Oak Lawn artists’ work on display
By Bob Rakow Correspondent June 22, 2012 9:56PM
Artists and members of the public gather for a reception during the annual display of artwork by Oak Lawn artists in the Oak Lawn Library Sunday, June 3, 2012, at 9427 S. Raymond Ave. in Oak Lawn. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: July 25, 2012 6:02AM
Oak Lawn illustrator Lawrence Kuhn has always had a knack for drawing.
“I’ve been drawing all my life,” Kuhn said as he thumbed through a portfolio of his work. “It’s a release. I just shut everything off.”
Kuhn is one of 19 artists to have work on display at the Oak Lawn Artist Group Show, which runs through July 31 at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Kuhn and several other artists were on for a recent reception to kick off the fifth annual show.
The owner of the Paperback Trading Co., a used bookstore at 8825 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Lawn, Kuhn has two works on display: one of a hummingbird and another of migrating monarch butterflies.
A considerable amount of research accompanied the illustrations so that the details are accurate, Kuhn said.
“There’s a difference between fine art and illustration,” Kuhn said.
A longtime Oak Lawn resident, Kuhn has a degree in illustration from the American Academy of Art and has been hired over the years by various companies, including Sears, to design logos. Technology, however, has practically eliminated the need for his services, he said.
“Now I’m a dinosaur because you push your computer button,” he said.
Artist Sally Aleem draws on the area forest preserves for inspiration when painting nature scenes, she said.
“I love doing nature paintings,” said Aleem, an Oak Lawn resident, who is also a nature photographer.
A graduate of the American Academy of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Aleem has painted since she was a child and enjoys putting her work on display. Aleem paints exclusively with oils, but the show featured drawings, water colors and hand-painted jewelry.
“I enjoy when people relate to what I display,” said Aleem, who has two works showing.
The works can be found in the second-floor gallery of the library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave.
This year’s Oak Lawn Group Show features the work of 19 artists. They were given the opportunity to choose two pieces to display. The artwork, including original paintings, drawings, photographs and hand-painted jewelry, will be shown during June and July.
The Group Show is only open to Oak Lawn residents. Other artists interested in their own monthly exhibit are encouraged to submit an application, available at
www.oaklawnlibrary.org, or pick one up at the reception booth.
