Date: March 4, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director,
Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
PNC, Michiana Resources Host “It’s Abstract” Exhibit
WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central Odyssey 2007-08 Arts and Cultural Events Series continues its ongoing exhibit featuring the work of the Michiana Resources Creative Concepts artists with the new show, “It’s Abstract!”
The Creative Concepts artwork is on display in the PNC Technology Building North Study Lounge. The artists will be feted at a public reception on March 19 at 10 a.m. in Technology Building Room 134. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit may be viewed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A new Creative Concepts show will be featured each month through July. The art displayed at PNC and at Michiana Resources is for sale. Half of all sales go to the artist, the other back into the program.
“It’s Abstract!” is a collection of eight paintings featuring watercolor, acrylic, mixed media and collage. This is Michiana Resources third exhibit with PNC. The collection was selected and prepared under the direction of Kelly Tokoly-Rothermel, Creative Concepts arts coordinator and instructor. Featured artists are Brandy Ayala, Linda Livergood, Angie Feare, and Ed Galloway. Four group projects will also be displayed.
Michiana Resources, located at 4315 E. Michigan Boulevard, in Michigan City, is a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to working with people with disabilities to enhance their lives through employment and education. Creative Concepts exposes individuals with disabilities to visual art, theatre, music and dance. Recently, the Creative Concepts artists donated nine pieces of box art to the Michiana Humane Society’s Spring Fling Silent Auction.
Currently, the Creative Concepts’ new art studio at Michiana Resources is close upon completion. The Art Zone will soon move to its new quarters that will include a new art studio, gallery and gift shop. All of the Creative Concept art is displayed throughout the Michiana Resource building and can be viewed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays.
Tokoly-Rothermel noted that the artists spent most of the month of February making “Heart Art.” They have also begun making beaded mandalas and real dream-catchers. We have a group taking an acting class at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts with Peyton Daley.
In addition, Tokoly-Rothermel is working on Creative Concept’s Visiting Musicians Program. “Several of my students have never been to a live concert before and I’d like to bring the bands to them,” she explained. “For the holidays we jammed along with various carols using rhythm instruments – and the main complaint from my students was ‘when are you going to bring in some real instruments?!’ ” she adds.
So, her plan is to do just that. Tokoly-Rothermel is a musician herself, but she prefers to bring in professionals. “I have been practicing though, so I can accompany if needed,” she said.
Creative Concepts is looking forward to its upcoming production of “Snow White” which will take place at the Long Beach Community Center on April 11. The cast have been practicing since October. There will be a silent art auction featuring Creative Concepts artist work and a wine and cheese reception. Proceeds will benefit the Creative Concepts program. To purchase tickets or to volunteer for the Creative Concepts program, call Michiana Resources at 219-874-4288.
Remaining Michiana Resources Art Show Openings and Receptions are scheduled for Technology Lounge North at 10 a.m. on: Wednesday, April 9, May 7, and June 11.
Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series features various events throughout the year. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.pnc.edu. For more information about any event in the Odyssey series, contact Judy Jacobi, PNC director of marketing, at 800-872-1231, ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi.
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