Basic Anatomy of a Furniture Sale

One morning you are looking at your desk and thinking you have the worst home furniture possible. Your dresser is falling apart, your living room furniture looks like a dog ate half of it and almost ready to shove your dining room furnishings into your closet. Then, seemingly from the heavens, there is a voice from the television saying "up to 70% off room furniture, this weekend only!" and you think to yourself, wow, I could use some decorating ideas and maybe a new loveseat. You start dreaming about all of your bed furniture needs. You start mentally picturing a whole new living room. Before you know it, you have fallen for a furniture stores' advertisements.

Most furniture stores on line or in your city have the same age old sales tactics. Think about how often you buy furniture for living room, maybe once every five years will you replace your living room furnishings. So when it's time, it's important that the furniture stores are right in front of you, showing you their modern contemporary dining rooms furniture. That sale you see on TV or in the newspaper is actually running every single day, 365 days per year. The idea that there is this While supplies last sale on furniture and living room accessories only once per year creates a quick desire for you to not miss out on a special event, but we all know that's not true deep down but we still fall prey.

Some of the tactics I've seen have been phrased similar to "Fill all of your Chicago Furniture needs, this weekend only!" or "One day sale on a console table!" All of these are what advertisers call "calls to action." If you think your can get all of your furniture in bedroom needs fulfilled in a panic because you need to "get it before it's gone" then you might not know that stores typically have a huge warehouse full of "Low Price and Limited Quantities" furniture of bedroom sets within driving distance. A lot of times, the furniture of bedroom items that are on sale were just last year's items they needed to clean out.

To recap, if you are looking for furniture in living room move in quality, there's always a sale going on at every single furniture store that's out there. There typically is no rush to get there and you have plenty of time to shop around for the best city furniture possible.

History of Furniture in Chicago

Furniture manufacturing and sales contributed greatly to Chicago’s growth even in its early days. From the time of the railroad’s first connection to the city, lumber began to flow in and furniture began to flow out. And it was well designed and crafted furniture. Immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia—the world’s finest craftsmen—moved to the city and went quickly to work for Chicago furniture manufacturers. By the latter part of the nineteenth century many of these immigrants were becoming active in the growing labor movement. In fact, the furniture workers of German descent founded the first local labor union for American furniture workers. Chicago quickly grew to the forefront of unionization.

At the turn of the next century, there were more than one hundred furniture factories in the city. That doubled within ten years, putting people to work and building a healthy economy for what would become one of the largest cities in the country. Chicago furniture stores sprang up to sell the pieces created by all these workers and to service the growing populace. Many of those stores grew into large businesses that used the railroads and Great Lakes shipping companies to send their products all over the country. The city quickly became a national leader in the furniture industry, with the American Furniture Mart opening there in 1924. That market was instrumental in making the Midwest the largest producer of furniture in the nation.

But few things remain rosy forever, and the manufacture and sale of furniture in Chicago suffered like other industries when the Great Depression struck. Electrically-powered tools made furniture craftsmen almost obsolete as the factories that did survive could make do with fewer employees. Furniture manufacturers eventually made their way to other parts of the country where they could set up business with cheaper labor as well as take advantage of the developing overland trucking industry to distribute their goods.

But what goes around comes around. Today, more furniture stores in Chicago are beginning to acquire merchandise from local designers and manufacturers. Green and sustainable design has caught the attention of those who furnish homes and offices, leading to healthy growth in the area’s furniture industry once more. The internet allows local businesses to find the raw products needed to create unique designs as well as to market their furniture products around the world. Chicago’s future history and furniture are again in sync and going strong.

Yang Anderson is an independant writer of our furniture in Chicago series discussions.

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Chicago Furniture Adorns the World

Chicago furniture stores carry styles for every taste and pocketbook. But most of the customers who peruse their wares do not realize that many items carried in these stores are designed and manufactured right there in Chicago. Craftsmen and artists work in design shops and studios—even in home garages—around the city and its suburbs to create pieces of furniture that are stylish as well as functional. Local furniture makers then take those designs from drawing tables and prototypes to the living rooms of Illinois.

