has worked his entire life in the art world, beginning his career working in art galleries from Michigan Avenue to Oak Brook. Most recently he managed a gallery in Sedona, Ariz., the mecca of the Southwest art world, where he photographed scenes from the region.
Sherlock shot “Layers of Sedona,” an image of trees and layers of red rock on a rare day of snow, and screenprinted the image on metal.
“Printing on metal is a new process, very lightweight and you don’t have to frame it,” Sherlock said.
Sherlock’s second submission, “Website,” is an image of an intricate spider web he spotted while walking through Garven Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark.
Now semiretired, Sherlock took up photography about four years ago and especially enjoys showing at the Bloomingdale Museum.
“It’s a great venue,” he said. “I also brought in my friends to submit.”
St. Charles resident Rupali Kumbhani, originally from Mumbai, India, also will have work in the show. Employed as a business manager, Kumbhani has been learning art from the age of 5. Photography and mixed media are two of her passions, but for this show, Kumbhani submitted works in oil and oil pastels.
For her subjects, Kumbhani recalls images from places visited and adds a dash of imagination.
“Fun at Traverse City” was inspired by a sunset she enjoyed while sipping a martini. In her “Grand Canyon” painting, Kumbhani depicts her husband hiking, fascinated by his surroundings. “Fall Leaves” is her largest painting and incorporates actual leaves to make this her mixed-media submission.
Angelo Campagnolo of Elmhurst chose watercolors to depict fish in his paintings “Kois” and “Quiet Fish.” Campagnolo describes watercolor as “a very delicate medium for the fish.” He also uses watercolor to striking effect in streetscapes such as “Chinatown-Chicago.”
Campagnolo’s lifelong career also has revolved around art. After finishing his studies at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, he became a graphic designer and commercial artist, working for a small agency.
Campagnolo continues to paint in retirement and says, “I always loved to do art shows and tried to do it as much as possible.”
Campagnolo is a member of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, Addison Artists’ Guild, the DuPage League of Artists, and a signature member of the Illinois Watercolor Society. Campagnolo said he’s been painting for so long it just comes naturally.
“My biggest thrill is when people like it, accept it and buy it,” he said.
Awards will be announced for Best of Show, first place and runner-up winners at the show’s free reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.
The museum also will offer a drop-in art project for children to create a free art project in conjunction with the show on some Saturdays.
If you go
What: Here, There Anywhere! mixed media art show
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 14 to Oct. 19; free reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road
Cost: $1 for residents, $2 for others, 50 cents for seniors 62 and older and children 12 and younger
Info: (630) 539-3096 or bpdmuseum@bloomingdaleparks.org