This mixed media work called "Organ Donor" by John Rakow will be on display this month throughout Gallery 200's Artoberfest in West Chicago.
Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer
While the rest of West Chicago celebrates October with downtown trick-or-treating and graveyard tours, art lovers will spend the month visiting Gallery 200 to revel in "Artoberfest."
The annual art celebration includes exhibits of works by members of Gallery 200, located in downtown West Chicago at 200 Main St., as well as pieces by other area artists. It also features classes throughout the month, including glass painting, necklace beading, pencil sketching and clay sculpting.
The gallery celebrated the opening of Artoberfest earlier this month on Friday, Oct. 3 with a reception. The event also marked Gallery 200's third anniversary, after it was launched in December 2005 as a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the Cultural Arts Commission. Today, the gallery has grown to a membership of more than 30 artists.
Artoberfest is still open to all artists interested in exhibiting their work. The fee is $5 for anyone who is not a member of Gallery 200. For details, and a complete schedule of Artoberfest classes and fees, visit westchicago.org under the Downtown link, or call (630) 293-9550.
- Elisabeth Mistretta
During a reception for Artoberfest at Gallery 200 in West Chicago, Jerry Landerholm of Lombard and Joanne Kalchbrenner of West Chicago admire a print of a dahlia by Marge Hall of West Chicago. Landerholm, who has 300 dahlia plants in his garden and is a member of the Central States Dahlia Society, says dahlias are traditionally known as a "man's flower" because of they're robust and fun to grow. Kalchbrenner is a member of the Gallery 200.
Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer
Gallery 200 member Sue Weibler, left, and Shannon Thompson helped organize the gallery's third anniversary celebration and opening reception for Artoberfest. The fest continues throughout October with exhibits and art classes.
Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer
Gallery 200 in West Chicago is celebrating Artoberfest this month, with exhibits by gallery members and other local artists.
Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer
To kick off its annual Artoberfest, and to celebrate its third anniversary in West Chicago, Gallery 200 hosted a reception Oct. 3. Pat and John Cather of Glen Ellyn visited the event and checked out this work in fiber by Sharon Malec called "Chick-a-Dee Dee Dee."
Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer