Friends – Members of the Norris Gallery Committee

Becky Blaine

I find inspiration for my work by observing and interpreting organic forms that exist in nature. I create images that are inspired by these forms and other found objects.  I have used watercolors, color pencils, chalk pastels and a variety of printmaking media to develop these images. I also like to explore different mark making processes and build layers of marks and images on different work surfaces.  I often blend representational images derived from life with more abstract marks in the work. I also use mixed media, and I am exploring collage and book making in my current work.

Jo Cawthra

I discovered oil pastels about 5 years ago as I sought an outlet for my desire to create in some art medium.   My former careers as an Art Teacher, then a full time Mom and finally an Art Therapist had been rewarding and offered many opportunities for me to use my art.  Now retired, with grown children, I could indulge myself in some joyful pursuits of my own interests.
I was drawn to oil pastels by their ease of application and the lack of complicated equipment needed.  But it was the wonderful qualities of the media such as the richness of color and the textural possibilities that seemed similar to oil painting that attracted my creative interest.
My paintings often are inspired by photographs I have taken or by my own imagination.  My art is meant to be peaceful, gentle or perhaps restorative and thus joyful and comforting.  Hopefully the viewer senses something positive while looking at my paintings.

Sandra Frigolett
Artist Statement

I am a photographer and photo manipulator. I use the camera and computer to create. I love taking pictures of just about anything, but my specialty is older automobiles. I love their organic curves, their size and stately appearance. However, for me it is not enough to just take a picture, I also need to change the photo in some way. I use my computer as my canvas, combining photos in such a way to create a new reality in the finished photograph. I also love lots of bold color, which is reflected in most of my work. I am a life long student of learning and experimenting. I always love to experiment with different aspects of the computer software on my photographs to see if I can visually persuade the viewer into thinking what I have done is real. I find much joy in being a creative person, and feel blessed that I have been given this creative talent.

Joe Hernandez

Joe is an established ceramicist who works with a variety of clay media to create vessels, pots, lidded forms and other objects on the potters wheel. After retiring as an instructor at Waubonsie Community College, Joe has spent his time creating ceramic work, volunteering as a mentor to students in the ceramic arts and judging area art shows. Joe also loves to travel and is a great advocate for the fine arts, sharing his talents and experiences with students of all ages. Joe is a graduate of Marmion Academy and exhibits his artwork in an annual show at the school. Joe also helps with installations for the Norris Gallery at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.

Sally Stancati
A Closer Look…details in life and art

My interest in, and depiction of, commonplace objects from both nature and modern manufacturing is enhanced by the use of macro photography which allows the viewer that closer look. Objects take on a sense of drama from the intricate details of a flower or plant or a new world of playful imagination in the study of favorite childhood toys. I utilize the same concepts in layering macro images to enhance my series of images from my travels.

5/2012

The Artist of the Month is on exhibit for the entire month at the St. Charles Public Library on the Mezzanine level. For further information: please contact Pam Salomone, 630-584-0076, ext. 246.