Join us this fall on the 2nd Wed. or 3rd Mon. at Homer Township Public Library!
quick calendar at a glance
Fall/Winter 2023-look below for more info. as it is posted
Click HERE for Plein Air Information
PROGRAMS/MEETINGS on the 2nd Wed. of the Month unless otherwise indicated:
September 13, 2023-7 pm: Children’s Book & Procreate Design Talk by Brooke O’Neill
October 11, 2023-7 pm: Autumn Still-Life Watercolor Paint-A-Long with Cyn O'Brien
November 8, 2023-7 pm: Plein Air Tips with David Becker
Jan. 10, 2024-7 pm: Annual Show and Tell
December 2023-LAG Members Holiday Party, Date/Time/Location TBD
February 14, 2024-7 pm: Felting Demonstration with Betty Burian Kirk
March 13, 2024-7 pm: TBD
April 10, 2024-7 pm: TBD
May 8, 2024-7 pm: TBD
CREATE AND CHAT: ARTISTS MEET-UP at Homer Township Public Library
2023 Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023
Monday, Oct. 16, 2023
Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
Time: 1-3 pm
Artists of all kinds are welcome to join our monthly meetup group! Meet other local artists (including some from the Lemont Artists Guild), discuss what you’re working on, and spend time creating alongside others. Bring your current project or art supplies to find inspiration & start a new one! The group meets from 1-3pm. New folks – and all art mediums – welcome!
While this is not an instructional class, the gathering of artists can help inspire you and give you feedback or ideas on your own artwork. Or, if you haven't been able to create but want to start, join us and see what others are making. Seeing others create can be just what you need to get your own project started!
No registration required; just show up!
Contact us if you would like more information!
Meetings/Programs
Hope you can join us at a meeting taking place the 2nd Wed each Month (unless noted otherwise)
The Lemont Artists Guild Meetings are open to all, you do not have to be a Lemont Artists Guild member to attend. We hope you can attend our programs at the library which are free and open to the public!
Create a Watercolor Autumn Themed Still-Life Scene
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm
IN PERSON at Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491, 708-301-7908
Registration Link: https://www.homerlibrary.org/still
Cyn O’Brien will lead a hands-on watercolor lesson of creating an autumn themed still-life. Cyn has worked in many subject areas and enjoys painting people and pets. Her fascination in faces began as a makeup artist in the cosmetics industry. Her later career was teaching art in an after school program, private art lessons, hosting art painting parties and teaching a variety of workshops in drawing and painting. She also enjoys traveling to many areas of the world which inspires her passion for art and feeds the creative soul.
Nov. 8, 2023-7 pm: Lemont Artists Guild presents “David Becker-Plein Air Tips”
Registration Link: https://www.homerlibrary.org/plein
David Becker will show his expertise in painting and provide some “Plein Air” (also known as outdoor painting) tips. David works in many mediums, including watercolor, oils, and acrylics, he is mostly recognized for his watercolor scenes of Chicago. David is the author of “Watercolor Composition Made Easy,” and “How to Sketch with Watercolor.” He has had two different articles published in International Artist Magazine and in Watercolor Magic. Has reached signature status to the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and has won numerous awards for his work from
watercolor societies around the country.
Past Programs:
Children’s Book & Procreate Design Talk by Brooke O’Neill
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7 pm, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present Brooke O’Neill, a children’s book illustrator. She will give a presentation on her artistic journey, share her artwork created using the online program “Procreate” (the two-time Apple Design Award winning digital art studio), and will share artistic resources that have helped her as an artist. Brooke will also give a quick Procreate tutorial--so feel free to bring your iPad & iPencil, or bring a sketchbook and draw along!
Brooke is currently represented by Astound US Illustration Agency. She has illustrated over 20 children’s books, and has worked with publishers such as Scholastic, Sourcebooks, Curriculum Associates, and Wisdom House. She’s also licensed several greeting cards.
In addition to illustrating, she is a freelance graphic designer, and a member & volunteer of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Brooke attended Illinois State University, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Graphic Design in 2008. When she’s not drawing, she loves spending time with her two children, husband, and dog, Donut.
You can view Brooke’s portfolio and more at www.brookeoneilldesign.com. Find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brookeoneill.illustration.
Botanical Art with Zentangle Style by Pat Mroczka
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm
On May 10, 2023 at 7 pm, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present Pat Mroczka who will discuss her Botanical Art with Zentangle Style. Pat Mroczka is an award winning artist who uses watercolor and mixed media to depict botanic art using her decorative style. She will talk about her techniques and bring examples of her artwork as well as show some of her finished artwork. She also will show stages of how to glue artwork to a wood board and discuss UV varnishing of the artwork to preserve it. If time allows, she will be prepared to work on an art piece that is already in progress.
While trying various mediums, her current use of watercolor has evolved with the use of doodle-like forms in her florals/leaves — her favorite subject matter. Watercolor captures the fragility of the essence of her subjects. In addition, watercolor in conjunction with the Zentangle/doodle style is most relaxing, fun and spiritually satisfying, as well as challenging. Pat layers watercolor revealing deep, rich colors, similar to oils/acrylics. Her realistic watercolors are framed traditionally with mats and glass. Recently, she’s mounting them on wood panels and using a watercolor UV varnish to preserve the paintings.
Pat’s love of art began at the Sinsinawa Dominican Center near Dubuque. She continued her studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. She loved the detail in technical work involved in constructing buildings on paper which led her to also obtain an Associate’s Degree in Architecture. Pat says that the quaint homes where she lives in Downers Grove and their downtown area has been a source of inspiration to her for more than 30 years and she continues to complete home portraits for her clients.
Pat’s first honor was a second place in the Milwaukee Art Journal contest for an oil painting. She later completed 12 renderings for the Indian Boundary YMCA. She was commissioned by the Village of Downers Grove to complete 5 renderings in celebration of their 175thanniversary. A signature member of the Illinois Watercolor Society, Pat achieved Honorable Mentions in three National Shows in Dixon IL. She is also a member of the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild, Naperville Art League and Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, and received several awards also with the DuPage Art League, and La Grange Art League. She has had solo exhibits at the Oak Park Arms Hotel and the Villa in Lisle in 2019. In September, 2018 she was accepted for the highly acclaimed Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair and her artwork was used for their publicity posters. She currently is the “Spring Featured Artist” for The Morton Arboretum’s Nature Artists’ Guild and has artwork on exhibit there from April 14-16, 2023. (Visit https://natureartistsguild.com/featured-artist/spring-2023-featured-artist-patricia-mroczka/ for more info.)
You can view her Facebook page under Patricia Mroczka and can find a lot of her beautiful artwork images on line by looking up her name. We hope you can attend this program which is free and open to the public!
Art Journaling with April Schabes
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm
- On April 12, 2023 at 7 pm, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present April Schabes who will demonstrate how Art Journaling is a fun and creative way to capture the wonderful and cherished moments in life. Just by jotting words, sketches, doodles or collaged media on the pages of one’s journal, a story can emerge and capture the precious moments in life that pass us by.
- Forever interested in all art forms, as a young adult, April studied at Moraine Valley Community College. She continued her studies by joining art classes and creative activities at The Center in Palos Park, IL. She also took a collage class at LaGrange Art League and Gallery in LaGrange, IL, in which she says about that class, “it won me over and became dearest to my heart.”
- April always loved working with paper, even as child, she remembers how much she enjoyed the art and play of paper dolls. She takes that interest playing with paper all over again as an artist and instructor! She presently teaches Collage and Art Journaling at The Center. She has always enjoyed journaling and making notes of her days and teaching this art to others is something she loves and finds fun and joyful!
- Attendees, please feel free to bring along your own sketchbook or journal to take notes and follow along during the program!
