Sarah Ogren - Follow That Rabbit

GSU graduate student Sarah Ogren will be exhibiting her thesis work May 3 - May 14.

In the series, “Follow that Rabbit”, Ogren explores the Existential; the every day conversations, lessons learned, and the general exploration of the meaning of life. All depicted through a whimsical, Victorian, lens set in an enchanted-like forest. The rabbit often depicted in many of Ogren’s pieces, acts not only as representation of the artist herself, but as a narrator through Ogren’s life experiences and the work itself. The work is sometimes dark and moody, sometimes light-hearted, but is always meant to be viewed with a sense of humor. Embrace your inner child and follow that rabbit…

Ogren earned a BA in Art from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University. She is currently completing her second Master’s degree in Digital Imaging from Governor’s State University while working full time as an artist.

Sharon Burrink - The Redemption of Brokenness

“The Redemption of Brokenness”, a photography exhibit by Sharon Burrink will be on display from April 19 through April 26 in the Visual Arts Gallery. An opening reception celebrating Burrink’s work will be held on Friday, April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the gallery.

In this series of photographs, inspired by the courageous stories of abused women, Burrink takes the viewer on a journey from the depths of despair to hope and healing by using stirring images that reflect the sorrows and beauty of life. Burrink’s message reflects her spiritual beliefs that no matter how broken a life might be, God can restore and heal.

Burrink graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA from The International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago with a focus on Interior Design. Burrink has recently been named to The National Scholars Honors Society and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Art from Governors State University. Burrink became the CEO of Artistic Interiors, Inc. in 1997 where she used her creative vision in interior design, custom artwork and murals for many clients throughout the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. Her work has been displayed in several galleries and venues in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. She has five children and resides in South Holland, IL.

Jenni Lake - Interiors

“Interiors”, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by Jenni Lake, will be on display from April 12th - April 16th in the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University. A closing reception will be held on April 16th from 6 - 8 p.m.

Lake explores the concept of death and survival within her series of oil painting and mixed media drawings. With her use of many canvases create singular interior spaces, she draws attention to architectural details, such as the edges of walls and floorboards, that are often overlooked. These objects act as physical representations of significant aspects of people’s lives which they tend to ignore.

Lake began her graduate studies after the death of her father, which acted as the catalyst for her entire body of work. She emphasizes the mood through the usage of colors within the subject matter, thereby creating a sense of both serenity and isolation.

Tiffany Gholar - Post Consumerism

Governors State University Graduate Candidate will be presenting her thesis work, "Post Consumerism" at Three Peas Art Lounge in Chicago's South Loop. The exhibition runs from April 2 through May 31. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 2010. 6- 9 p.m. Three Peas Art Lounge is located at 75 E. 16th Street. Chicago, IL 60616

Gholar's style is improvisational and intuitive with an emphasis on color and texture. Post-Consumerism takes its title from Gholar's, incorporation of found objects and recycled materials typically associated with consumer culture, such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and grocery bags. These common materials are transformed into works of abstract art. It is not just about salvage. It is about redemption.

Tiffany Gholar is a lifelong resident of Chicago, Illinois. She studied art as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago and interior design at Harrington College of Design and is currently a candidate for a Masters Degree in Painting at Governors State University. Her work has been exhibited with other Chicago area artists, including Prak-Sis, The Galaxie Art Center, and 119th Street Artists in Whiting, Indiana.

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