As well it should. Furniture design and manufacturing contributed to the growth of Chicago from its early days and into the twentieth century. Furniture remains a strong industry in the area even today as innovative design and marketing continue to contribute to Chicago’s reputation as an important center for furniture.

But Chicago furniture does not stop at the Illinois border. The Chicago Furniture Designers Association promotes the art of many of these creative local furniture designers and builders through periodic showcases that extend their influence outside the state. Members of this organization work together to share with each other information on new design and manufacturing techniques. They network and promote each others’ work. From there, Chicago furniture is often selected for shops, homes, and offices around America and even the world.

Tables made of burnished stainless steel, chairs molded out of colorful plastic, or headboards carved from the finest exotic woods—anything can spring from the minds of these local designers. Self-taught or university-trained, Chicago furniture makers provide the pieces that turn houses into homes. They supply sophisticated office suites to corporate conference rooms as well as simple utilitarian styling for home offices.

From solid traditional design to the most contemporary sustainable plan, furniture that was created in Chicago is appreciated in living rooms and conference rooms from one end of the planet to the other.

But nothing feels as good as seeing one’s creation on exhibit in the display windows of the furniture stores in Chicago…the furniture stores of home.

Furniture in Chicago, whether it is exhibited in a fancy showroom or a discount warehouse, should be a source of pride for the city’s citizens. Created by local sons and daughters, these pieces furnish the world. Whether they are inspired by mid-century masters of furniture making, the small designer under whom they apprentice, or their own imaginations, today’s Chicago furniture designers will serve as inspiration to tomorrow’s.


Yang Anderson writes extensive on furniture and Chicago furniture.

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How to Shop for Furniture in Chicago

Everyone wants there home to look great. They want it to have appeal, pizzazz, and wow. This can be achieved in many different ways. A formal space can be created by using high-end furnishings and antiques; or, a person can show off there creative side by using an assortment of patterns and colors to create a unique and friendly environment. In fact, there are probably just as many different ways to design a room as there are people in the world.

The troubling part about interior design is that it can get a little bit on the pricey side. This is especially true when you live in a city like Chicago. Chicago furniture and Chicago furniture retailers pride themselves on providing top of the line and cutting edge products. While this focus on high-end quality may benefit the décor of the living room, it definitely does not benefit the checkbook.

Still, it should be noted that price does not necessarily always reflect quality, and that great bargains can still be found. Purchasing furniture in Chicago does not have to come at the expense of sacrificing you next meal. The key is to shop around. Do not visit just one shop. There are a variety of different furniture stores in Chicago, so utilize them all. While all this running a round may seem like a pain, it will be worth it in the end. You will find great bargains, as well as some unique furnishings.

Of course you do not have to confine yourself to all of the large name brand Chicago furniture stores. Antique dealers are a great way to find some really unique items. Also, do not let the word antique scare you. Antique does not always mean expensive. It sometimes just means quality. However, if you are really looking for some steals, try checking the local consignment shops. These are great places to find some real treasures and bargains. The best part about these shops is that you can often haggle over the price, and even get a better deal than the price that is marked.

Of course if you really want to make your search easy. Try using the internet. Just about every store, nowadays, has a website. This allows you to browse the inventory of hundreds, if not thousands, of local Chicago furniture retailers from the comfort of your own home. Instantly compare prices and find unique products with the push of only a few buttons.


Yang Anderson is an independant contributor to our furniture in Chicago blog.


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Chicago gallery: Jeanine Hill-Soldner Paintings

Jeanine Hill-Soldner is one of the independant contributor of our Chicago art and Chicago gallery blog. Here are some paintings she is offering in our Chicago gallery showroom.


Italian Alps, Summer 24” x 18” oil on canvas $250.00

Italian Alps, Summer 24” x18” oil on canvas $250.00

Summer 12” x 36” triptych oil on canvas $350.00

Autumn 12” x 36” triptych oil on canvas $350.00

Winter 12” x 36” triptych oil on canvas $350.00





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Chicago Art: Jeanine Hill-Soldner

Jeanine Hill-Soldner is one of the independant contributor of our Chicago art and Chicago gallery blog. Here is a recent artist statement of hers.