Colored Pencil Techniques with Phil Schorn
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm
- On March 8, 2023 at 7 pm, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present Phil Schorn who is an award winning colored pencil artist and instructor. Phil will demonstrate colored pencil techniques that will be projected onto a big screen so attendees can see easily the depth of color and detail that can be achieved with colored pencils. Attendees are welcome to bring some of their own colored pencils and draw along if they wish! Phil will share the types of colored pencils he uses and media he works on.
- Phil has done numerous group and solo shows, demonstrations for groups, workshops and art fairs. He instructs both online and in-person classes and offers private as well as group lessons. Phil describes his art as not just another drawing, but a fine art that requires patience. With pencils, he has the ability to create shape, color and detail with a line. It is what he does with that line that makes his art come alive. He focuses on realism and puts in as much detail as possible. He wants the viewer to see more than they thought was there.
- Phil has published two books of his art with a lot of drawing techniques and tips, available on Amazon (paperback and kindle), “Life is in the Details” and “Life is in the Details Vol II.”(For information on these books visit https://pschornstudio.com/books-1.) His work has been featured in art magazines (most recently pg. 22 of Colored Pencil Magazine-Jan. 2023), newspapers and television.
- Phil attended Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Graphic Design and 2D Studio Art 1984. He also owns his own successful graphic design company.
- You can view Phil’s artwork, instruction and workshop information at www.pschornstudio.com.
Art Studio/Supply Organization with Colleen Klimczak
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm
- Want to get your art space organized, but don’t know where to start? On Feb. 8, 2023 at 7 pm in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present M. Colleen Klimczak, CPO, who is a Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Peace of Mind Professional Organizing, LLC. She'll bring her expertise to guide artists so you can work efficiently in your creative space! Learn tips and strategies for organizing your art supplies and the space you work in so you can focus on making art instead of wondering where you put that paintbrush or pencil. Since 2003, Colleen has helped thousands get a handle on their space, stuff, paper and time, finding Peace of Mind in their personal and professional lives. Colleen offers in-home, in-office and virtual organizing and consultations, organizational coaching and presentations. She also publishes a weekly organizing blog and newsletter to bolster organizing skills and motivation.
- Public speaking and organizational presentations are a natural extension of Colleen’s experience in client homes and businesses, and she has presented hundreds of presentations to thousands of participants. Colleen’s professional and educational background in Business Administration, Psychology and Adult Education provides unique insight into organizing challenges and solutions. Colleen is pursuing her Organizing Coach certification through Coach Approach for Organizers, plus specific certifications through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. In addition, her 30+ years as a professional and liturgical instrumentalist and vocalist translates into confidence and clarity in addressing groups of any size.
- Colleen is a member of NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, NAPO-Chicago, and in 2008, became a Certified Professional Organizer. She is a member of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce and the Beverly Area Planning Association and Trades Referral Listing.
- You can view Colleen’s social media links here:
Email: Colleen@PeaceOfMindPO.com
Website and Blog: http://www.PeaceOfMindPO.com
Podcast: Your Organized Life with Colleen Klimczak, CPO
Pinterest / Twitter: ColleenCPO
Instagram: Colleen.Klimczak - Facebook / Linked In:MColleenKlimczakCPO
Annual Show and Tell
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm
On January 11, 2023, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present, at the library, Show and Tell, where all attendees at this meeting will have an opportunity to share their creative endeavors.
This is a great opportunity to talk about what you are up to creatively, get some new ideas, constructive suggestions, meet other artists, and/or share about your plans for the future. You can also just come and watch and listen to what others are up to in their art worlds!
If you would like, feel free to bring your current project/sketchbook/journal/etc. and anything else that you want to "show and tell" about!
Figure Drawing
presented by Ellen Rottsolk
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Recording to Follow soon! Check back at a later date.
