Side Street Studio Arts opens two new exhibits Aug. 7
On Aug. 7, Side Street Studio Arts in downtown Elgin will reopen its visual art exhibition spaces on the next First Friday event with "One True Line," a solo exhibit by artist-in-residence Kathryn Eli, and "Lockdown Renaissance" featuring the work of over 15 young artists exploring their changes in identity during the recent quarantine. Both exhibitions will be open, with limited capacity, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the gallery and in the Theater, respectively.
The events are free and open to the public. Masks will be required to enter all spaces at Side Street Studio Arts.
"While we have been extremely active as an organization during the COVID-19 crisis, we are anxious to get back to what we do best, and that is bring people together through the arts," said founder and Executive Director Tanner Melvin. "We have implemented enhanced cleaning strategies, limited capacity in all spaces, and will require masks of all who enter."
Kathryn Eli culminates her artist-in-residence time at Side Street Studio Arts with a solo exhibition featuring her continuous line work.
"The use of continuous line in my work is allegorical to spiritual divinity and universal energy, that which flows through and connects all things," Kathryn Eli explains in her artist statement. "The line becomes a structure that is then engaged in slowed down meditative mark making actions. Reduced to flat, simplified elements of line, shape, and color, I abstract figures and space to emphasize a state of emotion. Bold and vibrant narrative scenes explore themes of transformation, healing, and connection - to one's self and to each other."
"One True Line" will be up in the Gallery through Sunday, Aug. 23, with open gallery hours on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3p.m., or available by appointment.
"Lockdown Renaissance" is one of many projects initiated during the summer of 2020 by SSSA's Summer Youth Employment in the Arts staff Kelly Hernandez, Victoria Nagode, Claire Noland, and Paola Robledo. The project, led by SYEA Coordinator Morgan Donahue, features works by young area artists, from those entering seventh grade to recent college graduates.
"Helping a group of young empowered come up with brilliant ideas and being able to facilitate that and tell them 'Yes, you can!' is the crux of activism," said Donahue. "Their voices are important, and their message is impactful. I'm happy SSSA gets to give them a platform."
"We wanted to create a show about the lockdown and how one's own identity has changed in isolation," added Noland of Elgin. "The title of the show really focuses on the juxtaposition of rebirth in a time of crisis.
A panel of judges will select a favorite, and the winning artist will receive a $100 cash prize and $200 Side Street Studio Arts gift certificate.
"Lockdown Renaissance" will be up in the Theater through Sunday, Aug. 9, with open gallery hours Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additionally, the SYEA staff has created a mural to be hung on the side of the Gallery building, located at 15 Ziegler Court.
The mural as well as additional temporary sculptural objects will be installed this week and revealed during the "Lockdown Renaissance" opening.
The SYEA program is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council.
Side Street Studio Arts was founded by Melvin and Erin Rehberg in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene. Side Street provides educational and creative resources and an inclusive space, run by artists. Its mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.
For more information, contact Side Street Studio Arts at (847) 429-2276, or visit sidestreetstudioarts.org.