Those Who Can, Teach

Since its inception in 1960, The Art Center Highland Park (TACHP) has enriched the lives of countless North Shore residents through its visual arts classes and workshops. But for all the aspiring artists it has nurtured over the years, little is said about the people behind those efforts. Now is their time to shine.

On January 10-January 31, TACHP will host In View. Playfully billed as a “show off show,” the gallery-wide exhibit will display a broad selection of works from faculty and members of TACHP.

“Each year I am blown away by the quality of work,” says TACHP Curator Caren Helene Rudman. “We sometimes face the problem of having too much of a good thing. It can be overwhelming, but in a good way… This show is definitely up to the highest standards; we can’t wait to share it.”

Bud Greene, a dichroic glass and jewelry instructor, is a veteran member who has had ties to TACHP since the days of Ann Rosen [former Executive Director, who retired in 2006 after 18 years]. “In a way it’s kind of amazing because my hands are still pretty steady,” he jokes. “This is an important opportunity for me to display my work while also having the chance to examine and learn from seeing the work of other staff.”

This will be the first time that Evanston-based sculptor Jill King joins the show in its 13 years.

The mixed media sculpture instructor, who joined TACHP this past summer, will display Whirled— a steel and fabric sculpture which she says “confronts challenging themes such as memory and loss, darkness and light, intimacy and seduction.”

Glazed ceramics by instructor Ana Spencer.

“As a new instructor, it brings me great joy to share my work with the TACHP community,” says King. “Like many artists, I have worked in isolation and overcome many challenges, trusting my path and knowing that there is an audience out there who will resonate with my work.” She says In View differs from other group shows because, “I know that my work will be in good company. It’s a delight to exhibit with seasoned colleagues.”

Ceramics instructor Ana Spencer hopes that the exhibit will influence visitors to consider developing (or furthering) their own skills. For this reason, she’s chosen to display glazed serveware—objects that are graceful, but have utilitarian value.

“I tend to like to push the envelope for this show, but this year I really wanted to show the elegance and beauty of functional work,” says Spencer. “Something you use every day can be special. My work is intended to bring people together, to talk and enjoy a moment with each other.

Skull ring by jewelry instructor Bud Greene.

“I hope that exposing the outside community to the amazing caliber of work being created at TACHP will inspire people to want to try clay and entice them to take a class.”

“We’re approaching our 60th anniversary this year,” says James M. Lynch, Executive Director.

“Starting 2020 with our own staff, members, and faculty work in the gallery is the absolute best way to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. We look pretty great for 60!”

In View opens on January 10 and runs through the end of the month. For more information, visit theartcenterhp.org.