Encaustic Nature in Art opening recap

Last Friday The Art Center in Highland Park hosted three openings.

There was the flagship opening of Primal Awareness, my personal favorite Encaustic Nature in Art and a student show of Mosaic art work.

The turnout was quite overwhelming. We had one of the first few warmer days (mid-40s) and people took advantage of this to go and peruse art.

I met some of my FUSEDChicago friends and chatted with them before perusing our encaustic show.

Robin Samiljan discussed her technique (below) with Ahavani Mullen.

Jenny Learner curated two lovely viewing areas, the Fireplace Gallery and a hallway leading to the student show, where my Damselfly-Dragonfly diptych resides.

I was thoroughly inspired and also happy to see some of the latest creations by my peers.

Ahavani Mullen took home the first prize for her gorgeous piece (the green square).

Bridgette Guerzon Mills received second place.

Julia Ris placed third with Dutch land.

Then I browsed Primal Awareness, and was happy to peruse Matt Runfola’s i-Series in person since I’d seen photographs a few times.

We had a lovely conversation as last week also marked a milestone for his new book.

The mosaics show had a dragonfly and a butterfly in it, making my heart happy.

The shows are up through April 1, so go take a look and be inspired by the colorful, vibrant, human and nature inspired art works.