Blue Moon Gallery features new art from Zion artist

GRAYSLAKE – Blue Moon Gallery is open with four art exhibits featuring local and regional artists, including Michael Litewski, a Zion-based mixed media artist who is presenting 14 works in a new collection titled “Going Home & Other Places.”

Litewski’s collection of work was created over the past several years and includes several pieces created during the coronavirus quarantine. The exhibit examines the emotionality of concepts such as “house” and “home,” as well as the effects of current world events on family and society.

Litewski integrates a variety of mediums in his work, including acrylic, watercolor, graphite, wood, plastic and paper. He also is known for his use of universal symbolism. Litewski is not only an artist but a master craftsman working with wood. The results are paintings and mixed media assemblages meticulously created and superbly framed.

Kendra Kett, director of Blue Moon Gallery, said, “There is nothing more important than the sanctity of our house and home, our family and our society as a whole. We are deeply honored to show Michael Litewski’s artwork and its timely and urgent commentary at the gallery.”

In addition, Blue Moon is showcasing Batik work by Michael McConville, one of northern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin’s few artists working in the centuries-old Indonesian medium. McConville is presenting 13 color-saturated batiks featuring botanical beauties in an exhibit called “Blooming.”

“We are thrilled to have a Batik artist at the gallery not only because Michael is playing such a strong role in bringing batik to our geography but also because his work is highly aesthetic, dense with enlivening color and provides a strong connection to nature for the viewer. Everyone should have a McConville batik in their home,” Kett said.

Abstract paintings by David Hinske of Evanston also are on display. Hinske’s rich monochromatic, topographical, deeply textured paintings are dramatic yet serene. His favorite presentation is the square format. Hinske has shown his works in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, Nashville and Chicago.

Photo-based artist Mary Neely is presenting her latest works inspired by daily life as a resident of Waukegan, which has a thriving arts community, a beautiful Lake Michigan lakefront, marina and many historic sites. Neely is a frequent juror, instructor and presenter. She has shown her photography throughout the Midwest.

The gallery will be open this weekend from 6 to 9 p.m. July 25 and 1 to 4 p.m. July 26. Blue Moon Gallery is located at 18620 Belvidere Road in Grayslake. All events are free. Under Restore Illinois COVID-19 guidelines, all visitors and staff must wear a mask at the gallery, social distancing is required, and group size may not exceed 10.

Visit the Blue Moon Gallery Facebook page for more details and updates. For information, call Kendra Kett, director of Blue Moon Gallery, at 224-388-7948.