News
Media Contact:
Steve Christensen
Loyola University Chicago
(312) 915-6164
schris6@luc.edu
Annual Exhibition Teams Local Contemporary Artists and Floral Designers
CHICAGO, May 15, 2007 - The Loyola University Museum of Art's (LUMA) second annual installment of Arts Botanica, a special weeklong exhibition featuring the work of contemporary Chicago artists and some of the city's most creative florists, begins June 2 and runs through June 8.
Local florists will create a living floral composition inspired by original artwork from the show's participating artists. When creating their unique floral arrangements and installations, the florists base their botanical subject matter on a number of contemporary art pieces including paintings, sculptures, videos, and fashion design.
"Few things in life stimulate the senses like flowers, plants, and other botanical treasures do," says Lisa Stuchley, LUMA's curatorial assistant. "That unique sensory experience is what makes Arts Botanica so special for museum visitors. Guests really enjoy the way the floral creations are able to make the contemporary art come to life."
The exhibition is a variation on a theme that began years ago at Loyola University Chicago's former Martin D'Arcy Gallery. Putting a new twist on the idea, LUMA now highlights Chicago-based artists and galleries and uses a wide variety of florists whose work ranges from bouquets to exotic displays. The exhibition remains on view only one week to assure that the flowers and greens will be fresh and filling galleries with their captivating scent.
Participating Artists:
Adam Ekberg, Thomas Robertello Gallery; Elana Guttman, Perimeter Gallery; Roger Hangarter, David Weinberg Gallery; Lindsey Huddleston, Columbia College Chicago; Teresa Mucha James, Packer-Schof Gallery; Robert Kinsell, Ann Nathan Gallery; Joseph Lane, Richard Norton Gallery; Richard Loving, courtesy the artist; Mauro Machado, G/R. N'Namdi Gallery; Karen Savage, Packer-Schof Gallery; John Santoro, Thomas McCormick Gallery; Jim Waid, Jean Albano; David Weinberg, David Weinberg Gallery; Valentina Dubasky, courtesy of Oglivie/Pertl Gallery; and James Winn, Ann Nathan Gallery.
Floral Designer Firms:
A New Leaf, A Stem Above, Blumgarten, Dilly Lily, Flora, Fleur, Foliage Design Systems, Jane's Blue Iris, MilleFiori, Ken Puttbach, and Oliver Dogwood.
Opening Night
A fun, flower themed opening night reception will be held on Friday, June 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at LUMA. Guests attending the reception will have the opportunity to meet the artists and florists of Arts Botanica and will be one of the first to view the exhibition. Tickets ($25 for LUMA members and $35 for non-members) are required for the event and can be purchased by calling 312-915-7630 or e-mailing luma@luc.edu.
Arts Botanica is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.
Art illuminating the spirit!
-LUMA-
