Side Street Studio Arts opens 'Father' exhibit June 2
The gallery at Side Street Studio Arts presents a monthlong exhibition entitled "Father," featuring work inspired by artists' fathers. The exhibition runs June 2-25, with an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 2, at the gallery, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin. The event is free and open to the public.
"Father" will include work from a variety of area artists, including Dian Sourelis of Chicago and Frances Hernandez and Chris Palm, both of Elgin. The featured artist will be Michael McCaffery, an artist-in-residence at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
"Co-founder Erin Rehberg and I stumbled upon Michael's work on display in Greensburg, Kansas during a cross-county road trip," said Side Street co-founder Tanner Melvin. "We were immediately taken by not only the very personal subject matter, primarily of his father, but also the size of some of the larger works, which are up to 12 feet across. We bought a piece and immediately got in touch with Michael in order to get his work to Elgin as soon as possible. We are so excited to share a variety of his works in 'Father'."
In his artist statement, Michael McCaffery states: "Nearly two years ago I returned home to the house where I grew up. Since that time I have been creating paintings, drawings and photographs of my 75-year-old father; for a much longer time, I have been documenting the glacially slow change in his environment. I have observed, over time, subtle yet significant changes in how he uses and interacts with his space. I derive these portraits from a close study of a habitat and inhabitant. My father is creating priorities necessitated by age. I have watched certain parts of the house deteriorate, aging as he has aged, while other parts (blessed by his affection, need, and creativity) have undergone a renaissance. Returning home has spurred growth and necessitated a more representational shift in my work. My recent work strives to balance perceived form with painterly invention developed during the painting process. My color has changed from bright synthetic hues representative of computer monitors to the neutrals that I associate more frequently with Kansas, my father and his home. I hope to capture the truth of my father as he is now because has my father is fond of saying 'The truth is the truth changes'."
Side Street Studio Arts was founded by Melvin and Rehberg in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene. Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Roberto Martinez, Melvin and Rehberg, it provides educational and creative resources and an accessible space, run by artists. Its mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.
Side Street Studio Arts' summer gallery hours are: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; or by appointment.
For information, contact Side Street Studio Arts at (847) 429-2276 or visit www.SideStreetStudioArts.org.
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