JEANINE HILL-SOLDNER
Artist Statement

Born in Quantico, Virginia and raised on and around military bases, my family moved frequently. I learned to quietly observe the world around me. This informed observation has influenced my provocative and innovative work. At the age of 12 my grandfather gave me oil paints and by age 15 I began acrylic painting classes in the studio of artist Lanier Densmore. I hold a Bachelor of Art in Art Ed. from University of Florida and Masters of Art in Art Ed. from University of Illinois, and have experience teaching art to all age levels.

I work full time as a professional artist and maintain a rigorous studio practice. As a painter in oil and acrylics my work spans more than 30 years, and has been described as innovative and thought provoking. My work bridges the boundaries between abstraction and representation transforming life’s experiences in visually fresh new ways. Mainly a figurative and portrait painter, I work from life, drawings and photographs. Flora, fauna, landscapes and architecture, are also subjects that interest me, all of which may be combined in a single composition.

I have been honored with several awards over the years, including my Artist Profile featured nationally on PBS Real Simple Television nationwide, WTTW ArtBeat Chicago, Fox News Chicago, Telemundo, National Public Radio, WRMN Elgin, 103.9 FM Crystal Lake, and more than 30 feature press articles. My work has exhibited in more than 100 juried group and solo shows in galleries and museums around the country.

Select Exhibits:
Museum and Solo:
2009 Milwaukee Art Museum, Group Exhibit with National Veterans Art Museum
2007-08 Solo: “Memories of an Era”, National Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, IL
2007 Museum of Fine Art Florida State University, “Family Experience in the 20th
Century” Tallahassee, FL
2002 Solo: “Memories of an Era” Matteson Historical Museum, Matteson, IL
1993 “State of the Art” Boston Fine Art Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
2009 “Sightseeing”, Barrington Area Library Featured Exhibit, Barrington, IL
2008 “Pilgrimage and Passages,” Sage Gallery, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
2007-08 “Memories of an Era”, National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, IL
2007 “Pilgrimage and Passages”, Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, IL
2005 Sage Gallery, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, Crystal Lake, IL
2003 University of Illinois at Chicago, the Arts-Medicine Project Gallery
Luna Café Solo Exhibit, Crystal Lake, IL
2002 Prairie Center for the Arts Gallery, Schaumburg, IL
2001 Barrington Area Arts Council’s Barrington Library Gallery
1992 Coral Springs Artist Guild, Coral Springs, FL
Group:
2009 2003, 1997 “Vicinity Show” Norris Cultural Center, St. Charles, IL
2003 “Chicago Solutions Show” Gallery on Lake, Curated by Ed Peschke
2006 Livingston Center for the Arts, Livingston, MN
1985 1984 Human Images Exhibit, Broward Art Guild, Ft. Lauderdale, FL


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Get Creative and Unique with Furniture in Chicago

Designing your home’s decor can sometimes be a daunting task. You want to create a place of style. You want to create a setting that illustrates your creativity and has the ability to make you guests say “wow.” However, at the same time, you want the furnishings to be functional. You do not want to create a museum; you are creating a living space. In essence, the home needs to be a place that is eye pleasing, but at the same time allows a person to comfortably live and grow.

In Chicago, many retailers specialize in providing just that. From modern to traditional, Chicago furniture stores try to provide something that will meet just about everyone’s taste. Large spaces that incorporate modern or contemporary pieces will focus on trying to create a friendly open and inviting tone. On the reverse side, more traditional rooms will want to focus on small details rather than solely on furnishings, this will ensure that you create a room that is not cluttered.

Of course, when designing a room in the city, the focus should not only be on Chicago furniture. Vases, pictures, art murals are welcome additions to just about any room’s décor. The key is to try to find pieces that complement one another. Loud patterns, colors, or styles that clash, just distract from the overall appeal of the room, creating a setting of chaos and disorder.

