It’s time to take advantage of the long winter nights and get your creative juices flowing.
The Vogt Visual Arts Center, 17420 S. 67th Court in Tinley Park, is looking for artists to participate in several upcoming exhibits. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts “open” shows to provide a larger number of artists an opportunity to exhibit their work.
The rules are simple. The shows are not juried and there are no fees. Each artist may exhibit up to three pieces per show. All work must be nonobjectionable — and best of all, they are open to all ages and abilities.
The first open show will run from Feb. 2 to 27. The theme is “What Do You Love?” Artwork can be created in any medium including sculpture and jewelry and can be put up for sale if you choose. There will be a reception to recognize the artists from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 6. Light refreshments will be served and there is no admission fee.
The second opportunity will be in March for the annual Open Photography Show. This one is strictly photography and there is no theme. Again, artists may exhibit up to three pieces of work. The show will run from March 1 to 26, with an artists reception from 1 to 4 p.m. March 5.
The public is encouraged to attend the receptions. It is a wonderful way to discover the great range of artists in our area as well as find quality, affordable, original art. It also serves to show the artists our support of them and their work.
There is a third opportunity for artists to exhibit at Vogt in the June open show, which is the “green” show. Artists are encouraged to create artwork that depicts environmental awareness or is created from recycled materials.
Your imagination is your only limit in this show. Outdoor sculpture also will be accepted. The show will run from June 1 to 30 and include a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. June 4 in conjunction with Vogt’s outdoor Art Fair and Sale. There will be live music, food and plenty of interesting art and conversation.
If you are interested in participating in any of the upcoming open shows, contact me at 708-309-4371 for detailed information.
Also, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Vogt Visual Arts Center. As part of the Tinley Park Park District, the art center provides a unique gallery space in the historic Henry Vogt house, with exhibits changing monthly.
The upstairs of the house is used to hold a variety of art classes offered through the park district, including oil, acrylic and watercolor painting; drawing, colored pencil and stained glass. There is also an assortment of workshops throughout the year.
The center also hosts art birthday parties for children, which are very popular.
For a full list of classes, exhibits and information, visit www.tinleyparkdistrict.org. Watch for special events throughout the year commemorating the center’s anniversary.
Call for bench artists
The village of Tinley Park has announced its call to artists for the 2016 Benches on the Avenue public art project. This will be the 13th season for the popular benches, which will be on display along Oak Park Avenue in downtown Tinley Park from mid-May through Sept. 30.
The theme for this year’s benches is “Once Upon a Time … Favorite Children’s Storybooks.” This is a fun and exciting project for individuals, groups, families and schools.
Having been a part of a bench team in the past, I can tell you it was a great experience not only to create a bench but to have it on display in our downtown all summer long for people to enjoy. It was something I was proud to be a part of.
For more information on becoming a 2016 Benches On The Avenue artist, visit www.tinleypark.org or call 708-444-5046.
Julie Dekker is a freelance writer who covers the Tinley Park community for the Daily Southtown.
