B'nai Shalom to host fine arts fest

After a summer full of art shows and arts festivals, why would we need one more?

Ask members of Congregation B'nai Shalom, in Buffalo Grove. They will hold their second annual Fine Arts and Crafts and Judaica Festival on Sunday, at the synagogue.

President Rob Cheifetz elaborates on why they are sponsoring a juried art show.

"The Torah refers to artists as 'wise-hearted' people because they are motivated by love rather than logic -- they think with their hearts rather than their heads," he said.

"By using our heads and our hearts we have attracted brilliant artists from across the United States and Israel to create an art festival of international caliber that elevates both our synagogue and our community."

Cheifetz, of Buffalo Grove, said they are holding this show specifically on a Sunday because Saturday is Shabbat.

"Those who are more observant, as we are in our Traditional synagogue, cannot participate in shows that require full weekend attendance by the artists."

With help from his mother, artist Eudice Germaine, of Huntley, he and his committee have chosen more than a dozen artists, including several Israelis: Smadar Livne, a fiber artist; Jesselson Prize winner Avi Biron, a gold- and silversmith; and graphic designer and potter Nessia Frank.

One artist, who uses glass to convey Judaic themes is not Jewish. Jeff Johnson, of French Lick, Ind., is a Seventh Day Adventist who specializes in kinetic art. Depending on the angle, it is possible to see as many as seven or eight different images in his works.

The 49-year-old, self-taught artist also is a minister to a small flock in his community.

"I was raised Baptist, but realized I had to live a Jewish life," Johnson said. "I love Jewish people -- the culture, the religion and everything about Judaism," he said by phone.

"We keep kosher. We keep Shabbat from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, when we do no lawn-mowing; play no games. We must focus on God."

His son Josh is an oil painter. He will not be showing at B'nai Shalom, but will likely accompany his parents to Buffalo Grove.

Germaine says they are very careful to choose only artists who are accomplished in his or her own medium.

For Germaine, that means fused dichroic glass. She uses the glass to create everything from mezuzahs for the home to barrettes for hair, and knobs for cabinets.

If you go

• B'nai Shalom, 701 W. Aptakisic Road, Buffalo Grove.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

• Details: (847) 415-1370.