Side Street Studio Arts celebrates Mother's Day with performance, exhibition

Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin, is celebrating "Mother's Day with Mother," a monthlong visual art exhibition and a night of performances.

"Mother" features visual works created by artists who were inspired by their artist mothers.

The opening reception also will feature performance works by Matthew Frazier-Smith, Tanner Melvin, and Erin Rehberg. It will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9, with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, and the event is open to the public. The exhibition opens Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 31.

"Mother" features works by area artists Jane Erlandson, Donny Gettinger, Wess A. Haubrich, Chris Hodge, Shari Imbo, Jim Lloyd, Lance Long, Suzanne McQuen, Christopher Palm, Carly Ries, Ken Simonsen, as well as some of their mothers.

"My mom was an artist, and she is on my mind everyday" said Side Street Studio Arts founder/director Tanner Melvin. "Jim (Lloyd) and I got to talking about our influences, and he had a similar source of inspiration. We wanted to show this and pay homage to these amazing women."

Side Street Studio Arts was founded by Melvin and Rehberg in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene. Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Melvin, and Rehberg, Side Street provides educational and creative resources and an accessible space, run by artists. Its mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.

For information on any of its programs, visit www.SideStreetStudioArts.org, call (847) 429-2276 or email SideStreetStudioArts@gmail.com.

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