ARTS NOTES
The 28-year-old mother, wife, student and Wheaton resident prowls the streets of the Chicago area, searching for that moment of seamlessness when she becomes one with her subjects.
"I want to portray the local Mexican-American community by more than just documenting activities. I wanted to capture the passion, love, humor, irony, joy, introspection and tenderness that I found everywhere I turned my camera," she said.
Ford's exhibition "Mexican-American Life in Chicago" debuts May 4 at Calmer House Gallery. Calmer House Gallery is Joliet's primary artist-run fine art collective and is proud to feature new, flourishing artists.
The public can meet Ford and view her photography at her artist reception at Calmer House Gallery from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Her exhibit runs until May 31.
Calmer House Gallery is located at 352 Union St. in Joliet. The hours are 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment.
For more information about Calmer House Gallery and a preview of Ford's work, see www.calmerhousegallery.com.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is presenting the first full-scale retrospective in 20 years of the work of Gordon Matta-Clark.
Seniors in teacher Jerry Vanderschoot's art class discussed the exhibit titled "You Are the Measure" and were charged with the task of using various materials and methods to express their art.
Students selected mixed-media or "found" objects to use in a variety of presentations using acrylic paint.
Then, students in teacher Judy Grossman's humanities class interpreted the art objects and wrote reflective pieces to give meaning to the connection between art and culture.
Three tandems of Lemont students have their work on display.
Kelley Olenick used wood strips in her piece; a response was written by Anna Mangia. Jessica Kuzminski used fencing material in her work; response was completed by Kevin Kern. Adam Weck used plastic foam; the response was written by Laura Ciapas.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. in Chicago, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students with a valid ID and senior citizens, and free on Tuesdays.
This concert event features four of country music's favorite artists, Mark Wills, Buddy Jewel, Ray Scott and Trent Willmon.
The artists will offer individual sets as well as an ensemble finale. You get four great country artists on one night at one price.
Ticket prices are $10, $20 and $30, depending on seating. Tickets will go on sale from 8 a.m. to noon May 3 at Stacked Liquors and Deli located south of Yorkville on Illinois 47 just south of McDonald's. Tickets sold that day are for cash only.
For concert details and a seating chart, visit www.kendallcountyfair.com.
Starting May 5, tickets only will be available online at www.kendallcountyfair.com.
A shipping and handling fee will be added to all online ticket orders.
Call (630) 484-8309 for more information.
The story revolves around Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth, and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength - and love - which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny, and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
The cast includes Julie Courter, Andrea Gustafson, Nathalia Morera, Judy Miller, Donna Runion and Erin Wendell, all from Morris.
The production is directed by guild member Jim Welch, of Morris, and assisted directed by guild member Randy Lowery, of Verona.
The production opens at 8 p.m. May 30-31 and concludes at 3 p.m. June 1 (the only matinee). All performances will be held at the Morris Community High School Auditorium, 1000 Union St. in Morris.
Tickets are $10 pre-paid and $12 at the door.
All seating is reserved on a first-come, first served-basis.