The fotoMuses present a photographic experience, 'The Magic Moment'

The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, reveal their newest exhibit, "The Magic Moment," running through Sept. 29, at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

Do photographs capture an instant in time or go deeper to fully capture a Magic Moment -to sense the experience? The challenge brought to each artist was to take their photography deeper, to reveal memorable "experiences," through the medium of photography.

Marita Blanken and Linda Markese of Downers Grove coordinated this creative exhibit. Both agreed that they were releasing a narrowed and challenging theme to the group.

"We wanted members to capture 'experiences,' so as one views a photograph, they might feel the moment; the emotion; the excitement," said Blanken.

Markese agreed. Much of Markese's photographic-style reflects her training in graphic design. She often uses shadow and light patterns to create images with strong graphic elements, which bring an aliveness to her pieces.

"Movement and blurring, macros and abstract images help me make images with symbolism and a sense of mystery," said Markese. "I like to allow the viewer to then use their own imagination in interpreting my images."

Using her style of movement, vivid color, and without digital manipulation, Markese allows visitors to immerse themselves into her pieces involving the Van Gogh experience, or feel the movement of a ride taken at Universal Studios.

Blanken enjoys a variety of photography, but especially the whimsical.

"With my photojournalistic-style, I especially like to capture amusing moments," Blanken said. "It's always nice to bring a smile."

An interesting article came at just the right time for the fotoMuses. Lenswork Magazine co-creator, editor and publisher, Brooks Jensen, published his "Editor's Comments: Instants and Moments" in his Lenswork #163 (June 2023) issue about just this theme.

Blanken shared, "In his writings, Jensen, a longtime photographer, talked about his realization of the difference between an instant and a moment when it comes to photography."

Jensen's writings provided further clarification for the fotoMuses as they were creating for their "Magic Moment" theme. As Jensen explained in his article, "an instant is a measure of time; a moment is a measure of experience."

He further explained that, "Instants look at things; moments capture slices of life events."

"The article was perfect for the group," said Markese. "Our members met the challenge at hand, creating a gallery complete with exceptional revealing moments."

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 12 women, many of whom met while discovering their creative sides together through the photography program at the College of DuPage.

Members also include Anne Frantzen and Joan Trushin of West Chicago, Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, Judy Kinal of Roselle, Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park, Cheryl Rausch of Lombard, Marje Reichart of St. Charles, and Barb Work of Wheaton.

The group welcomes their newest creative member, Kim Stines of St. Charles.

The "The Magic Moment," exhibit is on display through Sept. 29, in the Herb Aigner Gallery at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. A complimentary reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29.

The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on select evenings and weekends during events.

For information, call (847) 895-3600 or visit www.prairiecenter.org/programs/herb-aigner-gallery.