April 15: Japan Relief Show at 7 West Studio

Aurora - Clever! Shiny! Strange! Pretty! things from local artists will go toward Japan Relief this April and May.

7 West Studio in downtown Aurora is holding a show where selected works will be up for sale to benefit those affected by the recent disaster in Japan. Japan Relief items sold at the studio will help fund the efforts of American Red Cross to help earthquake victims in Japan.

7 West Studio's Japan Relief Show opens on Friday, April 15 and runs until the end of May. The public is invited to an opening night reception from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Join the 7 West artists for an important night of art to support Japan Relief. Store hours are regularly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

7 West Studio features original art, jewelry and gifts by your friends and neighbors in a lovely location along the river between Stolp Avenue and River Street.

Street parking is free during the opening reception and convenient parking is available in a parking garage at the corner of Stolp and Downer.

Visit www.7weststudio.com to shop the studio online.

NOW: Call for Aurora ArtWalk artists for June 3!

The Aurora ArtWalk is back! ArtWalk V will happen once again from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 3 in the area of Stolp Avenue and Downer Place in downtown Aurora.

New this year, venues will display different perspectives of art; art as seen through people’s relationship to society and the particular groups and/or philosophies with which they identify.

You’ll see art from all walks of society: freaks and geeks, classical and modern, religious and political, cultural and historic, sporty and sexual, offensive and appetizing, repulsive and engaging. Be prepared to experience humanity in all its forms.

Artists are invited to submit their art for consideration of inclusion in the ArtWalk. All types of art will be considered. Interested artists must apply online for the Aurora ArtWalk through the website at www.AuroraArtwalk.com and pay an entry fee of $20. If selected, artists will be paired with a fitting downtown venue in which to exhibit or perform. All artists accepted through this juried process must be able to deliver work and attend/perform for the duration of the ArtWalk, and are eligible for the award. Any and all ArtWalk artists are encouraged to offer work for sale.
Some artists will be invited, and others need to apply.

Those selected applicants will be eligible to win an “audience favorite award” through a monetized voting process. Attendees will purchase “votes.” Each artist will collect votes. Whoever collects the most votes wins an all new Traveling ArtWalk Award and becomes the ArtWalk ambassador for one term—until the next ArtWalk!

Artists in any medium are encouraged to apply. The ArtWalk is open, but not limited to: dancers, photographers, painters, performers, vocalists, poets, sculptors, spoken word artists, ceramicists, authors, installation artists, independent filmmakers, environmental artists, and musicians of all genres. All submissions are due by April 29, 2011. Artists will be notified by May 15, 2011.

The last four ArtWalks saw outstanding attendance with standing room only audiences bringing thousands of patrons and art lovers to downtown Aurora.

The Aurora ArtWalk is produced by the Cultural Creatives, a group of Aurora artists, patrons, business and property owners and engaged citizens with a common interest in encouraging an arts-friendly environment. For more information on the Aurora ArtWalk, visit AuroraArtwalk.com. Sponsorships for this event are currently available. For information on sponsorships, volunteer opportunities and questions related to the submission process, please e-mail : AuroraArtwalk@gmail.com.

April 30: Paramount Art Gallery

Paramount Arts Centre art gallery, 8 E. Galena Blvd., in Aurora will open an exhibit by Aurora University students with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 1. The exhibit will be free to the public through April 30. Some 22 students of Aurora University art professors Steve Lowery of Geneva and Michael Sawdey of Aurora will exhibit paintings, drawings and photography. Student artists represent Addison, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Midlothian, North Aurora, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.

Sept. 25: Art opening at the Paramount Theatre

Greta Bell is showcasing her paintings at Paramount Theatre's second floor gallery this fall. Join Bell at the opening reception on Sat., Sept. 25 from 7-9 p.m.

Meet the artists, enjoy artwork, conversation, and light appetizers.
Most artwork is for sale.

Paramount Theatre is located on Galena in downtown Aurora. Parking is plentiful on adjacent streets, public lots and two parking lots -- all within walking distance.

Make it a night out and visit Restaurant Row on New York Street!