Opening Reception:
June 24, 2005 from 6-9pm

The exhibition features 27 works by 23 artist from across the United States. Here are some of the observations by the juror, Susan A. Gescheidle owner of gescheidle, a gallery of contemporary art in Chicago: "I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to jury Got Quirk?. My personal taste leans toward quiet, quirky, well-crafted work - mostly figurative/narrative paintings and drawings. To have the opportunity to select 'quirky' work from all mediums was an enjoyable challenge for me.

Whether in a playful way that made me laugh, such as Mara Trachtenberg's photograph, "Chicken and Onesie," or in a subtly odd way that quietly lured me in, such as "A Japanese Tradition?" by collaborative artists C Marie and Max Hovaten, I selected work I found intriguing. Sometimes I was struck by work that was remarkably technically proficient. For example with Jennifer Crupi's, "Posture Gauge Series - Chin," it is apparent the artist spent an enormous amount of time conceptually and in the creation of the work.

I am happy with the overall selection for Got Quirk? I believe the work is, indeed, quirky and then some!"

The exhibition opens June 24th with an artist reception from 6 - 9 p.m. at Woman Made Gallery.

Exhibiting Artists: Laura Ball, Lauren Simkin Berke, Aaron Bowles, Jennifer Crupi, David Leitch, Bridget Griffith Evans, Madeleine Fix, Jehanne-Marie Gavarini, Gene Greger, Manuel Guerra, Amy Lin, Holly Matthews, C Marie and Max Hovaten, Meridith McNeal, Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette, Laura Shubert, Claire Stringer, Mara Trachtenberg, Bridgette Tritz, Anahita Vossoughi, Wendy Whitesell, Brandy Worsfold

Image: Heng-O (Goddess Justaposed Series)' photography by Brandy Worsfold

In her artist statement Whitney states:
"The pornographic images were created by men and for men, and it is meaningful to me to rework and reclaim the images via latch-hook, a medium made by and for women. Part of the inspiration for these pieces was motivated by my desire to add meaning to and therefore elevate these neglected images.

These works also reference a perceived rift between what is 'sexy' and what is 'wholesome.' Combining the two types of imagery seems ironic, but it doesn't have to be. Sexual self-confidence and nurturing, motherly homemaking are not mutually exclusive. Similarly, the tactile nature of the rugs adds both to the sensual subject matter and the idea of the original creator as nurturer.

Just as the original rugs were disregarded, I pray that the women represented in the photographs were not."

Whitney Lee's work will be on display from June 24 to July 21, 2005.

(Image: 'Swans' rug, canvas and yarn by Whitney Lee)

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Clay used to be Judy B. Freeman's stress reliever to her day job in the corporate world, but for the past three years she has been able to devote herself full- time to creating her work."My personal goal as a ceramic artist is simple, I want to make you smile, if you laugh all the better", says Judy who has found her inspiration in the animal world. "I love making fish teapots. I am in awe of the natural beauty of reef fishes and often wonder what life would be like for fish if they had mirrors and were aware of their beauty." To see more of Judy B. Freeman's artwork visit her website: www.judybfreemanpottery.com

Exhibiting Artisans: Judy B. Freeman, Eileen Goldenberg, Lisa Harris, Laura C. Hewitt, Regina Maniaci, Stephanie Marder, Emily Murphy, Martha Rosenfeld and Liz Vercruysee

Metal & Jewelry Artists: Melissa Banks, Sarah Chapman, Teresa Faris, Mara Krumins, Kim Nikolaev, Carmen M. Perez

Woman Made Gallery is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council a state agency, by a CityArts Program II grant from the City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Polk Bros Foundation and by the generosity of its members and contributors.

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Woman Made Gallery is a tax-exempt, not for profit organization founded in 1992. Its goal is to support women in the arts by providing opportunities, awareness, and advocacy. It specifically accomplishes this through monthly thematic exhibitions which raise public awareness and recognition of women's cultural contributions.