Sure, the weather in the city can get bad sometimes; however, this does not mean that furniture in Chicago is solely regulated to indoor use. If you have an open out door space, use it, even if it is just a small patio or fire escape. You will be surprised at how adding a piece of furniture or two to an outdoor area will encourage you to go outside. Let us be honest, sure the winter may be bad in Chicago, but there really is nothing like a nice Chicago summer afternoon. Therefore, decorate that outdoor space and use it.

In addition, just because it is a big city does not mean that every store is expensive. There is a wide variety of furniture stores in Chicago, ranging from the relatively cheap to the exotic and expensive. The key is to shop around. Look at multiple stores. There is probably not just one store that will fit your tastes and your budget. Mix it up. In fact, if you truly shop around, you will be sure to create a look and design that is one hundred percent unique and creative.

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Chicago Furniture Offers Many Styles

There are many stores, warehouses and boutiques that offer Chicago furniture both in the city and on the outskirts. Those who have access to the area may find many types of furniture in Chicago furniture stores to fit into their home’s interior design schemes. The furniture in Chicago that is offered from these stores and manufacturers is known for its cutting edge design and for the quality materials it is constructed with.

Some of the furniture stores in Chicago are also known for their long history. There are many stores that have been established in the city for many years and are well known for their beautiful and quality pieces. Some of these furniture stores may have been passed down in a family for generations and may have even stayed in the same location in Chicago for years. While the designs and showrooms of these Chicago furniture stores may have changed a lot over these many years, the quality and popularity of the stores have not changed with Chicago residents.

Since there are multiple stores in the Chicago area, residents that are looking to remodel or redesign a home will have a lot of choices on their new purchases. Chicago furniture stores have adapted to the competitive nature of business in the city by offering multiple styles of furniture in the same showroom. Many of these furniture stores are so large, they have taken over warehouse sized spaces in the city in order to display many types of furniture in their large showrooms. These showrooms are important for clients to see the display of the furniture surrounded by accessories for the room such as rugs and lighting. The set up of a showroom allows a consumer to investigate the quality and design of Chicago furniture before purchasing it. It also allows a consumer to see his or her options with an entire set of furniture.

Furniture stores in Chicago can offer some of the most cutting edge designs and contemporary furniture on the market today. There are also many stores that specialize in antique or classically styled furniture that can become a beautiful addition to a living, family or dining room. No matter what type of furniture a consumer is looking for, he or she should be able to find some of the most unique pieces for his or her home in Chicago furniture stores. A variety of designs make shopping for furniture in the city a fun and easy task.

Chicago Art: Victoria Senn

Victoria Senn is a Chicago local artist. She is an independent contributor of our Chicago art and Chicago gallery blog.

Here are some of her paintings. Her contact information is available at the bottom of this post.

vickisenn1@yahoo.com

http://www.victoriasenn.com/

http://www.e-artgroup.com/

http://chicagoartistscoalition.org/victoria_senn/

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Chicago Furniture Designs

Chicago residents that are looking to redecorate or furnish a home have many resources to purchase Chicago furniture. When looking for furniture in Chicago, there are many choices for homeowners including modern, antique and classic style furniture. Since there are a plethora of furniture stores in Chicago, the residents of the city have many places to shop for specific pieces to accent a room. A large city such as Chicago has much to offer for those who are looking to completely redesign the interior of a home.

With so many Chicago furniture stores, these stores know they need to compete for business. In order to draw more clients and business, these stores may offer incentives such as sales, discounts or free delivery. Many furniture stores in Chicago may also offer many different types of furniture to please different consumers’ tastes. The showrooms in these stores may be divided by modern furniture or more classic style furniture. Chicago furniture may also be offered in many colors and materials. Chicago furniture stores may display furniture that is designed with mixed media. These pieces combine different materials, such as leather, cloth or metal. Some of these pieces may offer metal or wood legs or support with a leather or cloth cushion. These mixed media pieces have become a modern and well recognized accent for many living rooms because of their interesting design.

