Gallery 200 - City of West Chicago, Illinois

Exhibit Featuring West Chicago Artist Begins Feb. 10

February 8, 2022 By City of West Chicago

The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage is hosting an exhibit by West Chicago artist Giovanni Arellano, better known as Fiendsco, at Gallery 200, (103 W. Washington Street) beginning Thursday, Feb. 10. The exhibit is free to attend, and face masks must be worn in the gallery space at all times.

A special artist opening reception will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit will run from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Saturday, Mar. 26. To learn more about Giovanni and his work visit his website at https://fiendsco.com/.

The exhibit is curated by Sara Phalen and Fernando Ramirez; and was made possible thanks in part to funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Arellano’s artwork has been featured on other projects in West Chicago, including a painting at Gallery 200, and a mural on a window at Coco Loco Restaurant.

In his artist statement, Arellano stated that his parents moved from Zacatecas, Mexico and raised his family in West Chicago. “Through art, I express and reflect my reality. Fiendsco is a lucid figment of my subconscious reality. Thankfully, West Chicago is home to very supportive people, as they expressed love for my art from the very beginning. I aim to continue leveling up as an artist, expand my business and simply be happy," Arellano said.

Original content provided by Mexican Cultural Center DuPage

About Gallery 200
Gallery 200 is located at 103 W. Washington Street in downtown West Chicago, and features local artist exhibits. It is a division of the not-for-profit, People Made Visible, and is partially supported by the City of West Chicago. The Gallery is open Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

September 2021: Botanical Watercolorist Kathi Kuchler

August 27, 2021 By City of West Chicago

Kathi Kuchler's artwork was featured at Gallery 200 in September 2021.

Kuchler began painting at the age of 14 in oils and then turned to watercolors because, "I love the fact that I can take my small round paint palette wherever I go."

She received her certification in 2015 as a Botanical Watercolorist and Illustrator through the Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Her regular shows and memberships are: Gallery 200 (West Chicago), Natures Artist Guild shows, DuPage Art League, Norris Cultural Arts Center, St, Charles Arts Council, Fine Line Art Center and Gallery; Batavia Public Library, Greater Geneva Studio Tour, West Chicago Public Library, West Chicago City Hall, Water Street Studio, and the Fermilab Employees’ Art Show.

Kathi chose the month of September to exhibit all of the hues of oranges, burnt umbers, and majestic blues in both oils and watercolors at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. “September is the month to start looking at the colors in our area as things start to change into our autumn colors,” she says.

Her September exhibit will consist of nature, botanicals and landscapes of the central area of our Great Lakes, with these colors in mind.

More information about Kathi Kuchler can be found on her website at https://kathikuchlerart.artspan.com/home.

August 2021: Botanical Oil Painter Marge Hall

August 18, 2021 By City of West Chicago

Marge Hall's artwork was featured at Gallery 200 in August 2021

Marge Hall creates nature-inspired paintings. She admits to painting for as long as she can remember. "When asked if I would like to teach at the DuPage Art League in Wheaton in 1971, I said yes, and have been teaching oil painting ever since. My series of large flowers started in 1991 and I have been consumed with producing every species I can find. My goal is to capture the light with layers of paint and create an almost luminous flower," she shared.

"In difficult times there is always beauty around us. All we have to do is focus on our surroundings and take in the wonder of God's creation", Hall said about her work and her inspiration.

Spring 2021: Series ‘Art in Full Bloom’

April 13, 2021 By City of West Chicago

The 'Art in Full Bloom' series was featured at Gallery 200 in April and May of 2021

Artists celebrated in April and May of 2021 with an exhibit series called Art in Full Bloom, bringing the full spectrum of work created to stir the imagination.

Painting, photography, glasswork and jewelry were just some of the media on exhibit that were on display and available for purchase in some cases.

The spectrum of artwork displayed included paintings, photography, glass work and jewelry. Participating artists, included:

Margaret Bucholz
Judi Horsley
Lou Jacobson
Patty Koenigsaecker
Donna “Blue” Kubica
Kathi Kuchler
Laurie Parker
Britta Renwick
Rita Skarha
Kathy Stepaniuk
Sue Tripp
Marita Valdizan.

Fall 2021: Fiber Artists Series

September 1, 2020 By City of West Chicago

Sharon Malec and Patty Koenigsaeker's artwork was featured at Gallery 200 in September and October of 2021

Fiber artists Sharon Malec and Patty Koenigsaeker had numerous works of art featured at Gallery 200 during the fall of 2021.

Sharon began quilting in 1992, making traditional pieced quilts, but gradually turned to making contemporary art quilts. Her interest in animals and nature has helped to mold her unique style.

Patty’s work tells the story of what inspired her and she hopes that those looking at her collection find the space to add their own feelings and impressions to the story. She admits that her art has always been about inspiration, intention and communication.