My Work Chosen for "Revolution 2012" at Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago

"50 Stars Buy 2 Get 1 Free"  acrylic on canvas and CD cases on board measures 63" x 37".

           I am thrilled that my work was chosen for the "Revolution 2012" exhibit at the

Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago.  I have been working on mixed media art for many years, but have few opportunities to exhibit the work.   When I read the call for art for "Revolution 2012" I knew that I had a piece that I want to complete and enter.   I'm always intrigued with the things that are a part of our every day world and represent, in my mind, a larger statement about the time they were made.  This is the first of many more mixed media works that I've been working on and hope that I have more opportunities to exhibit, and sell them.  Below is the press release that provides more info about my work and the exhibit. 

 Algonquin resident, artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner, will exhibit a large mixed media art work titled “50 Stars, Buy 2 Get 1 Free” in the “Revolution 2012” juried exhibit at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago.  Ms. Hill-Soldner is owner of Soldner Fine Art Studio located in the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake.  The Artist is best known for her oil paintings that comprise the large body of work “Memories of an Era” and “Portraits of American Veterans Project”.  The work in “Revolution 2012” represents the Artist’s use of mixed media such as canvas, acrylics and CD cases to create new and exciting and many times revolutionary artworks. The artists’ statement reflects upon the current trend in US corporations to “outsource” jobs and manufacturing in order to increase their profits and improve their “bottom line”.   This practice employs cheap foreign laborers to produce products that are then sold in the US for very cheap prices.   In the process the stockholders and corporations become wealthier while thousands of US workers lose jobs thus the title “50 Stars, Buy 2 Get 1 Free”.

  “Revolution 2012” is based upon the current events of the occupy movement that has been brought to Chicago, among many other cities worldwide.   This exhibit hopes to invoke ideas and imagery of where this revolutionary movement will lead us in the year 2012.   Being an election year, the emotions of change will inevitably be at the forefront of the media and general public.

Artists will show artwork that gives their artistic interpretation on what this revolutionary movement brings to the attention of the general public.  Some occurring themes might include: Change, End Corporate Greed, Tax Fairness, Economic Inequality, Class War, Stop Foreclosure and Stand Up For the Middle Class.  Interpretive art pieces with political, environmental, moral or socially relevant tones will be on exhibit.

Veterans Art Exhibit at GE Corporate Gallery

     "My Third Grade Class"   6' x 7'   oil on canvas

 During the month of November 2011,  I transported 6 of my large oil paintings from my body of work "Memories of an Era",  to the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.  The paintings were crated and shipped to the East coast.  I have been honored to exhibit my artwork, with the art by Veterans from the permanent collection of the NVAM at the GE Corporate Gallery in Fairfield, CT.  Art Appraiser and Consultant Valerie Cooper at  Picture That LLC contacted both the NVAM and me, in order to curate the exhibit for GE.  The exhibit is designed to honor Veterans and their families during the time of Veterans Day.  The title of the exhibit is "A Closer Look: Scenes from a United Family".  I wasn't able to attend the artist reception or visit the gallery, but I can see from the web site that the show is very powerful and unique in the concept.

It has been a pleasure exhibiting my work with the NVAM at GE.  I am also grateful that Valerie Cooper's vision brought about this exhibit that carries the message about the roles of the families in supporting our nation's Military Personnel.  I hope that my work will find it's way to more exhibits around the U.S. and the world.  Thank you Valerie Cooper and NVAM and GE.

A Special Day for Veterans at Truman College

Pictured: Adam Navarro Lowery, Jeanine Hill-Soldner, Suellen Semekoski, Matt Olsen and Pres. Reagen F. Romali at Truman College in Chicago during the First Annual Veterans Resource Fair at Truman College.

