The fotoMuses open their latest exhibit 'Ouverture' April 9

The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, reveal their newest exhibit, "Ouverture," opening April 9 to May 7, at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum. A French word known as a prelude, an introduction, a new beginning; each Muse displays their uplifting meaning of "Ouverture," through the medium of photography.

A free artists reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, in the museum gallery, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road.

Cheryl Rausch of Lombard and Marje Reichart of St. Charles are coordinators of this exhibit.

"We have all watched as the world has gone through unprecedented changes, leaving many to wonder what is next," said Rausch, adding, "We, as artists, take this opportunity to express what we see as 'new beginnings' in a post-pandemic world."

Springtime is Rausch's personal inspiration. "A favorite time of year for me, Mother Nature's annual explosion of color and fragrance reminds me every spring that hope, renewal and growth are all around for us to see, enjoy and experience," she said.

Of the installation, Reichart said, "There is a nice variety of images that all work well together in the gallery. It was especially fun to see the interpretation of the theme in so many unique ways. Thinking outside of the box seems to have been inspiring."

Reichart is often drawn to doorways in her photography. An obvious opening perhaps, but she used her ingenuity to create a more sculptural look to her vision.

"My photographs are very different than my usual, having manipulated them to create a sketched-door appearance, then creating free-standing pieces on the fibers of fabric," she shared, adding, "'Ouverture' took my creations to another level; a new beginning!"

The fotoMuses, a group of women who share a love of photography, display their photos in a creative, professional way. The group is currently made up of 13 women, most of whom met while discovering their creative sides together through the photography program at the College of DuPage. Members also include Joanne Barsanti and Judy Kinal of Roselle, Marita Blanken and Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Anne Frantzen and Joan Trushin of West Chicago, Delta Greene of Chicago, Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park, and Barb Work of Wheaton.

The exhibit will be on display April 9 through May 7, at the museum, located one block south of Bloomingdale Road and Lake Street (Route 20) intersection. Museum hours are: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

For more information on the fotoMuses or the individual artists within the group, go to www.fotomuses.com.