Review: Formation
By Colin S. Smith
July 28, 2018
On a Saturday afternoon, Alderman John Arena of the 45th Ward cut a big blue ribbon to celebrate The Art House’s first show at their new home in Portage Park. The seven-year-old gallery, studio, and classroom was founded to give emerging artists a foundation, and now it is casting an anchor in the six corners community.
Founder/Director Rebecca George accompanied by Artists in Residence Jan Fayhee, Ken Hogrefe and Sarah Berman
The Art House Studio Gallery Located at 4910 W Irving Park Rd in Chicago
Each of the artists behind “Formation” obsesses over color. From Jan Fayhee’s abstract landscapes to Ken Hogrefe’s explaining the five different blacks he used for “Theme (Now I Understand)” or Steven Tritt purposely exploring the colors he had previously ignored — like green, on styrofoam.
Daniel Martin Sullivan likes to see a color vibrate. When talking about his piece “Defenestration,” he said Rebecca George’s love of color has him focused on the energy of the pigments.
"This exhibition showcased the individuality of each artist; the challenge to successfully curate this outcome with so many strong, large works is always a welcome one. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this group of artists." --Rebecca George
After overhauling a closed down liquor for store over a month, The Art House StudioGallery’s new location gives the community its own bona fide arts gallery. Given Alderman Arena’s blessing into the community and scores of visitors from the neighborhood, The Art House’s future in the community is just as exciting as the art itself.
Colin S. Smith is a freelance writer and communications specialist in Chicago. His recent projects include working with The Clyde Fitch Report, Twisted Oyster Film Festival, and music artist Cole DeGenova.
The painting White Guitar alongside two paintings by Ken Hogrefe.
