Entries Tagged 'Kenosha Second Saturdays' ↓

By Bill Burggren and Suellyn Scoon

“When you see a photograph, you are looking through the eyes of the artist at a singular event in time; never to be exactly duplicated again,” states photographer John Mazurek. “You could say that I begin to create a composition much like a writer does, by building with elements similar to clear factual prose and with my computer I work to distill that information into a form of poetry, which I hope becomes a dialogue with the viewer. For me it is a very intuitive process.”

John Mazurek brings you the world through his eyes and allows you to share the joy of nature, the treasure of a new location or the delight of a unique face. Add to that his artistic manipulation and what started off as a work of prose is now more like poetry. Not simply the recording of an event but the incubation of a new reality.
While attending college, he would often wander the streets of Chicago to discover that “unique angle” that would enable him to tell a story with an image. The old Stockyards were used for a series of images to portray the dying of that iconic Chicago meatpacking industry. While still using black and white images, he told the narrative of how a peaceful concert in Grant Park turned into an urban riot. These images were part of his recent one person show, “There’s a Riot Going On”, at Spectrum Gallery in Racine, WI, and were joined by another stark series in which the streets of Chicago could have been compared to the bombed out buildings of WWII. Soon after Martin Luther King was killed, the streets of Chicago erupted in violent riots. John Mazurek, then an inner-city teacher, was enveloped in the drama of those events. His camera recorded the effects of the riot, the looting and the impact on Chicago residents.

Mazurek’s initial black and white narrative photography that began with the stockyards of Chicago through an era of civil rights violence had a starkness that has softened over the years into something that resembles preserved memories.
Mazurek began as a film photographer over 45 years ago with a 35mm camera in his basement darkroom. He loved visually exploring life’s moments, using his camera to manipulate time, light, angles and perspective. While raising a family and pursuing a career, he always had a camera close by to record events.
However, as times changed, so did John’s approach to photography. He realized that photography is not only a way of preserving memories and sharing experiences, but also an art form that should be celebrated. Around this time, digital photography was in its infancy and he committed himself to learning the power and creativity that the marriage of cameras and computers allowed. “As I responded more and more to a single moment, I needed to teach myself methods that would allow me to express how that moment holds it breath in a photograph. My art has been shaped as photographic technology improved, and when you add the possibility for editing with a computer you have a union that I believe is technically superb and artistically satisfying.”
Not only did John’s tools of capturing an image change, but the process of conceiving an image or a series of images into a composition has changed. Originally, he saw his task as that of recording a subject or event as accurately and faithfully as possible. Now he sees that as a starting point in the creative process. Sometimes he will record several photos to build a final image. Other times he will choose from hundreds of images to find the critical one that will begin the move from thought to a new reality. Mazurek primarily uses Photoshop CS4 as an artistic editing tool, often working for hours and sometimes using dozens of layers and multiple techniques to create a new artistic piece.

At a recent show in Racine Wisconsin, ArtSite used vacant downtown storefront windows to showcase art. John was invited to bring large photographic images printed on metallic paper to the show. This series of vintage automobile photographs reveal their essence as strong organic forms.

Mazurek will show part of his new three person show at Lemon Street Gallery running July 28 through August 28 with an Artist Reception on Second Saturday, August 14th.

Celebrating is what Downtown Kenosha does best and you’ll find the celebration in full swing on the Second Saturday of every month! Come explore Downtown Kenosha as merchants open their doors for extended hours, special promotions and fun activities! From live music and art exhibits to hands-on kid’s activities and play readings and more, you’ll find plenty to entertain you while you shop, dine and enjoy our neighborhood. And from June through October, Second Saturdays also features Twilight Market, a refreshing take on the outdoor market where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, art, hand-made crafts, entertainment and more throughout the streets and sidewalks of Downtown.

Activities:

• The Kenosha Twilight Market A fresh-air urban market on the streets of Downtown Kenosha
  6th Avenue 4 -8pm

• Arts on the Avenue #2
  Saturday, July 10, 2010
  3 – 9 p.m.
  Seventh Avenue from 56th-59th Streets

• Lemon Street Gallery will host a reception every Second Saturday for its three Featured Artists.
  Friends, fun, food and GREAT ART!!
  For more information, or to view the artists’ work, visit the website.
  Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace, Inc., 4601 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI 53140 USA
• The Pollard Gallery will be opening a show on July 10th for Judith Ponnazo, art photographer, from Racine. She was the first place winner in the Photography/Digital contest in January 2010. Author Terri Gilliland will be signing her book, “In A Moment”. Our music will be provided by Bill Robbins, acoustic guitar. Please join us for this fun and fabulous evening.

