New Barrington group hopes to demystify artistic process

Two years after the Barrington Area Arts Council folded, a new and different arts organization is rising up.

The Barrington Community Arts Center is the brainchild of Susan Russo, who wants it to demystify the creative process of the artist.

This will be demonstrated at the group's inaugural event, Art in the Park, scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. May 24 at the Barrington's Citizens Park.

At least a dozen artists of various disciplines will demonstrate and explain their craft in 15- to 20-minute sessions.

Russo herself is a stained glass artist and will have examples of her art at four stages of creation to show how she works on a piece from beginning to end.

Other demos involve poetry reading, short story writing, painting and the stage actor's use of voice. More artists are being sought, with the reminder that the primary purpose of the event is to demonstrate, not sell, one's work.

Russo said people can learn art at any age, though it can be more difficult to try something new after childhood. But she cites of a nurse who didn't believe she had an artistic bone in her body who became an accomplished ceramics artist within two or three years.

The group hopes to have a permanent home one day, but in the meantime plans to use space at the Barrington Park District's soon-to-be expanded recreation building at Langendorf Park next year.

Russo said she'd eventually like to relocate somewhere in downtown Barrington, perhaps in part of the village-owned Robertson building across from Jewel Foods.

Village President Karen Darch said the community is seeking to identify the best use of that building, quite possibly as a cultural forum, but all options remain on the table.

For more information about the community arts group or its upcoming event, call (847) 347-2931.