The Oak Park Art League is featuring “Under Construction,” a new group art show featuring 45 works by 34 OPAL artists. The exhibit runs through Feb 2.
“Under Construction” is a free exhibit conceptualized by OPAL Executive Director Bryan Grayson Northup. The idea was sparked by recent renovations to the organization’s historic building, including roof repairs and plans to add an ADA- compliant classroom and bathroom.
“We’re open during construction, which is an ongoing process,” Northup said. ‘“Under
Construction’ is revealing of the process of making art. Only the artists really know when
their work is done. Bringing a finished work is great, but having the layers of completion
visible is really intriguing to me.”
The exhibit features works-in-progress hanging alongside finished pieces that speak to new beginnings, unfinished business, or align with the “Under Construction” theme in other ways. Two of Northup’s found art pieces, created with remnants from construction on his own home, are included in the lineup.
“I work with found objects, mostly plastic, but for this show I brought in constructions that are a bouquet of wires, sawed-off pieces, holes they had to cut in my floor,” Northup said. “I have a hard time throwing anything away, so making things out of would-be-trash is my jam.”
Visitors interested in meeting the featured artists can attend the opening reception from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11. Free coffee will be provided by Kribi Coffee Air Roastery, and many of the artists will be available to chat with the public and answer questions about their work.
“I think you [only] get half of it if you just see the piece itself, and not the artist,” said
Denise Grossman, a painter and first-time OPAL exhibitor. “If you speak to the artist, it
makes the whole thing come alive. Art is personal because it’s so in your face. When I
sell my painting to someone, I’m giving them a part of me.”
All of the artwork in “Under Construction” is for sale.
Northup says that OPAL is a resource for anyone searching for original art, from the
works in “Under Construction” and other upcoming exhibits to locally made pieces
available in OPAL’s “Made in Oak Park” gift shop.
“I would love for people to know that this is a place they can go to support local artists. If they’re looking for something for their home that’s original, this is a great place to shop for that,” said Northup. “This is a place where you can escape, have some self-care, take a class, find yourself in community, or just come and wander and look at art.”
“Under Construction” will be on display in the Oak Park Art League’s Carriage House Gallery, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, from Friday, Jan. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 2. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 1-4 p.m. Visitors can stop by during gallery hours, Thursday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday 1-4 p.m.