On November 16, 2022, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present, at the library, Ellen Rottsolk, who will give an interactive program on Figure Drawing. She will discuss the correlations that occur in the human figure, then put into practice, by drawing, some of these relationships and experience how they change and shift as the body moves. Please bring some drawing supplies you can utilize during her demonstration to watch and learn as you draw along with Ellen. These include a sketchbook or paper, charcoal and/or vine charcoal or black chalk, a kneaded eraser, a black pen, and markers and pencils if you like. Ellen will provide some extra vine charcoal and paper. Ellen believes drawing is a learned skill and there are important relationships between the body’s shapes that help us understand how to draw this form. She likes to use vine charcoal and charcoal as they smear to be able to achieve various levels of shading to enhance and bring to life the figure itself.
Ellen has Bachelors and Masters Degree in Art from Northern Illinois University. She has taught art in area high schools and now teaches fundamental drawing, figure drawing, portrait studies and pastel painting at DuPage Art League in Wheaton.
Astrophotography-Photography/Imagery of the Night Sky
presented by Jasonn Pellegrini
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 7:00 pm
IN PERSON at
Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491
708-301-7908
Recording to Follow soon! Check back at a later date.
On October 12, 2022, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present, at the library, Jasonn Pellegrini, who will share his knowledge and photographic images in the field of Astrophotography which is the photographing of the night sky. This includes astronomical objects, outer space phenomena and events which can include images of the moon, sun, planets, asteroids, stars, and galaxies. Jasonn will bring outer space and the stars inside so we can see them for ourselves projected on the big screen in the library’s conference room!
Jasonn has always had a passion for photography. His portfolio includes landscape photography and he started focusing on Astrophotography during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Astronomy, in general, has also always been a passion of his and sharing his astrophotography images with the world lets him spread the wonder of space and time to everyone.
While by day, Jasonn is an electronic technician who repairs communication radios and other electronics, by night, he carries his technical expertise into his celestial photos by using special astrophotography techniques and equipment. The equipment he utilizes to take the photographs includes telescopes, lenses, mounts, various accessories, computer software, and his special camera which uses specific filters to cut out light pollution near the city and surrounding area. Since light pollution is always a struggle in the Chicago and surrounding area, with his expertise, techniques, and equipment he is still able to capture the beauty of the night sky. He has even attended the annual “Nebraska Star Party” near Valentine, NE under some of the darkest skies in the country where Astrophotographers get together and take incredible pictures with the Milky Way galaxy as their light. You can see more about the star party at https://www.nebraskastarparty.org/ and view this YouTube video at https://youtu.be/Fqk_AaxI5XY.
Connect with Jasonn and his images here: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Starlancer/,
https://www.instagram.com/starlancerastro/, https://www.artpal.com/jpastro
Kumihimo-The Art of Japanese Braiding
presented by Betty Burian Kirk
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Recording to Follow soon! Check back at a later date.
On September 14, 2022, in partnership with the Homer Township Public Library, the Lemont Artists Guild is pleased to present, at the library, Betty Burian Kirk, who will talk about Kumihimo Braiding which is a Japanese Braiding Technique. Betty will give a historic overview of how Kumihimo was brought to Japan and the connection to the Japanese Samurai Warriors. Various braiding techniques will be covered by Betty and an abundance of samples will be displayed. Betty will give a demonstration of how the braiding is done on a Marudai (prounounced mar-oo-dye) which is a round-top braiding stand used to make a wide variety of Kumihimo braids in many different forms such as round, square, rectangular, flat, triangular, and other polygonal shapes. (To learn more about the Marudai visit: https://amksoc.org/glossary/marudai/) Attendees present will be given a cardboard disk in which will Betty will guide them on a form of the Kumihimo braiding.
Betty studied art at Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. She taught 13 years as an elementary school art teacher and three semesters as a college weaving instructor. She now teaches at regional and national fiber conferences and sells her handmade wearable fiber art at art shows in Illinois. Her website is www.bbkirk.com and she is a long time member and the Publicity/Newsletter Editor for the Lemont Artists Guild. For more information please visit: www.lemontartistsguild.org.
