North Suburban YMCA to Open Local Artist Showcase

Dec. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- The North Suburban YMCA has announced the launch of a new initiative to display and support the work of local artists. Beginning in January 2013, the Y will open The  Community Gallery, an art gallery with rotating exhibits from artists who live and work in the northern suburbs. The first exhibit will present paintings by Terry Luc, a Northbrook resident known for his colorful pop-art inspired compositions.

The idea of using the Y’s public areas as a venue for art arose from the success of visual arts programs being displayed elsewhere throughout the community. A recent juried art exhibit for junior high students attracted more than 80 submissions, which were displayed at the Y on the Walker System in the building’s renovated lobby and corridors. “Visitors to the Y really enjoyed the junior high show,” noted Cathie Winnie, the Y’s Visual Arts Program Director. “With hundreds of people passing through the corridors every day, we realized we had a wonderful opportunity to highlight the creativity and talent of artists in our community.”

In choosing Terry Luc as its first featured artist, the Y emphasized the value of artistry as well as community spirit. Luc is an established painter who frequently exhibits his work in galleries, shows and competitions. His boldly colorful canvases, often depicting pop culture icons, reflect the influence of Ed Paschke coupled with a legacy of pulp fiction illustrators. Luc also has deep personal roots in Northbrook, where he and his wife Karie have raised six children and he is a frequent community volunteer. A member of the Northbrook Arts Commission since 2004, Luc hosts the cable television program Spotlight on Northbrook Arts.

Luc responded enthusiastically when invited to participate in the Y’s new Community Gallery endeavor. “I’m looking forward both to my show and to helping the Y identify future artists for displays,” said Luc. “We have amazing artists in Northbrook. In fact, three of the greatest artists I know all live within walking distance of me.”

Luc’s exhibit will open with a special reception on Thursday, January 17 from 7:00 to 9:00pm.  The public is welcome to greet the artist and tour the exhibit free of charge. If you are interested in displaying at the Community Gallery, please contact Cathie Winnie, Visual Arts Director, cwinnie@nsymca.org.

The public is also invited to attend the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours Reception earlier in the evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, hosted by the NSYMCA.  Tickets are available in advance at the Northbrook Chamber office or at the door. For information call 847-498-5555.

The YMCA is located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook.

About the North Suburban YMCA  

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and keep its programs available to all, including those facing financial hardship. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources.  Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve-city region for over 40 years.  The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all.  For more information or to make a donation call Tara Bilby at 847-272-7250, tbilby@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.