  Pollard Gallery
  514 56th St.

• The KAAleidoscope Gallery and the KAA will have art demonstrations, and and art supply sale. Music by local musician’s.
  The Kenosha Art Association’s mission is to promote art, art education, and art appreciation in the greater Kenosha area!
  Please visit our website at http://www.kenoshaartassoc.org KAAleidoscope Gallery -5613 – 7th Avenue,
• SCOOPS – HEIM’S DOWNTOWN TOY STORE

  Free “Orpheum” popcorn at Scoops. LIVE MUSIC by “The Bakers” Tammy Peacy and Jimmy Pendleton
  HEIM’S DOWNTOWN TOY STORE
  5819 6th Avenue

• Franks Diner live music by Raymond K. Roberts. This month’s menu is build your own Mac N Cheese.
  Franks Diner
  508 58th Street

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The mostly-official Arts on the Avenue Performance Schedule

GENERAL INFO:
–From 12 noon-3 p.m. there will be Two performance areas: The Drum Hut Stage (outside the Hut at 5607 7th Ave. ) and 57th Street Performance Area (Intersection 57th Street and Seventh Ave.)
–3 p.m. Drum Hut Stage closes for THE PARADE
–Bike and Samba Parade 3:30-4 p.m. (Route: Library Park north on Sixth Avenue to Trolley Dogs (55th Street) cross the street south on Sixth Ave. to 56th Street, east to Seventh Ave. south to 57th Street.

**DRUM HUT STAGE **
12-1 p.m. Community Drum Circle (open to all dancers and drummers and general public)
1-2 p.m. Nomadic Fusion (might be shorter depending on current song list, but we can work this out at Wed. June 2 practice)
2-2:30 p.m. Flutes and Didges–short acts: Roger, Scott, Ivy, Kyle
2:30 p.m. African Rumba: Improv Dance (all dancers welcome)
2:45 p.m. Hinotori Hamra
3 p.m. BREAK FOR PARADE

**57th STREET PERFORMANCE AREA**
12-1 p.m. Chi Gong Demo
1-1:30 p.m. OPEN—
1:30-2:30 p.m. Preludio Strings
2:30- 3 p.m Chi Gong Demo

PARADE
4-5 p.m. Ed Peterson, Guitar and Harmonica
5- 6 p.m. Capoeira Brazilian Dance and Music
6-7 p.m. Tammy Peacy and Jim Pendleton
7-8 p.m. Jason Kent and/or ChemEffect
8- 9 p.m. Community Drum Circle (closing activity)

* Additional information available from: The Drum Hut
* Down the Rabbit Hole
* The Soap Box
* Dakini Healing Arts
* The Kenosha Art Association

Contact:
Colleen Steenhagen
Down the Rabbit Hole
5709 7th ave
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-656-1515

Artworks

The direction from which it is viewed

When viewing this months 2nd Saturday showing by Parkside Senior students Kelly Witte and Rebecca Yelle at Artworks it would be well to keep this phrase in mind. I found that a straight on full frontal view of the absurdly outrageous flamboyance of Kelly’s subject matter worked best for me. You will have a better understanding of Kelly’s art if you will take two moments to read her apologia as you enter her show space. And please read what Rebecca has to say about her presentations. I was quite taken by the degree to which she has honed her art talent. I loved the ceramics and three dimensional paper presentations. This artist has mastered several disciplines in the broad field of “art”. I did find that I needed the prism, I obtained by reading her apologia, to gain a better understanding of her flat work: prints and such. A more oblique “direction worked best for me in viewing these selections.
All in all this is one of the better shows I have seen in a long time. And, by all means, pick up one of Kelly’s “Dinowhors” or “Slutasauresses” while you have the chance.

The Nook
The crowd here at the Nook always seems to be more like a family gathering for fellowship than just a bunch of art lovers fostering their favorite pastime. Artist Dean Talwwater has mounted a very nice show here. Very nice indeed. His sort of realistic but obscured style fits here nicely. It could be the pictures on the ceiling. The music was good and Rick had the kitchen humming taking care of this “family”. When you go to the nook you might try mentioning my name and see if there is any complementary lemonaid still to be had.