There are many furniture stores in Chicago that offer large and intricate showrooms to display their many styles and sets of furniture. This can make it much easier to buy Chicago furniture because a consumer can see the entire set together and decide which pieces would work in their own home. Chicago is home to many talented furniture and interior designers so there is no shortage of spectacular and beautifully crafted furniture in Chicago. The city also offers many antique and used furniture stores to assist those who are looking for a special and unique piece for a home. While Chicago furniture stores may have a lot to offer their consumers, the local paper or local garage sales in the Chicago area can also be a great place to find artistic and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Those living in the city can take advantage of the many furniture stores in Chicago because they offer a wide variety of designer pieces. Chicago furniture stores are also competitive and can offer discounts and large showrooms for the convenience of clients.

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Chicago Art, Chicago Artist, Julie Tomaso

Julie Tomaso is one of the independent contributors of our Chicago art and Chicago gallery blog. Here follows her Bio and some of her art work.

Julie Tomaso's contact information is available at the end of the post.

Artist/Bio 2010

If you look at my work, you will discover what my thoughts are. I think in terms of color and color is what I see when I look at the world. I try to capture the stillness of the landscape. I imagine the “castles in the air”. My journey is one of solitude, an emotional peaceful feeling. If the viewer can sense my experience and actually ”go” to that particular place, then I have done my job well.

The major influences for my art have been the life & work of Dale Chihuly, Jim Dine, Andy Warhol, Joan Mitchell, Wolf Kahn, Georgia O’Keefe, Henry Moore, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Willem De Kooning, Pierre Bonnard, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne.

I began painting in my senior year of high school. I received an associate’s degree from Oakton Community College and studied art under Robert Stanley. When I turned forty, I went back to school to pursue my art degree. I attended McHenry County College and studied under Lynn Lowrie and Mark Arctander. I received my B.A. in Art from Columbia College in Crystal Lake, IL and studied under Alice White and Judith Nahill. I also took numerous workshops with Rodger Bechtold (Old Courthouse Studio in Woodstock, IL). I have been in countless local & national art shows and my work is at the McHenry County Courthouse, Meto-Grafics, Inc., and in many private collections.

I live in Woodstock, IL with my husband Lou and our chocolate lab, Max. We have two teenage boys whom are almost grown. I enjoy working with animals and volunteer at our local animal shelter. I also am working towards my second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do under Grand Master Hyo Chul Chung at Chung’s Martial Arts in Crystal Lake, IL.

“It’s not about painting life; it’s about bringing painting to life.” - Pierre Bonnard



Title: Touch of Blue
Size: 18' x 24"
Price: $ 225.00


Title: Rock Formation
Size: 30" x 36"
Price: $620.00

Title: Roadtrip #3
Size: 24" x 36"
Price: $340.00

Title: Roadtrip, NC #2
Size: 24" x 36"
Price: $340.00

Title: Badlands #3
Size: 24" x 36"
Price: $365.00

Julie Tomaso
Fine Artist

Studio #309 . Lakeside Legacy Arts Park . 401 Country Club Road . Crystal Lake, IL . 60014 . 815.337.9312 . cell 815.715.5168 . jmatomaso@att.net

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Chicago Art: Sarah N. Hahne

We posted some of Sarah Hahne's work previously. Here is some brief introduction of the Chicago artist and more of her work. Follow us on more about Chicago art.