I have been very behind on my posts. "So much to do and so little time" I couldn't let the year end without mentioning the wonderful event that Veterans Services Coordinator Adam Navarro Lowery organized for Truman College. The event was held on November 9, just a few days before Veterans Day. I was honored to help to set-up the tables and easels to display art by Veterans who have participated in the Vet Art Project. I also provided a few paintings of mine that had exhibited at the National Veterans Art Museum and therefore represented the NVAM. Suellen Semekoski was there and explained to visitors about the Vet Art Project and gave out materials to those who were interested. The Warrior Arts Studio was represented by one of the founders Matt Olsen. I also enjoyed meeting the President of Truman College Reagen F. Romali. President Romali told stories from her life while living and working in a oppressive Communist country. Her genuine commitment to educating Veterans for the work force certainly provides a welcoming environment for member of the Military who want to further their education and find jobs.

I look forward to participating in more art programs with the Vet Art Project. Thank you Adam for bringing all of us together for a valuable and well planned day.

"Portraits of American Veterans Project" on Exhibit at two Venues for November

Ela Area Public Library Exhibit.

Shah Center McHenry County College Exhibit.

I am showing the Portraits of American Veterans Project Exhibit at the following venues during the month on November. I am honored that my art work is on view in public places where the public is free to spend time looking at the paintings and reflecting on their stories. I have chosen to exhibit the paintings and provide an opportunity for the visual dialogue to emerge from the painting itself without additional descriptive text. I believe this allows more time for the viewer to look and consider their own personal experiences and stories.

I will present an Artist Talk with a Powerpoint program at each exhibit venue. I have found the presentation to be a powerful way to share the personal stories of each of the veterans. Thus the stories and paintings become a living oral history project that elicits participants to revisit their stories and share the experiences of the veterans in their families and communities.

November 1- December 18, 2011

“Portraits of American Veterans Project”

Shah Center McHenry County College

4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry, IL

Artist Talk/ Reception: November 18, 4:30- 7:00

www.shahcenter.mechenry.edu

November 1-30, 2011

“Portraits of American Veterans Project”

Ela Area Public Library

275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, IL

Artist Talk/ Reception: Sun. Nov. 20, 2:00- 3:30

Pillars of Honor: A Day of Honor: Nov. 19, 2 pm

The Chapel, Lake Zurich (next to the Ela Library)

www.eapl.org Info: (847)438-3433

WW II Nurse Anna Hauge's Story by Tim Frakes

Anna Hauge Story by videographer Tim Frakes

Missing Painting

In early June I loaned the painting on the right, "Snapshots and Memories" which measures 6' x 9' x 1 1/2" , for an undetermined period period of time to a local non-traditional exhibition space. At the time of the agreement and delivery of the painting I exchanged some paperwork and a business card with the individual who received the work. I unwrapped the paintings and placed them where I was told they would be installed. This was a large open foyer with a reception desk and lots of natural light from large windows. There were other works of art in the corridors of the building so I felt comfortable about the exhibition space.

I took pictures of the space and my work before installation for my records. Sadly the camera containing the photos was stolen from the artist tent at the Lakeside Fest in early July. So I don't have a visual record to provide me with clues as to the location. The paperwork must have been misplaced when I moved my office from one room to another in my house. I don't have a scrap of written record about the exhibit space.

I've been searching for a week for the painting and I have to locate it by Wednesday and deliver it to the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago for shipment to a corporate gallery on the East coast. If you have seen my painting or can provide me with a clue as to it's whereabouts please send me an e mail asap. jeanine@soldnerfineart.com Thank you in advance!

I'm Exhibiting in "Element Flux" at Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago

During the month of October for Chicago Artists Month I am showing 4 oil on canvas paintings at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago. This is an amazing show and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I am also showing at the Tom Robinson Studio Gallery during October and will present an Artist Talk on Saturday October 15 from 4:30- 6:00.

October 1-3 Chicago Artists Group Show

“Element Flux”

Jackson Junge Gallery

1389 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago, IL

Artist Reception: Friday Oct. 7, 6:00-9:00