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Archive
Date: 01/15/2003
Keeping Art Alive in Rockford
by Gregory C. Johnson
gregor@beetcafe.com
That's the mission of Village Gallery owner Jeanne Coe. She talks with passion about the artists that she showcases in her gallery. The gallery currently has a working relationship with 47 artists and is open to anyone who would like to display their creations. Several of the artists the gallery shows have works that are displayed in galleries around the world. "We offer an artist's work at artist wholesale prices", stated Ms. Coe. A work displayed at the Village Gallery may go for as much as 50% (or more) less than a comparable piece shown in a gallery in Chicago or other major metropolitan locations.
The Village Gallery is not just a place for local artists to show their work. Currently, the gallery has a number of pieces from various artists from outside the US. Several watercolors are displayed from a Polish professor who visited Rockford and painted several works for the places he visited. The Gallery coordinated a simultaneous showing of the artists work with another gallery in Poland.
Throughout the year, Ms. Coe and the gallery help to sponsor a number of events for artists to show their work. She has given up to 24 pieces of artwork to various silent auctions around the area. In addition to the donation of various pieces, Ms. Coe helps organize an art fair located on the grounds of the UIC Campus. Her goal is to build up the event to rival the Greenwich Village Art Fair.
In February, the Gallery is starting a co-op network for artists in the Northern Illinois area. Current plans are to utilize the main hall area of Stewart Square as a work place for artists and musicians. This would offer great expose to the public to experience artists at work. In addition to opening an artist's workspace, the cooperative would help organize shows for artists not only in the local area, but also in other galleries around the country.
The Village Gallery is located within the main floor of Stewart Square at 308 W State in downtown Rockford and has been showcasing the work of Ms. Coe and other artists since is opening in November of 1991. The gallery displays a wide variety of works from oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, photographs and jewelry to art styled mouse pads.
If you are looking for a gift for "the person who has everything", visit the Village Gallery. You won't be disappointed.
Jeanne Coe
Village Gallery
308 W State St - Stewart Square
Rockford, IL 61101
815-963-2767
Directions
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Rockford Area Arts Council
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Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center
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Rockford Area Music Industry
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