YMCA Community Galleries Display Watercolors by Gail Basner and Juliana Velasco
The North Suburban YMCA welcomes back local artist Gail Basner as she displays her watercolors of scenes from around Chicago in the Y's Community Gallery. The public is invited to a reception for her show on Sunday, November 3rd from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Y, located at 2705 Techny Rd. in Northbrook. A wide selection of her watercolors depicting Chicago landmarks and other subjects is available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting Visual Arts programs at the Y.
Gail Basner is a native of the Chicago area and was born and raised in a family of artisans. She attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago as a child and majored in art throughout her formal education. After retirement in 1997, she has thrown herself into her passion for watercolors. Her Chicago series includes nearly forty famous and favorite landmarks that highlight the beauty of the city and demonstrate why it is a special place to live and visit. Her love of children, animals, and architecture is captured in her paintings, and her commissioned portraits of families, pets, homes, and businesses are in many private collections.
In the Y's Lower Level Community Gallery case, Brazilian-born artist Juliana C. Velasco displays her vibrant paintings of scenes from nature. She currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska, is the co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities, and a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at University of South Florida. At the age of 7 Juliana's life changed forever when she became an amputee as result of an automobile accident. It was through art therapy that she began creating work with acrylics, watercolors, and fabric. Her love of life, nature and the outdoors are reflected in her vibrant and colorful work.
The North Suburban YMCA's Community Gallery supports the local arts community by presenting free public exhibitions of work by artists from the northern suburbs. The Y also offers a wide variety of art classes and studio space available to all ages. For more information, visit NSYMCA.org.
About the North Suburban YMCA
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.