Community Corner
Norris Gallery Plans ‘The Wine of Life,’ One-Man Show by St. Charles Painter, Photographer Nick Freeman
St Charles, Ill., Feb. 12– The Norris Cultural Arts Center gallery will host “The Wine of Life,” a one-man show featuring oil paintings and photographs by St. Charles artist Nick Freeman, May 23 through July 5. Centerpiece of the exhibit will be a new oil painting entitled "Sunrise, St. Charles," depicting downtown St. Charles and featuring the historic Hotel Baker and the Fox River.
“The Wine of Life” derives from a quote by the 19th century German novelist Jean Paul Richter, who noted, “Art is indeed not the bread but the wine of life.”
On Friday evening, June 27, The Norris will host a fundraising reception and auction sale of select paintings and photos, including "Sunrise, St. Charles," which Freeman has agreed to donate to The Norris. Details of the auction event will be announced in March.
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All paintings and photos not sold at auction will be available for sale, as will limited series prints of four Freeman paintings from the show. Net proceeds of the auction and art sales will benefit the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
Freeman also will present public lectures in the gallery on Friday evenings during the show – June 6, 13, and 20. Additional details on the lecture series will be announced soon.
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Freeman is a 20-year resident of St. Charles who specializes in realistic oil paintings and architectural photography, specifically photos of vintage neon signs. Freeman is an alumnus of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. Samples of his work may be viewed at www.GalleryFreeman.com.
“My aim is to create paintings that are engaging,” Freeman said. “I believe that, contrary to the views of art theoretical absolutists, accessibility is not a sin. Happily, in the spectrum of contemporary art there is a growing appetite for realism.”
Freeman has been a frequent participant in Norris Gallery shows, most recently the Vicinity 2013 exhibit, which included his work, “Pumpkin Farm,” now part of the Norris Gallery’s permanent collection.
“We have enjoyed Nick’s talent for many years, and we’re very excited to present a show featuring his painting and photography,” said James L. Collins, board chairman of The Norris. “We appreciate Nick’s donation of his new St. Charles painting, and we welcome his generous collaboration in helping to generate support for The Norris.”
Visitors may view the exhibit during The Norris gallery’s regular hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.
About the Norris Cultural Arts Center
Since its founding in 1978, the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center has provided a world-class visual and performing arts venue for the enjoyment of the residents of the Fox Valley and Northern Illinois. The Norris, a generous gift to the Fox Valley from the Norris Foundation, includes an exceptional art exhibition gallery and a 1,000-seat theater with the stage area, acoustics, lighting and mechanicals to host the most elaborate performances. For more information, please visit www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.