Lemon Street
Mary Neely, Tom Budzinski and Richard Keller are the points of focus for the Lemon Street offering to this months 2nd Saturday art goers. I was happy to be among them. I had another very nice chat with Maryllyn Sterling. What a charming lady. Sorry, back to the art. Mary’s photographs are just breathtaking as well as very well thought out. I wanted to take all of them home with me. Tom is quite a potter. He uses a gas fired kiln that gives him some options and latitudes not to had with an electric kiln. His work is beautiful. Richard is a master artist who indulges his flights of fancy. Fore some unknown reason I was more drawn to his sea creatures. Another friendly crowd was on hand here to enjoy these offerings.

Lester Pitz

Several of Kenosha’s Downtown, Harborside and Union Park district businesses are open 6 to 9 p.m.

Live music, art exhibitions, family entertainment and so much more at participating Downtown, Harborside, and Union Park district businesses! Lemon Street Gallery (4601 Sheridan Road) hosts a reception for its Featured Artist Show. Visit KAAleidoscope Gallery (5615 - 7th Ave.) for its “Spring Blooms” art show. At Pollard Gallery (518 - 56th St.), a book signing will take place featuring Dan Stika, author of “When Lincoln Met Wisconsin’s Nightingale.”

• Lemon Street Gallery will host a reception every Second Saturday for its three Featured Artists.
  Friends, fun, food and GREAT ART!!
  For more information, or to view the artists’ work, visit the website.
  Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace, Inc., 4601 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI 53140 USA
• Pollard Gallery
  We will have an opening reception for artist Kathy Misurelli. She won first price at the last exhibit with her pencil drawing of Katherine Hepburn.
  She will showcase about 8 of her pieces for the upcoming show.
  We will also have a book signing with author Dan Stika. Dan is the author of “When Lincoln Met Wisconsin’s Nightingale”. This wonderful book presents the life of an extraordinary woman, Cordelia Harvey, who battled adversity and tragedy in her quest to provide care to those who needed it most with her campaign for Civil War soldier care. It is going to be a wonderful evening. Please come and join us.
• Bella Ancora
  We will be open until 9 p.m. Come and check out our super May sales! Just in time for Mother’s Day!!
• Franks Diner will have Tex Mex featuring guest cook Tommy VanOost. Entertainment will be Drag Queen Bingo featuring Chantal
• The Kenosha Art Association will have our its new exhibit up.
  Spring Flowers. refreshments, and music.
  Please visit our website at http://www.kenoshaartassoc.org
• Down the Rabbit Hole
  5709 7th ave, Kenosha, WI 53140. Phone(262)656-1515

  Mothers’ Jam!
  Honoring Mother: Motherhood, Mother Earth, Mothering (ourselves & others)
  Susan Larkin and Jean Preston will be presenting a Song and Storytelling experience for all ages.
  TBA: Additional guest performers will be joining them starting at 4pm

Seven senior art students from Carthage College, with the help of faculty advisor Kimberly Greene, will be undertaking the painting of a temporary mural on Friday, May 7, 2010. The mural, which will measure approximately 100′ x 15′, will grace the large brick wall on the back of the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th Street. It will focus on Kenosha’s rich history in automobile manufacturing; celebrating the impact of the Nash Motor Company, American Motors and Chrysler on the community.

Currently engaged in their Senior Seminar capstone course, the seven Carthage students opted to create a piece of public art for the citizens of Kenosha after analyzing numerous street artists in class.

“We really wanted to do something unique; that could make an impact on the people of Kenosha. We chose the automotive theme because of the announced closing of the Chrysler and the proximity of the site to the former Lakefront Manufacturing facility,” student artist Bryce Ulmer said.

The mural will consist of hundreds of white ghosted cars surmounted by three large blue cars—a Nash Metropolitan, AMC Pacer and a Chrysler 300C— illustrating the three large independent automakers who have worked in Kenosha for the best century.
The group will use a light, watery mixture similar to sidewalk chalk to complete the mural. The medium will allow the mural to be washed away by rains throughout the summer, adding an ephemeral element to the work.

The mural will be completed in time for Saturday, May 8th’s “Second Saturday” event in downtown Kenosha. The student artists invite the community to come witness the mural in progress from 8 a.m. to completion on Friday, May 7. A rain date will be schedule if weather is unfavorable.