'Looking glass' exhibition a photo wonderland

Alice in her Wonderland had nothing up on the Northwest Cultural Council's "Through the Looking Glass" exhibition. Like Alice, visitors can explore wonder, fantasy and awe though 54 photographic pieces on display at their gallery through July 31.

The Northwest Cultural Council 2008 Annual International Juried Photography Exhibition drew work from artists from across the country.

Sponsored by Square D - Schneider Electric, the exhibit's "Through the Looking Glass" theme was the brainchild of a think group made up of artists and council staff.

"Artists were to produce a photo that was significant to that theme in their minds," said Kathy Umlauf, executive director of the Northwest Cultural Council. Juror Jeff Curto, who teaches photography at the College of DuPage, selected works from 29 professional photographers and five students. This is the first year the competition offered a student division.

"We talked about it for two years, but needed a way to reach the students," Umlauf said. "Part of our mission statement is to encourage youths to learn about art. So through this we were able to accomplish part of our mission."

Luke Burke, a June graduate of Lake Zurich High School, took third place for his "The Rescue," in the student category.

"The girl in my photo has an extension cord around her head and in her hand," said Burke. "What I was going for are times people pass up and wish they could go back to."

Carl Jalowiec of Palatine entered the adult division. Although not a winner, there is still something to be gained from his Jelly 2 and Jelly 3.

"The photographs were taken at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in Monterey, Calif.," said Jalowiec. "The jellyfish tank had a very deep blue background and was lit from the top, which made the jellyfish glow nicely. These are digital images, taken through the front glass of the tank so using flash was not an option. The available lighting worked well once I increased the ISO (film speed rating)."

Judy A, Langston of Park Ridge, who received an honorable mention two years again in a council photo competition, entered again this year.

"My photo is part of a series titled 'Agitation / Meditation,'" said Langston. "The photo that is displayed in the gallery consists of two photographs, both of the same location, but in the first photo, the image is composed in such a way that it looks out-of-kilter and creates an uneasy feeling in the viewer. This is the agitation part of the image. The second photo reflects a more orderly, peaceful composition and is, therefore, the meditation part."

Other local exhibitors included Matt O'Brien of Arlington Heights, Larry Pepper of East Dundee, Bert Cohn of Elmhurst, Ken Thompson of Glen Ellyn, and Edward Fuller of Hoffman Estates.

"The two elements important for a great show are good quality work and excellent jurors. We're fortunate to have both," said Umlauf.

If you go

What: Northwest Cultural Council 2008 Annual International Juried Photography Exhibition, "Through the Looking Glass"

When: Through July 31

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment

Where: Northwest Cultural Council gallery, 500 N. Hicks, Suite 120, Palatine

Admission: Free

Call: (847) 991-7966