Danny Mansmith

I first discovered Danny Mansmith on my way to eat breakfast at a little restaurant in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago. On Damen Avenue there are all these great little shops that are half underground, the front windows peeking above the street. One of these windows is elaborately decorated in all kinds of sewn items: clothing, neck pieces, decorative sewn shapes. They all have a very distinctive style: lots of random fabrics, quilting, sewn details, buttons, asymmetrical details, large statement pieces. There is an elegance to the randomness and you can tell that Danny really knows how to use fabric and shape, and also that he has a wild imagination.

You can see all of his work on his website, including his marker drawings, sculpture, and papercuts.

*UPDATE* Danny just informed me that he is soon moving from his space on Damen and will continue to create from home, so stop by to see his place while you can!

Tim Lowly

I’ve known Tim for a few years now. He is a gentle soul, only says what is necessary, and what he does speak says volumes. I believe the same goes for his work. He is an instructor and North Park University in Chicago and many of his paintings revolve around his daughter, Tema. I especially enjoy his large scale detailed paintings which evoke such a sense of beauty, calmness, and solitude.

You really should look at these in larger detail on his website: www.timlowly.com and his flickr site: www.flickr.com/photos/timlowly/.

Public Works

Chris Eichenseer of Someoddpilot, who has contributed 3 posters to our rock poster show, will be exhibiting his work with 3 others in a show at Andrew Rafacz Gallery at the end of the month.

The group show will feature four artists who’ve spent years in Chicago working within the independent art and music communities: Cody Hudson (Struggle, Inc.), Justin Fines (Demo), Andy Mueller (Ohio Girl), and Chris Eichenseer (Someoddpilot). Longtime friends, the four men have parlayed their street-level art styles into careers as internationally recognized graphic designers, their work inhabiting the ever narrowing space between fine art and commercial design.

Opening Reception:
Friday, July 31st 6-9pm

Showing July 31st-August 29th
Noon-5pm Wed-Sat or by Appointment

Recycled Rings

Chicago artist Michelle Hartney of Recycled Rings uses vintage rings, recycled walnut shells, and beautiful embroidery to create one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. Her final product usually consists of hundreds of french knots, some beads, and maybe a few puff balls.

You can buy her creations on Etsy or at one of the many brick and mortar stores she sells at around the world.

Dana Hanegraaf

Dana Hanegraaf is a Chicago based contemporary artist that recently received her BFA degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sacred Geometry, a series of works on paper, is the recreation of an outdoor sculpture garden labyrinth at Sacred Heart Monastery in Lisle, IL.

As a definition, “A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness and the idea of sacred geometry. Sacred geometry involves the use of patterns or a complex system of religious symbols often seen in sacred architecture and religious art.”

Hanegraaf states that, “By recreating and inventing the space, I hope to further my understanding of spirituality and one’s desire to co-exist with nature as it relates to space, time and form.”

You can view more of her work on her website: danahanegraaf.com