Downers Grove artist shows works done at Schweikher House

On exhibit through March 30 at Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, the"En Plein Air at Schweikher House" exhibit features paintings of this historic home in Schaumburg created outdoors by Downers Grove artist Maggie Capettini over a period of four years and throughout all seasons.

"When I stand in the landscape with the home and studio in view, I feel like I am in another world. I could even imagine I am in another time," Capettini said.

"Though surrounded by neighborhoods and not too far from dense commercialism, the Schweikher House property is embraced by a meadow adjacent to a creek, and filled with evergreens, deciduous trees, and beautiful gardens, including an extensive peony collection and a Zen garden.

"The architecture is unique: it embodies a connection between structure and nature, reflected (literally) in the large windows, as well as in the choice of wood as a primary building material."

The paintings in the exhibit honor the architecture while celebrating the surrounding nature, dancing back and forth between contrasts: Geometric and organic, tight and loose, a fidelity to the literal subject and a more artistic interpretation.

The exhibit is comprised of 15 paintings, along with five photographs of the artist at work in the field.

"Most of all, my paintings are intended to celebrate and call attention to this historic treasure, to encourage others to visit and experience the house and grounds for themselves," Capettini said.

Learn more about the artist at maggiecapettini.com.

"En Plein Air at Schweikher House" is on exhibit through March 30 at Prairie Center for the Arts East Gallery, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

Regular building hours are: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; call (847) 895-3600 for weekend hours.

Meet the artist from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Prairie Center for the Arts. Visit www.prairiecenter.org.

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