FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2022
Evanston Art Center 2022 Exhibition

4 Solo Shows: Verena Brassel, Bob Nonnemacher, Sandra Perlow, Cole Pierce

The Evanston Art Center is proud to present four solo shows showcasing the work of Verena Brassel, Bob Nonnemacher, Sandra Perlow.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Verena Brassel (B. 1948; Winterthur, Switzerland) has been painting professionally and intensively for over 30 years. She developed her own expressive techniques often with pigments, various mixtures including earth and is not only painting, but also forming statues with special materials. She took interest in different old cultures and history. Many trips have taken her to near and far east and to Africa, Europe and USA. She got especially influenced by Israel through more than a dozen trips.

Brassel’s work has been exhibited in various countries besides her home country of Switzerland like Israel, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Italy and USA (St. Louis and Evanston Art Center). She undertook various workshops/ projects like one at the Anne Frank School in Eschwege, Germany and in Guxhagen, Breitenau Monastery, Germany. For many years she has been working annually with students of the teacher training college St.Gall, Switzerland. A special project she realized in Wilmette, near Chicago USA: A workshop with students, 8th graders enrolled in 2-D and 3-D art classes (Foundation Fine Arts Committee Funds Artist-In Residence for WJHS Workshop).

Bob Nonnemacher’s complex and energized abstract paintings are created by fusing bold lines into geometric shapes and through a painting process using both sides of a single canvas. After using two contrasting painting techniques, one on each side, he cuts the canvas apart, sometimes into 200+ pieces, and then reassembles the pieces to create a final image. The result is an optical energy dominated by a vibrant color palette and intriguing patterns that offers a fresh and exciting perspective on geometric abstraction.

Bob’s unusual process started accidently when he was working on some untreated canvas. While applying large amounts of the paint, it started to seep through to the other side. This prompted new conceptual revelations that lead to new approaches to explore up/down, wet/dry, dark/light, control/surprise, forward/recede and textures in a body of work that explores geometric abstraction with an eye towards modernism.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Art at Winona State University, Bob began a thriving career in publishing as a designer, art coordinator, art buyer, and illustrator and project manager spanning 30 years. He currently exhibits his work throughout the Midwest in galleries and juried exhibitions.

Sandra Perlow (B.1939) is based in Chicago. Perlow’s two-dimensional works start from casual observations and ongoing explorations of her surroundings. Sandra Perlow is the recipient of several awards as well as residencies at Yaddo, the American Academy in Rome, the Chicago Artists Coalition, and at The Spertus Institute. In 2013, she was invited to speak about her work in relation to that of Philip Guston at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her works have been exhibited in Dubhe Carreno Gallery, The Rockford Museum, the Brauer Museum in Indiana, and the Linda Warren Residency program for 2016-2017. Her work is included in the permanent Collection at the Rockford Art Museum in Rockford, Illinois. She recently presented a solo exhibition at the South Bend Museum of Art (2018).

Cole Pierce received his MFA from Northwestern University and a BSS in Art and Sociology from Cornell College. He has recently exhibited at Heaven Gallery, Peter Paul Luce Gallery, THE MISSION, PArC Lima, and Roman Susan. He received DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) grants in 2016, 2017 and 2019, and was a SÍM (Association of Icelandic Visual Artists) resident in Reykjavík, Iceland. In 2016, he completed his first major public work, a 60’x11’ mural in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.

4 Solo Shows will be on display in the Evanston Art Center’s First Floor Gallery from March 5 – April 10, 2022, with an opening reception on Sunday, March 6 from 1-4pm. The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public. This project is partially funded by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and EAC’s general membership.

Evanston Art Center, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, is dedicated to fostering the appreciation and expression of the arts among diverse audiences. The Art Center offers extensive and innovative instruction in broad areas of artistic endeavor through classes, exhibitions, interactive arts activities, and community outreach initiatives.

Evanston Art Center is located at 1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL. Evanston Art Center Gallery Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–4pm. First and second floor gallery spaces are accessible. Limited free parking is available.

Due to COVID-19 protocol, when arriving at the EAC during our Gallery Hours, all visitors are required to wear face mask and provide proof of vaccination upon entry. Please adhere to 6′ social distancing requirements when in the gallery space.

For more information, please visit us online at www.evanstonartcenter.org or contact Cara Feeney, Director of Exhibitions, at (847) 475-5300 or cfeeney@evanstonartcenter.org.

EXHIBITION DATES: March 5 – April 10, 2022
OPENING RECEPTION: Sunday, March 6 from 1–4pm
GALLERY HOURS: Monday¬¬–Friday, 9am–6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–4pm

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Tags:  BOB NONNEMACHER, 4 Solo Shows, Cole Pierce, Evanston, Sandra Perlow, Verena Brassel