Vicinity 2007 show seeks art to exhibit

The Norris Gallery in the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles, is seeking entries for its popular annual "Vicinity" art exhibition, to open Oct. 19.

Vicinity 2007 is a juried show open to artists in all media residing within a 50-mile radius of the Norris Gallery. The exhibit will include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media.

Artists who want to be considered for inclusion are invited to drop off one piece of ready-to-hang/display artwork at the Norris Gallery between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday to be viewed by the jury the following day. There is a $20 non-refundable entry fee.

The show will be juried by professional artist and art educator Anne Becker and educator and administrator Hector Munoz.

Becker is the coordinator of art education in the educational studies department at Columbia College Chicago. She was the chairwoman for the art and technology departments of West Aurora High School, where she taught painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and multimedia for 36 years. She is currently the chairman of the St. Charles Public Arts Commission.

Munoz has had an extensive career as an educator and administrator, much of his work focused on fine and applied arts. He taught for many years at Lyons Township High School where he was art chairman. As a commercial designer his clients have included Marshall Field's, Montgomery Ward and the Container Corp.

Becker and Munoz will choose the artwork for Vicinity 2007, and also will select the winners of the $1,000 Lester J. Norris Award and four $250 Awards of Excellence.

Artists can call the gallery between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday to find out if their artwork has been selected for Vicinity 2007. Non-selected works must be picked up at the gallery between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday.

The show will open Oct. 19, and run through Nov. 24. The Norris Gallery will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

There will be a reception for the artists from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 4, which will include the presentation of Vicinity 2007 awards. The public is invited.

More information about Vicinity 2007 is available by calling (630) 584-7200, ext. 18.

To receive a complete 2007-08 Norris Gallery Prospectus, send a request via e-mail to director@ norrisculturalarts.com and a copy will be e-mailed to you.