'Native Soul' art exhibit opens Oct. 18 in Waukegan

"Native Soul," artwork by Bob Nonnemacher, will open Saturday, Oct. 18, at Dandelion Gallery, 109 S. Genesee St., Waukegan. The opening reception is from 5-9 p.m. during the monthly ArtWauk in downtown Waukegan.

Nonnemacher's art reflects his deeply held belief in the importance of the Native American culture, as well as the treatment they have received over the centuries. He works predominantly in watercolor and colored pencil. Some pieces are in acrylics.

"As an artist, I feel compelled to do what I can, through my art, to counteract the grossly negative slant Native American cultures have endured over many decades," Nonnemacher said.

"In each of my portraits, I aspire to depict my chosen subject in an extremely dignified manner without stereotype. My goal is to remind the viewer that the dominant 'white culture' tried to drastically or violently change or take something away from the person I have painted, often with much success and at a significant cost and loss.

"I want to show the resonant and eloquent beauty of my subject's cultural heritage, their respectful individual disposition, and their strong spirituality, in order to help establish a truer history and identity for them.

"At first I chose my subjects simply by the character I found in their faces. As my interest grew, I considered other factors, such as their positions in their tribe or the importance of what they had to say about their culture or the coexistence of Whites and Indians.

"With each painting, my respect grows in regards to the character of the subject and the cultural depth of their people. I'm looking forward to my work evolving through each discovery."

"Native Soul" will be on exhibit until Friday, Nov. 7. Dandelion Gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. For information, contact Bob Nonnemacher at wherehawskfly@comcast.net or (847) 648-1011, or visit www.bobnonnemacher.com.