SARAH N HAHNE
HahneArt@comcast.net
http://www.e-artgroup.com/

Selected Exhibitions

- Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, upcoming group show June 2010
- SmallE/r Works, Old Courthouse Art Center, Woodstock, IL October 2009
- E/mErsion Show, Sage Gallery, Crystal Lake, IL March 2008
- 1 Nite Stand Show, Starline Gallery, Harvard, IL October 2007
- Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Abstract & Geometric Show, September 2007
- Old Courthouse Art Center, Ornamental Earth Show, June 2007 invitational
- Women’s Works 2007, juried by Judy Chicago
- A History of Number, one-person exhibit , Woodstock Opera House, August 2004
- Women Made Gallery, Chicago, Il, Her Mark 2004, juried annual date book
- Triangle Art Gallery, Chicago, juried one-person exhibit, A History of Color, May 2003
- Gallery on Lake, The Chicago Solution Show, juried by Ed Paschke, January 2003
- Women’s Works 2003, recipient Gala Night People’s Choice Award
- Women’s Works 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008
- Spring Street Gallery, Galena, IL, group exhibit August 2002 and 2003.
- A History of Color, one-person exhibit, Woodstock Opera House, August 2002
- After 9/11, Old Courthouse Art Center, Woodstock, IL January 2002.
- Contemporary Art Workshop, Selected work, Chicago, 1988
- Rizzoli Gallery, Water Tower Place, Chicago, one-person - exhibit, Lamina, October 1987
- Evanston Art Center, faculty exhibit, summer 1987
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago Gallery, 2x2 Show, 1985
- Wright Art Center, Beloit, Wisconsin, one-person exhibit, May 1980

Education

- School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studio course work, Professional teacher’s certification, 1982-1987
- Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin/ B.A. Printmaking, 1976-1980
- Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing, Aix-en- Provence, France, summer 1978
- University of Illinois Chicago, Master’s courses in Art History and Education, 1980 - 1982

Artist’s Statement:

As a painter with a background in printmaking I am drawn to using repetitive elements and shapes in my work. I am also drawn to achieving depth through the use of flat pattern and texture. The underlying theme of my work, whether figurative, abstract, or still life is to explore the relationship people have with their environment, both natural and manmade. We have a profound impact on each other and the natural world whether we realize it or not. The impact we have is often positive, but unfortunately, even more often it is negative. Our position is unique. We are solely responsible for the problems we have created and we are solely responsible for the solution.

Sarah Hahne is an independant contributor of our Chicago art and Chicago gallery blog.

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My experiences with Chicago Art Galleries

Sarah Hahne

The most interesting places that I have shown art in over the years have been alternative spaces – bookstores, restaurants, old factories, warehouses. I love the look of the more traditional art space – the white, the hush, the expectancy of the venue. There is almost a religious feeling. This feeling of tradition bound, reverent space is most easily seen in the main floor of the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. The white, open, cathedral hush is not marred by sound, as the many visitors voices are muffled by the hugeness of the space. Not only is there no sound, there is no art. You have to go out of the main vast hallway to see the art and when I am there I long to see an organic textile piece, a mobile hanging from the immensely tall ceiling, anything - anything but the hushed austerity - no matter how breathtakingly beautiful it is. Don’t get me wrong I love the space, I want to breathe it in with deep gulps but I don’t want to eat it, if you know what I mean. I love it but the space is not intimate, does not evoke familiarity, does not invite involvement. Often the more traditional art gallery makes me feel the same way. I’m happy to be there, I love the space, but the sometimes only tiniest sense of aloofness keeps me feeling a bit distant from the art. One of the Chicago galleries that I have shown at, Women Made Gallery, is an extraordinary place and does invite the viewer to feel more intimacy with the art, but there is still the slightest touch of a feeling that one should mind their manners and not put one’s elbows on the table, or make loud noises. Despite its intimate space it still has the sense of aloofness traditional galleries and art venues always have.

