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Public Relations and Marketing | Published Feb 05, 2021
The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art is a true gem within College of Lake County (CLC) and serves to recognize and develop Lake County artists. Not only does it open an important exchange for students to see artists’ work, but prior to COVID-19, it offered a unique and tranquil setting that complimented the artworks on display.
Curator of Art, Ann Rintz, chooses the type of art show and sets the exhibition dates which occur throughout the year. Unless it is a juried show, like the Student Exhibition, she chooses the show’s contents and strategizes the best way to display the work, which can be quite an undertaking when different mediums are presented.
Recently, all annual shows have been moved to the virtual space to continue to provide opportunities for the community to show and view new art. There have been limited exhibitions in the physical gallery space on the Grayslake campus for the enjoyment of CLC staff, while the campus has been closed to the general public. Art pieces have been curated from the CLC Permanent Collection for use in the gallery.
According to Rintz, the gallery could not exist without community contributions. The gallery currently has about 800 pieces in their permanent collection, with about 300 of them purchased from members. Artists who display their work in the gallery often become members. Becoming a member offers an opportunity to have artwork in the annual exhibition, which is a huge benefit because this showcase promotes the pieces in a major cultural resource.
The current virtual Members Exhibition is available to view online through February 19, 2021. It features fine art media from current members of the gallery. The virtual platform showcases the latest work from the gallery’s talented, diverse and much valued members.
Ann’s favorite piece of this exhibition is: “I Miss the People I Don’t Know. Don’t You?” by Anne Bernard-Pattis. This screen-printed piece with collage and watercolor was a winner of one of the Robert T. Wright Community Awards.
Photo: "I Miss the People I Don't Know. Don't You?" by Anne Bernard-Pattis.
“There’s so much to see in this piece – many faces of people that have major or minor importance to the artist,” said Rintz. “You could view this a thousand times and still find something you’ve not seen before, and despite its reference to COVID, it’s a positive piece. Anne’s art documents her social, visual, and personal landscape. She is one of the most diverse and prolific artists I have ever known.”
Any community member who appreciates the visual arts and want to financially support the gallery’s grassroots efforts can become involved. If you would like to become a member, visit the gallery webpage. It is only $30 to join, and membership includes representation in our annual Members Exhibition.
About College of Lake County:
College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes, provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We’re proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County.