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- Fresh Air · 2020
Fresh Air
A Virtual Art Exhibition of Chicagoland Nature
June 26 - August 1, 2020
WINNER OF THE BEST OF THE BEST Arts in the Parks award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts
Artists from Project Onward present Fresh Air, a virtual exhibition featuring Chicagoland natural treasures, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and sites within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Fresh Air captures the human yearning for connection to the outside, after months of shelter-in-place in Illinois and around the country. Prior to the spread of COVID-19, the artists of Project Onward, a nonprofit studio and gallery for professional artists with mental and developmental disabilities, visited Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and the Trailside Museum of Natural History in Thatcher Woods to find inspiration in nature. This collaboration gave them an exciting opportunity to bask in the natural surroundings, learn about local wildlife, and experience close-up encounters with the animals on site. It was a memorable experience that fueled the creation of Fresh Air, a collection of artistic interpretations of Chicago’s habitats. This virtual show is hosted on Brushwood Center's website, with pieces available for purchase online. Fifty percent of proceeds benefited Project Onward.
A Virtual Art Exhibition of Chicagoland Nature
June 26 - August 1, 2020
WINNER OF THE BEST OF THE BEST Arts in the Parks award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts
Artists from Project Onward present Fresh Air, a virtual exhibition featuring Chicagoland natural treasures, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and sites within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Fresh Air captures the human yearning for connection to the outside, after months of shelter-in-place in Illinois and around the country. Prior to the spread of COVID-19, the artists of Project Onward, a nonprofit studio and gallery for professional artists with mental and developmental disabilities, visited Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and the Trailside Museum of Natural History in Thatcher Woods to find inspiration in nature. This collaboration gave them an exciting opportunity to bask in the natural surroundings, learn about local wildlife, and experience close-up encounters with the animals on site. It was a memorable experience that fueled the creation of Fresh Air, a collection of artistic interpretations of Chicago’s habitats. This virtual show is hosted on Brushwood Center's website, with pieces available for purchase online. Fifty percent of proceeds benefited Project Onward.
Featured Artists:
Steven Albecher · Franklin Armstrong · Alfred Banks · Dijon Barrett · John Behnke · Cherylle Booker · Ken Bortman · Louis Demarco · William Douglas · Safiya Hameed · Jason Harris · David Hence · Adam Hines · David A. Holt · Michael Hopkins · Janno Juguilon · R.J. Juguilon · Coral Kappel · Blake Lenoir · Molly McGrath · Allen McNair · Jack Moore · Jacqueline Cousins Oliva · Fernando Ramirez · Luke Shemroske · Ryan Tepich · Ricky Willis · Sereno Wilson