Not so with the non-traditional art space. One of the spaces I have shown at that fits this category is the Caffé Luna in Crystal Lake, IL. Here the clank of cups and spoons, the smell of chai and toasted bagels invites the viewer to sit and relax, and really enjoy the art. I go often to see what is new on the walls; I sit with a warm chai latte, usually with a friend, and really absorb the art in a more natural, comfortable way. Another great space I have shown at on the edges of Chicagoland is the Starline gallery in Harvard, IL. It was a factory and has been converted to galleries and studios. Although it has the open, cathedral space of an art museum, this is mitigated by the warmth and earthiness of the brick, and the heaviness of the beams that were used to hold large pieces of equipment at one time. I also have shown at the Rizzoli International bookstore that used to be in Water Tower Place, Again despite the bookstore being a quieter space, than say a café, there was still a sense of comfortableness and coziness, an intimacy with the art that is lacking in more traditional spaces. It takes some courage to show are in non-traditional space. Though. I never worried, I was very aware that the paint soaked brushes of various art students were inches away from my art at the Triangle Art gallery in the Old Town Art Center. Art work can get bumped, touched, and even damaged in non- traditional spaces, a risk many artists are not willing to take and understandably so. The sense of aloofness at a traditional art space is saying, in part: don’t touch, take care, this art is special, one of a kind, it is to be admired but from a distance only. I respect that and I agree with that and I also truly do love the austerity, the aloofness of that attitude. But at the same time I love the - oh go ahead and get too close and even with sticky fingers - attitude that non- traditional art venues seem to evoke. The space that my art is hanging in now at Interior Express, this amazing furniture warehouse near Chicago O’Hare, has the huge space of an art museum but only the elbows on the table feel of the non-traditional art space. Despite the vastness of the warehouse, the comfortable look of heavy equipment at rest, the feel that large things are just about to moved, the stacks of items about to be shipped or that have just arrived from parts unknown, the friendly expanse of lined up furniture waiting to make someone’s home more homey, invite those that stop to look at the art to get a bit too close if need be. So come by – take a look – even too close of a look - there is some great art on the wall and some really cool furniture.

Sarah Hahne is a local artist, an independant contributor to our Chicago art and Chicago gallery dicussions.

Above illustration pictures are Sarah Hahne's original art work.

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Art Work from Jeanine: Chicago Art

Previously we introduced artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner, a Chicago local artist, one of our independent Chicago Art and Chicago gallery contributors. Here are some of her work that has been on exhibition. These art work is currently available in our Chicago art showroom.

Here is Jeanine's contact information again:

Jeanine Hill-Soldner
Fine Artist/ Educator
Soldner Fine Art Studio
Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
401 Country Club Rd.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
224-522-4068
jeanine@soldnerfineart.com
http://www.soldnerfineart.com/

My Experiences with Chicago Art Galleries

This article is from Jeanine Hill-Soldner, Chicago local artist, one of our independent Chicago Art and Chicago gallery article contributors. More details of Jeanine' contact information is available at the end of this article.

The gallery scene in Chicago offers a wide selection of original artworks by local and international artists. In these hard economic times it’s important that small businesses, such as galleries be visitor friendly and of course artist friendly. To do otherwise seems counterintuitive. This brings me to the Chicago art gallery scene. Each of the galleries where I have exhibited has been a part of the vibrant art scene in the City.

I’ll start with my favorite of the galleries in which I’ve exhibited my work over the past 13 years. One of my all time favorite galleries closed last year. The Peter Jones Gallery was a vital epicenter of the art community in Chicago. Located in the Ravenswood community, Pete Jones maintained an open and friendly space where monthly rotating exhibits brought the best out in the artists and the art community. I exhibited my oil paintings with the Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art on a number of occasions and loved the ambience and large crowds attracted to the receptions.

Another Chicago gallery where I have exhibited is on North Avenue, the Tom Robinson Studio and Gallery. Tom hosted the Ethereal Fauna show this past October as part of the Chicago Artists Month. The location is easy to find with ample free parking, and within walking distance of the EL. There are a number of good restaurants on North and Damen avenues, so you can enjoy a nice meal along with visiting the gallery. The space is bright and clean with hardwood floors and plenty of natural light. You also have several other small galleries along North Avenue and the Flat Iron Arts Building is just down the street from the Tom Robinson Gallery. Tom is an artist, and a friendly, gracious host..

Other galleries on my resume include the non profit artist run ARC. I have always found that exhibiting at ARC to be a pleasure. The opening receptions and large crowds that are attracted to the openings bring fun and excitement to the exhibition. I would include WomanMade with the caliber of gallery and high quality art that ARC represents. Director and founder Beate Minkovski takes care of the artists, the art and all visitors who enter her Milwaukee Avenue gallery.

