Paintings inspired by artist Ellen Holtzblatt’s trips to Japan and Iceland, will be shown in the “Between Earth and Sky” exhibition Feb. 12 through March 9, in the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. A reception and artist talk will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The Chicago resident’s exhibition features paintings that explore physical being and spirituality with attention to light and ability to convey motion within her landscapes and scenes. She began painting landscapes through her memory of visiting the Orkney Islands in Scotland 30 years ago. “The islands are isolated, sparsely populated by humans, and a fierce and beautiful earth and sea. They represent a stark contrast with my busy and noisy city life. Ultimately, the islands have become the place where I live in my imagination,” Holtzblatt said.
Holtzblatt’s work has been featured in one-person exhibitions throughout the Chicago area, including a Woman’s History Month exhibition in Chicago, “From Birth to Memory” at the Josef Glimer Gallery in Chicago; “Under the Sun: Landscape as Allegory” at the Chicago Public Library; and “A Passing Day: Land and Light” at the Fermilab Art Gallery in Batavia. Her group exhibitions have been seen across the United States, and in Jerusalem and Berlin. In addition, numerous art selections have been featured in various publications.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a graduate certificate in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Master in Education degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also has studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
The Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery provides an opportunity to view locally and nationally recognized arts. Exhibits in the gallery are free to the public and available for viewing Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as during most performances in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit the Fine and Performing Arts Center or call Rachel McDermott, Art Gallery coordinator, at (708) 608-4231.
