Portraits of American Veterans Project Exhibit Opens November 3

The opening reception for my show is less than two weeks away and I have a LOT to do to prepare. Frances Mai Ling is working hard to complete the story profiles that will accompany the 15 paintings. I began the paintings and the project in August 2009 with a continuous schedule of meeting with and getting to know the veterans who are represented in the painting. In addition to creating the connections with my new friends, I devoted long hours in the studio painting. All of the long hours of work will be on exhibit for all to see. I have so many people to thank for helping to make the PAVP project possible that I will save that for the next post. For now I have posted a portion of the press release with more details.

The exhibition dates are November 3- 23, 2010 with an artist reception on Friday November 5 from 5:30 - 9:00 p. m.

Where: Sage Gallery and Dole Mansion Gallery

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

401 Country Club Road

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p. m.

Info: 815-455-8000 or just contact me directly at jeanine@soldnerfineart.com

Details:

“Portraits of American Veterans Project; was created by Jeanine Hill-Soldner as a continuation of her work with art about war and veterans. The exhibit incorporates original oil paintings of local American Veterans with photographs and stories about the veterans told in their own words. The veterans meet with the artist in her studio for an interview, a photo shoot and sketching session before the paintings begins. This project is in the second phase of representing American Veterans in narrative context where the paintings and stories provide a visual dialogue, and a connection between the viewer and the veteran. Ms. Hill-Soldner plans to include veterans of all ages, both men and women. The second phase of the project will exhibit in November 2010 in the Sage Gallery, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake.

In addition to the art by Ms. Hill-Soldner there will be an exhibit of art from participating veterans in the Vet Art Project Chicago, and Chicago area veterans. Ms. Hill-Soldner is co-curating the show with Army veteran Edgar Gonzalez Beaza. The art will be by veterans from wars in Vietnam, Kosovo, First Gulf War, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This art will exhibit in the historic Dole Mansion Gallery. Meet the artists.

There will be a special performance by contemporary classical pianist Frances Mai Ling and Kit Valentine during the artist reception.

Battledress Exhibit and Lt Dan Weekend in Beaufort, SC October 1 - 3, 2010

The Battledress artist reception was held on Thursday October 1 with art on exhibit by women veterans who have served in the US Military. I was honored to be invited to show with these warrior women. The exhibit will now travel with stops in galleries and museums around the country. Follow my blog and I'll keep updating the exhibition schedule.

In the above photo my Mom and I are posing next to Easter Sunday 1965 at the Charles Street Gallery in Historic Beaufort SC. Mom is standing next to the painting that depicts her in 1965 with her friends in front of our military housing at Kaneohe, MCAS in Oahu, Hawaii.

The South Carolina beach from Huntington Island State Park. You can see my husband and father in law (a Vietnam Veteran and retired career US Marine) are seen walking in the distance. My nephew Michael, who is also a USMC veteran was also at the event.

Gary Senise and the Lt. Dan Band performed a free concert for to honor our men and women currently serving and show support for the troops who have been severely injured since 9/11. The concert was held at Riverfront Park. The Beaufort Shrimp Festival was on the same night, serving the best shrimp that I have tasted in a very long time.

This is the start of the Lt. Dan Ride which was held at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort. I was in awe ans so inspired at the sight of all of those heroes riding the 11 mile loop around the end of the runway. The entire event brought tears to my eyes as I watched and cheered for these wounded warriors. I felt honored and quite humbled by these men and women who have overcome their injuries. The Ride was hosted by the Lady Island Cycling Club, the Independence Fund and the City of Beaufort.
My husband Keith and I, arrived at the MCAS at 06:00 hrs to help with set-up and I'm glad we did. There was a lot to do and some friendly people to meet.

This is Laura Sellinger, the founder of the Battledress Exhibit, a US Army, Iraq War Veteran. Laura is a strong woman and a delightful person to know. Thanks Laura, you are amazing!

This is the Old South at it's best. I took this photograph from atop a fort constructed during the late 1800's for defense of the river during the Spanish and American War. So much history is tucked into the most unlikely places.

Good night Beaufort, I'll be back next year for the Beaufort Lt. Dan Weekend.

Fall Drawing and Painting Classes with Jeanine Hill-Soldner

Return to Drawing, All Levels, Teens to Adults
Ongoing, 6 weeks, 120.00, Begins October 28, 2010
Thursdays 10:00- 12:00 Rediscover Drawing: Drawing is a singular pleasure, return to the sublime qualities of drawing, accurate rendering of lines, shading, perspective, form, space and volume, with a variety drawing supplies. Subjects: still life, natural forms, landscape, and scenes around Dole property.

Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00 Drawings into Paintings: Take drawings into paintings, accurate drawings, composition, perspective, color relationships, value and harmony develop into a finished painting. We will use pencil, charcoal and acrylics in this fun and challenging class.
ISBE Certified Continuing Professional Development Provider
224-522-4068 jeanine@soldnerfineart.com www.soldnerfineart.com