Zhou B is a huge and exciting gallery, a bit rustic and rough with so much character that it can only add to the art viewing experience. The Flat Iron Arts Building I mention above is home to a small lovely gallery, the Accidental Gallery and plentiful exhibition space in the commons areas. This is a treat for those looking for a friendly, trendy art scene. Gallery on Lake is also a good, roomy space with friendly and helpful staff. I must also mention the Hothouse gallery which unfortunately succumbed to hard economic times. Hothouse was an exciting and happening venue with live jazz and exemplary exhibitions.

In addition to “city” galleries I have exhibited my work in several near suburban spaces that have I found wonderful experiences for exposure. The University of Illinois School of Public Health Gallery, Chicago Athenaeum, Koehnline Museum of Art Oakton Community College, and Prairie State College, Aurora Public Arts Commission Gallery, Barrington Area Arts Council Gallery and the Lake County Museum.

And finally, my favorite of all exhibition spaces in Chicago is the National Veterans Art Museum. Although not officially a “gallery” the NVAM collects, archives and exhibits the most powerful, meaningful and vibrant art that you will find anywhere. I highly recommend that anyone visiting Chicago visit the NVAM on South Indiana Avenue. My largest body of work “Memories of an Era, Reflections of Our Time” exhibited for a year in the spacious second floor gallery and is now on temporary loan to the Museum and available for traveling exhibitions.

I am an Algonquin resident and own Soldner Fine Art Studio located in the Lakeside Legacy ArtsPark in Crystal Lake, IL., where I can be found painting almost every day and exhibit regularly in the Sage and Dole Galleries. I love the Chicago’s vibrant art scene were I have the opportunity to show my work and be a part of the action.

A final word, I am always looking for new exhibition opportunities, please contact me if you are interested in exhibiting my work.

Jeanine Hill-Soldner

Fine Artist/ Educator

Soldner Fine Art Studio

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

401 Country Club Rd.

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

224-522-4068

jeanine@soldnerfineart.com

http://www.soldnerfineart.com/

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The History of the Le Corbusier Chair

Amy M. Miller

The Le Corbusier chair and Le Corbusier sofa are still recreated to this day and used by many professional interior designers to make their modern and elegant designs come to life. Le Corbusier furniture was designed many years ago by a talented architect who had strong opinions on the aesthetics and uses of furniture. The architectural team that designed the Le Corbusier look created a timeless design that is still used in many furniture showrooms. There are also many modern furniture designers that have used Le Corbusier chairs and Le Corbusier sofas as an inspiration for their own designs. There are many pieces of furniture designed by today’s top furniture designers that are similar to the design of Le Corbusier furniture.

The Le Corbusier design was developed by Charles-Edouard Jeannert-Gris. He later chose to be known as Le Corbusier and became famous for his architecture, design, writings and paintings. The artist is known mainly for developing the design known as Modern Architecture, or “International Style.” In 1928, Le Corbusier started to turn his interest toward furniture and the architecture of furniture design. Le Corbusier chairs and Le Corbusier sofas were developed after the artist invited an architect named Charlotte Perrinand to join his project. The two talented designers started on a line of furniture that was meant to mix the media of metal and cushioning in order to give a modern yet elegant design. In 1925, Le Corbusier wrote a book that outlined his expectations of furniture style and functionality. He used his own teachings from this book to design the line of furniture that is still popular today. Le Corbusier thought of furniture as a work of art that is also useful for humans and can be comfortable.

Le Corbusier designed a Le Corbusier chair that involved chrome-plated tubular structures. Two of these designs were used in Le Corbusier’s famous architectural projects. These designs were modified until they became the world famous Le Corbusier furniture designs that are known today. Le Corbusier also expanded his designs to include a Le Corbusier sofa and other “home equipment” as he called it. Nowadays, there are many furniture designers that are influenced by Le Corbusier furniture. They use the designs as an inspiration to their current lines of home furniture. There are furniture manufacturers that have bought the rights to the Le Corbusier designs and are legally able to reproduce the exact designs of the talented architect.

This article is part of Chicago art and Chicago gallery discussion series.

Amy M. Miller has extensive experience and specializes in living room furniture. She has written a series of articles for our Chicago gallery.

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