Monthly Archives: March 2012

(Above photo: Left to right. Ted Simmering and Ezra Siegel)
St Charles, Illinois

Last Saturday, The Saint Charles Arts Council succeeded once again with the Route 25 Opening Reception making it the 4th gallery in the neXt gallery series. Over 40 local & established artists displayed their work along with 4 emerging artists. Route 25 is an “open” theme exhibit, making it possible for the artists to show their best work in a diverse environment. The night was full of of art-lovers, friends, and family gathering to look at some of the most remarkable local artwork. Artists openly introduced themselves to potential buyers and admirers, people viewed artwork with a nice glass of red wine, and every time I turned around, I noticed a deep conversation about the art.

It’s always a pleasure to walk conscientiously through a gallery as you move parallel with the pieces not letting your eyes skip one detail. However, when the artists behind the artwork take the time to tell you the story behind the pieces, it naturally creates a bond between you and the artwork. There’s something truly divine about attending a gallery when the artists are present, especially at an opening reception.

Anne Ressman Zabinski, a vivacious, open-minded artist spoke with several visitors at the gallery who were viewing her artwork, which included series of painted water remarkably photographed. With intense passion, she explained what every piece meant. As she talked to potential buyers, she describes herself as a synesthetes:

“My one piece, Piano Song, came to be because I see sounds as the music is playing.”
She explains. “In this case, I was listening to piano music.”

She continued to lure people in by explaining how day and time played a huge role in the colors she chose. “Thursdays and August came to be because days and months of the week and years have their own distinctive hues.” She stated. “I see colors for days and months so I paint days and months.” After Anne made her vision clear with the visitors, the photographs came to life and you felt a deeper connection with Anne and her work.

Charismatic artist, Zach Mory, a new artist to the neXt gallery series, displayed 2, graphite on paper, pieces. One of them being 8.5′ x 50″ in size, cleverly titled, The In Between.

“What style do you classify The In Between?” I curiously asked him.

“It’s so hard to classify works of art these days…” He mentions as we both skip through common styles, but none of them seem to fit. Then he lights up and says, “It’s a post-modern myth, or better yet a pop-drenched, psychedelic-laced post-modern myth.” Pop, modern, and psychedelic is exactly dead on. The In Between brings you into a zealous, candy land like world, allowing you to see images you’ve never seen before and causing your imagination to go haywire. You may even feel the need to grab the next pencil you see and start sketching something, but it will never look like Zach’s work- it’s impossible to duplicate.

(Above: detail of The In Between)

“How long did this take you?” Another viewer asked.

“7 months.” He stated. 7 months is a long time, I thought to myself. But I knew that everyone in the room would agree it was worth it, including Zach. Knowing the background story behind the artwork truly deepens the appreciation. It’s exciting to see artists next to their work. Thanks to the Route 25 opening reception, art-goers had a chance to meet & greet with artists who more than likely have a story to tell behind every one of their pieces.

What’s your favorite thing about attending a gallery on its opening night?