Local artists reunite in 'Artoberfest' at Gallery 200

Homecoming is traditionally a fall right of passage that finds alumni rekindling old friendships and reminiscing about days gone by. In keeping with that tradition, Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago, has invited former members to reunite as the Featured Artists during Artoberfest, a month-long schedule of cultural opportunities for residents and visitors in the downtown historic district.

Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission and was established in 2005. Participating in this year's Artoberfest are several of the founding members of the artists' cooperative along with one former member of the Cultural Arts Commission, including:

• Uwe Gsedl - photography

• Mary Nancy Hannah - oil pastel and watercolor paintings

• Barbara Holme - oil pastel

• Marianne King - watercolor paintings

• Judith Laczo - soft pastels

• Kristine Marie Miller - monotype

• Sylvia Mosier - acrylic paintings

• Jeannette Marie Rehmel - oil pastel and watercolor paintings

• Ken Tinnes - watercolor paintings

• Nancy Voss - oil paintings

• Phil Weibler - Photography

• And others

A free Opening Reception on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Gallery will include light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. Member artist and musician Richard Byrne will provide entertainment.

In addition to two and three dimensional art, performing arts are also thriving at Gallery 200 with Local Music Night and Gallery Theater. A renovation to the lower level of the Gallery building in 2010 opened space for entertainment as well as classroom and workshop areas. Gallery 200/STUDIO is accessed from the rear of the building at 203 Turner Court and is handicap accessible.

Local Music Night debuted in October 2009 and continues to build momentum with capacity crowds and a growing list of local and regional artists performing live music in a variety of genres. On October 21, 2011 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Laurie Schaefer, an original Local Music Night performer, returns along with Beth Carlson and Dustin & Colleen Huckstep.

Gallery Theater debuted in the fall of 2010 and continues a full season of performances during Artoberfest with "Test of Wills," an interactive mystery where the audience decides the guilty party. Appropriately planned for the month of Halloween, the cast will play out scenes with twists and turns and the audience may even have an opportunity to interrogate the actors. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on October 28 and 29, 2011. Reservations may be made via email at gallerytheater@gmail.com or by calling (630) 639-0594.

Artist and Gallery 200 administrator Heide Morris has two seasonally themed classes scheduled during Artoberfest. Known as a former art teacher in the West Chicago schools, Morris offers instruction in varied media throughout the year. In time for Halloween, persons can register for a two-part clay class, creating a "Little Ghost" on October 1, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The final glazing of the fired piece takes place on October 15, 2011. The always popular "Little Pumpkin" class is on October 22, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Students create a pumpkin from red clay which will be completed in time for the Thanksgiving season.

Social art groups continue meeting throughout Artoberfest. The Underground Art Club meets on Monday evenings at Gallery 200/STUDIO from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., bringing their own easels and projects to hone their skills and share personal art experiences. The club also coordinates different guest artists in a variety of media to share their talents with member artists.

For those who prefer fiber art, Thursday evenings are Knit Night at Gallery 200 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. People are invited to enjoy a relaxing evening while working on their own knit or crochet project in a social atmosphere. There is no membership fee and all skill levels are welcome.

For additional information, to register for a class or to view a full schedule of events for Artoberfest, visit www.gallery200.org or call the Gallery at (630) 293-9550.

Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, and is one more reason West Chicago was named an Illinois Arts Friendly Community. Gallery 200 is open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.