The fotoMuses present '#ISM,' a photo exhibition

The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, reveal their newest exhibit, "#ISM," now through Sept. 25 at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court. A complimentary reception will be 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Herb Aigner Gallery.

Inspired by the workings of 19th-century artists, the group brings focus to five painterly artistic styles: Realism, Abstractionism, Surrealism, Impressionism and Pointillism.

Together they bring a creative photographic interpretation with unique compositions showcasing the individuality of each artist; through the medium of photography.

Exhibit coordinators Anne Frantzen and Joan Trushin of West Chicago realized their similar interest when choosing this theme. Both enjoy visits to the Art Institute to view their favorites.

"We chose this theme to emulate the painterly styles of various artists," Frantzen said.

Frantzen explained, "The theme was initially based on the classical 19th-century French painters who expressed their creativity through Impressionism and Pointillism, such as Monet and Seurat."

Trushin added her favorite to the mix with Renoir's impressionistic, "Two Sisters (on the Terrace)." From that basis, the two broadened the theme to include other styles in order to stay true to their photography roots.

The catch-all title, "#ISM," represents the photographers' choices of artistic styles offered in this exhibit, which allowed members to use their imagination along a wide spectrum extending from a realistic "straight-from-the-camera" standpoint to a completely abstract view.

Frantzen added, "The pieces in this exhibit have gone far beyond our imagination with creativity!"

The fotoMuses, a group of women who share a love of photography, display their photos in a creative, professional way. The group is currently made up of 13 women, most of whom met while discovering their creative sides together through the photography program at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

Additional fotoMuses members include Joanne Barsanti and Judy Kinal of Roselle, Marita Blanken and Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Delta Greene of Chicago, Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park, Cheryl Rausch of Lombard, Marje Reichart of St. Charles, and Barb Work of Wheaton.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and on select evenings and weekends.

For more information, call (847) 895-3600 or go to www.prairiecenter.org/programs/herb-aigner-gallery. For more on the fotoMuses, go to www.fotoMuses.com.