After almost a decade away from its Chicago roots, Melanee Cooper Gallery will celebrate its return with an opening exhibition on September 7 at its original location in the city’s River North neighborhood, where it first occupied the space 18 years ago. Its premiere exhibit is fittingly titled, “Coming Full Circle,” and will feature artists Alicia LaChance, Joanne Mattera and Arno Elias.

Cooper aims to make the gallery a place of discovery, where visitors participate in open dialogue and are immersed in an environment that allows them to delve into works that interest and transport them. Guided by her keen eye for form, color and texture and with her freshly inspired vision, the gallery will showcase unique, deeply expressive collections of works that seek to engage and uplift the viewer.

The gallery’s opening exhibition, “Coming Full Circle,” will feature evocative and emotional works of art that signify transformation and expression, much like the experience that Cooper recently had in California. Alicia LaChance, whose work was recently included in an exhibition at Elmhurst Art Museum that featured pieces from artists highlighted in the most recent issue of New American Paintings, will be showing her large-scale, textural paintings. Joanne Mattera, known best for her Silk Road series, will display works that explore hues and surfaces through layers of pigmented and translucent wax.

In the adjoining gallery, Arno Elias, a multi-talented music composer, painter, photographer and activist, will showcase contemporary art that illustrates his multi-faceted talents, uniquely communicating his eye for travel and culture of Southeast Asia.

The Melanee Cooper Gallery opening will take place on September 7, 2018 from 5 to 7 pm at 740 N. Franklin Street in Chicago. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this celebration of creative exploration. The exhibit will be on display through October 27.

About Melanee Cooper Gallery:
Melanee Cooper Gallery showcases contemporary artwork with a focus on painting, fiber art, photography and ceramics. As both curator and gallerist, Cooper creates an inclusive gallery experience by bringing a broad spectrum of artists and mediums together, collectively contributing to unique interpretations around process, materials and media to create dimension and depth. The gallery showcases work that inspires a visceral reaction and emotional connection that inspires and elevates the spirit.

Melanee’s broad network and strong relationships within the artist community, her accomplished curation of hundreds of successful shows and her practiced, insightful approach to interpreting and experiencing works of art place her at the forefront of the industry. The gallery is located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. For more information, visit www.melaneecoopergallery.com.

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Tags: Alicia LaChance, Arno Elias, Chicago, Coming Full Circle, Joanne Mattera, Melanee Cooper Gallery, Near North Side