CLC exhibit highlights members' works

Since he was young, Frank Vioski has enjoyed working with his hands.

During the day, he works as a College of Lake County maintenance mechanic in the facilities department, performing repairs and light construction work around campus.

But when not at work, Vioski loves to draw, creating watercolor, charcoal pencil drawings and etchings.

His latest painting captures two fellow maintenance mechanics, Rich "Pops" Poprawski and Joe "Joe-Joe" Schank.

Vioski's painting is among 90 pieces that will be displayed at the college as part of its annual members exhibition.

The exhibit will open with an artists reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. It will run through Feb. 24 at the College of Lake County gallery, located at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

The reception, which is free and open to the public, will include refreshments and a performance by Irish harpist Daphne Freund.

The members exhibition will feature art works created by Lake County artists who are members of the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art.

Vioski spent 28 years as a glazer, installing windows, mirrors and glass artwork in homes and businesses. From 1979 to 1993, he supplemented his day job by working as an assistant to Letterio Calapai, the late painter and sculptor who later expanded into abstract prints. Vioski came to CLC in 2001.

Although he is self taught, Vioski has taken a course in figure drawing and three semesters of pottery at the college. Living in Winthrop Harbor with his wife, Tamara, a picture framer, they have begun to build a detached art gallery outside their home.

Vioski painted "Pops and Joe-Joe" last fall and based it on a surprise photo that he snapped of the two four years ago as they glanced up from their table during a morning coffee break.

He kept the painting a secret from his co-workers until he brought it to the college for the exhibition.

"They busted out laughing, everyone in the shop. It's a bunch of guys. That's how we express ourselves," he said. "It was good laughter. It was flattering."

This is the second time Vioski has had a piece in the members exhibition.

"The Potter," a still-life rendering of longtime art instructor Tony Holmes, was exhibited in 2006. The piece is part of the college's permanent art collection and is hanging in the office of the vice president for administrative affairs.

Another of his works, "Behold the Man," an extreme close-up of Jesus Christ's eyes and crown of thorns, is on display and for sale in the college's ARTcetera gallery.

Vioski said it is fulfilling to see his work displayed for the public to view.

"You want people to enjoy your work, to love your work," he said.

Among those impressed with his painting is Schank.

"When Frank showed me the painting, I was flattered and flabbergasted," he said. "I didn't remember the time when he snapped the photo. Frank did a very nice job. It's just like looking in a mirror."

Gallery hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The gallery will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.