Orleans Street Gallery to present contemporary Madonna

The Orleans Street Gallery at Pheasant Run Resort is presenting an exhibit with a religious theme, appropriately beginning the day before Easter and running through Mother's Day.

"Picturing Mary: Contemporary Images of the Madonna" opens Saturday and runs through May 24. The group exhibition featuring 24 Chicago area artists will feature new interpretations of the Virgin Mary through painting, photography and mixed media.

Curator Ruth Nelson of Downers Grove believes the exhibit goes beyond traditional representations of the Virgin Mary, and crosses cultural boundaries.

"I wanted to offer artists a religious theme," said Nelson, who has a master's degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Chicago. "But artists are confused by the term 'Madonna' because it has been degraded. I put out a call for entries online and I got material that was almost pornographic.

"I wanted work that would honor Mary, but in an edgy, contemporary way," Nelson added. "There were artists who nailed it. I think there are a lot of artists who want to paint religious themes, but there aren't many outlets for this today."

Nelson said that Catholics honor Mary during the month of May, when the secular world also celebrates Mother's Day.

"The exhibit runs through Mother's Day. I also wanted to celebrate motherhood, although I'm not a mother myself," Nelson said.

Because Saturday is the day before Easter, the opening reception was postponed. It will be from 6 to 9 p.m. March 29. Orleans Street Gallery is in the Bourbon Street section of Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles.

Gallery hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

For information, contact Gallery Director Anni Holm at art@orleansStreetGallery.com or (630) 524-5048.

Dealing with grief

The St. Patrick Bereavement Ministry is sponsoring "Grief Journey," a six-session, support program for those who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Sessions are at 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning April 22 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles. People of all faiths are welcome.

The program includes information on what to expect during the grieving process, and provides the opportunity to share with others.

For more information, call Victoria Naughton, RN, at (630) 584-5122.

ngier@dailyherald.com