Object-Oriented, The Art Center’s upcoming exhibition theme features the work of three incredibly talented artists/designers, all working in various mediums to create art in 3-D, once again catapulting this north shore gallery to the forefront of the Chicago-land art scene, not just as an exceptional suburban gallery, but a regional gallery with a growing reputation for innovation and vision.
“We’re experiencing what we’ve come to call a ‘reverse cultural commute’ with our gallery and events”, says Executive Director James M. Lynch. “Our gallery-goers are increasingly people who might otherwise stay in the confines of Milwaukee or Chicago but have realized that our ‘boutique town’ of Highland Park offers accessible restaurants and parking, a warm and welcoming ambiance, and our space is just a short distance from the Metra station on the Union Pacific North Line. Like Ravinia for concerts, we’ve become a destination for people looking for both a great night out and access to some amazingly talented artists.”
One such artist is designer, educator, and visionary, Norman Teague. Named by the legendary Theaster Gates as one of his five creative leaders of the future, Teague was recently listed in Newcity Magazine’s ‘Design Top 50’. “Back in 2021 Norman visited our gallery as the guest of TAC’s Board President, Yumi Ross, a long-term supporter, and friend of his, and we knew right away we had to feature his work at TAC,” explains curator Caren Helene Rudman. “It took over a year to find a space in our Center Gallery, the only one we have big enough to contain his breakthrough ideas and vision. Additionally, we have a mission at TAC to build community through our events, education, and exhibits, and Norman very clearly shares our outlook.”
An artist who always has his eye on community-building, Teague frequently works with other artists and organizations. Teague says that “compassion, empathy, and affirmation” are the key elements of a successful collaboration: “I think that if you bring those things to the table and that there’s a great deal of listening happening, people are excited and fired up about all the possibilities. I feel like this is a sheer collaboration with Highland Park, how does an outside voice talk to Highland Park, which has a Black population of less than 2%? That’s why the programmatic arm [of The Art Center] is really important. It gives me and that community a little bit of face-to-face time. I think that is where conversations start to happen and barriers are broken.” (More on TAC and Norman Teague: https://theartcenterhp.org/norman-teague/)
“Right around the time when we were planning this exhibit, I met another Chicago-based 3D artist, Michael Thompson. Originally introduced to us as a contributor for a silent auction by board member Terri Weinstein,” adds Lynch “I fell in love with his work and asked Rudman if we could co-curate this particular show. I’d been spending time with Norman and wanted to stay involved, and after a conversation with Michael, I saw a great possibility to build on the theme of 3D from a whole new angle.”
Thomspon’s kites have been featured in the lobby of the Goodman Theatre, as set dressing on the sci-fi TV series Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams, and the eclectic design shop, Pagoda Red has this to say about him: “He’s the kind of creative whose technique, spirit, provocation, and form is always cut with a little mischief. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he has been prolific, expressing himself through an array of media, which include collage, sculpture, painting, ceramics, etching, papier-mâché, dolls, and jewelry.”
A last-minute, yet welcome addition to ‘Object’ is the up-and-coming young artist Zachary Weber. He first exhibited with The Art Center during the recent ‘Abstraction’ exhibit and he has a fast-rising reputation for his innovative approach to ceramics. “One of our goals at TAC is to find new artists in whom we see tremendous talent, artists we want to ‘discover’ and promote: not a lot of people remember that a young Nick Cave once exhibited here,” reminds Rudman. “With these three unique Object-makers, we are projecting a major event, a big win not only for us as a gallery, but for the community at large to experience these three great talents all in one location. I wouldn’t want to miss it.”
The Galleries at TAC, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
Hours: Mondays - Saturdays, 10-4, or by arrangement
Accommodations can be made for those with special needs
Opening Reception: November 18, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Free and open to the public
The Art Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the North Shore’s home for artistic discovery and creative exploration. Through innovative programs, exhibitions, and classes designed for all levels and ages, The Art Center provides a welcoming space for our diverse communities to experience and participate in the arts.
Image: 3-D work by artist Michael Thompson. Photo courtesy of the artist.
