See how 'Art Works' in unique Geneva setting
See art exhibited in a unique setting Friday night and Saturday at "Art Works" at the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St. The event kicks off with a reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16, followed by the exhibition from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17.
Presented by the Greater Geneva Art Guild, the free event highlights local artists and their creativity while celebrating Geneva's support of the cultural arts in the community. Artists of all mediums will be presenting and selling their art, which will include acrylic, oils, watercolors, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and live music.
Artists will exhibit in the Public Works garage, setting the exhibit against a rugged backdrop.
Although "Art Works" is a play on words that pays homage to the event location, it has a deeper meaning, said Pat Bouvat, art guild publicity chair.
"Art works in every facet of your life - from the design of your car to the painting over your sofa," said Bouvat, a painter and photographer.
"We cannot get through our day without benefiting from the fact that artists are responsible for all the great design and artwork that we enjoy each and every day. Art works hard to make our lives better, richer, more beautiful, more meaningful."
At the Friday evening opening reception, guests can browse the exhibit, meet the artists, purchase original art, watch artists at work, notice the many art mediums represented, enjoy refreshments and live music, Bouvat said. "It's a party."
Festivities aside, Art Works is an outreach event. The guild aims to educate the community on the diversity of artistic talent in Geneva and surrounding areas, said guild President Lorraine Ochsner. Exhibiting members will show how their art is made, and answer questions about their work and creative process.
"Art enriches our lives: It allows the artist to communicate with us through their creations," she said.
A watercolor painter, Ochsner is looking forward to demonstrating her technique to visitors.
"I'd like to show that watercolor is not difficult, and is a fun medium," she said.
That interaction between artists and community members is an important focus of the event, said mixed media artist Lynette Dubovik.
"There is nothing better than sharing my art with the community," she said.
Dubovik enjoys speaking to residents about art, and welcomes the opportunity to teach and learn from each other.
"The world is a competitive place but the art guild is built upon the exact opposite," she said. "We help each other as artists of all levels and all mediums as well. It is a lot of fun to share this with the community."
"Geneva is thriving with many talented and curative artists and Art Works is good to give them a place to display their work," said photographer Barbara Mueller.
The event may even inspire someone to develop an artistic talent and join the Greater Geneva Art Guild, she added.
This fall art event replaces the art guild's previous fall studio tour, Bouvat noted. The guild had planned an outdoor community art event the last weekend in May, however, inclement weather forced a last-minute cancellation.
"It was a disappointment," she said, "but artists are pragmatic. Artists move on."
The much-anticipated spring event brought visitors to Geneva from all over the suburbs, so the cancellation was not a complete loss, Bouvat noted.
"Many art fans who drove to Geneva stayed on to explore our town, and they will return again when they learn about Art Works."
If you go
What: "Art Works" exhibit presented by the Greater Geneva Art Guild
When: Opening reception 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; exhibition 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St., Geneva
Admission: Free
Featuring: Original art on display and for sale, artist demonstrations, live music
Details: <a href="http://www.genevaartguild.com">www.genevaartguild.com</a>