North Shore’s 2015 Awards Show: A Photo Essay

[[{“fid”:”8787″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:366,”width”:652,”class”:”media-element file-default”}}]]The week preceeding Saturday, January 23rd was a flurry of preparations at the studio. Everyone cleaned, planned, arranged, and organized in order to host our Annual Awards Show. Expectations were high and the community was anxious to come together to celebrate the many accomplishments of the artists over the past year. Recognitions was given to achievements in the artists’ professional and personal lives, careers of staff members who are transitioning into new chapters of their lives were honored, and a good time was had by all. The follow is a photo essay that captures only a fraction of the memories from The Arts of Life North Shore’s Awards Show for 2015.[[{“fid”:”8788″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:366,”width”:652,”class”:”media-element file-default”}}]]Amanda Ganter was honored with a “Speak Up!” award bringing awareness to the hard personal and professional growth Amanda achieved over the past year through advocating for herself. Andrew Sloan, Joshua Stern, David Jonaitis, and Billy Borgerd were honored with “Circle Awards” which are given to people who compliment and make our community distinct.[[{“fid”:”8789″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:366,”width”:652,”class”:”media-element file-default”}}]]  Cole Fox recieved The Mendel Bronfeld Award. This special award is givent to an artist that moves at their own pace. Through their constant presence in our community, we have learned to respect them and have gained a better understanding of who we are because of our relationship with them. Cole Fox is a steadfast member of our community and he has taught us the value of a song and a smile.[[{“fid”:”8791″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:1107,”width”:1283,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]]Other “Namesake Awards” that were given are:Daniel Frownfelter received The Veronica Cuculich Award. Ronnie was our founding artist and this special award is given to those who remind us of the kind of person she was: a free spirit, an independent thinker, an instinctual artist. These people remind us why we opened our studios. Daniel Frownfelter certainly fit the bill – he is a maker and storyteller, through and through.Renata Berdes was presented with The Ann Gunsberg Award. This special award is given to the artists from whom we learn the most. Through our relationship with these artists, we become better people. Renata is always her fervent, voracious self. She is enraptured in her process and her work ethic is contagious. We are all driven to be more serious artists because of her presence in our studio.[[{“fid”:”8792″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:366,”width”:652,”class”:”media-element file-default”}}]][[{“fid”:”8793″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:1456,”width”:2592,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]][[{“fid”:”8794″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:851,”width”:1012,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]]During the ceremony we welcomed two new full-time staff members to the North Shore Studio: Megan Harrigan Cox as the Arts Coordinator, and Kelly Wood as the Volunteer Coordinator. We are thrilled that they joined our team and are excited to experience all the things they have to contribute to our community in the future. We also said a farewell to former Arts Coordinator John Sharp who is currently on sabbitical and pursuing a Master of Education at Columbia. John has been a keystone to the studio; someone who magically balances everything to keep it together. The studio, VanGoGo band, and programming of The Arts of Life would not be what it is today without John. It was with heavy hearts that we wished him well on the next part of his journey. [[{“fid”:”8795″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:1070,”width”:1299,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]][[{“fid”:”8796″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:1861,”width”:1255,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]]We also debuted a documentary by Chelsea Yang which chronicled the process VanGoGo underwent to create and release their first studio album over the past year. This film moved the crowd and allowed for an intimate look into the lives of some of our artists. [[{“fid”:”8797″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:2592,”width”:1456,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]][[{“fid”:”8798″,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fields”:{“format”:”media_original”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:””,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:””},”type”:”media”,”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“height”:1634,”width”:857,”class”:”media-element file-media-original”}}]]Alicia Porter – The Style Award Alicia understands that sometimes words aren’t enough. To truly express one’s self, personal style is a must! When we least expect it, Alicia will stride through the door sporting a neon blue wig or an elegant cape, messages to the world that she is not to be ignored! We are honored to present Alicia Porter with The Style Award. Andrew Sautel – The Enthusiasm Award Andrew meets each day at the studio head on. He begins art making immediately, while simultaneously greeting everyone who comes in and singing songs of his own making. He works at a dizzying pace, barely stopping to eat lunch. His passion is infections. We are honored to present Andrew with The Enthusiasm Award. Brian Reed – Mr. Mixed MediaBrian is always interested in better understanding the mediums he works with. One way he gains this understanding is to combine materials and create mixed media works. He rarely uses just one approach and for this reason we are honored to present him the title of Mr. Mixed Media. Evan Madsen- The Artistic Expression Award Evan is driven to create. He comes in every day with a renewed desire to engage in artmaking. “Artist” is one of the primary ways he identifies himself. For these reasons, we are honored to present Evan Madsen with The Artistic Expression Award. Edward Rawski – The Grace-Under-Pressure Award Ed is a man of considerable grace. His handling of difficult situations often belies his years of experience as a ballroom dancer – he knows the steps to this dance of life. And when the tune changes, he’s able to make a new routine complete with fancy footwork. We are honored to present Edward Rawski with The Grace Under Pressure Award. Hector Jones – The Troubadour Award Hear ye! Hear ye! This award is hereby given to the truest entertainer of the people. Through his art we have seen his ability to tantalize us with illustrious representations of fame and fortune. His jaw dropping vocal stylings have left us speechless. Everything about this man oozes entertainment. For these reasons, we are proud to present Hector Jones with The Troubadour Award. Jack O’Sullivan- The Virtuoso Award What can’t this man do?! Abstract? Absolutely. Surrealism? Certainly. Portraits? No Problem.. Landscapes? Definitely. Chalk pastel? Easy. Colored Pencil? I thought you would never ask. Both prolific and meticulous, we are pleased to present The Virtuoso Award to the one and only Jack O’Sullivan. Laura Greenberg- The Harmony Award Artists understand the importance of all parts of a work relating to and complementing each other to create a sense of harmony in their finished piece. Some artists are able to achieve the same results in relation to their communities. For this reason, we are honored to present Laura Greenburg with the Harmony Award. Laura McManus – The Authenticity Award What does it look like to stand against pressure to be a certain kind of person, pressure to adopt a particular way of living, pressure to ignore one’s own morals and aesthetics? Laura shows us what it looks like each day, in her faithful commitment to both herself and her community at the Arts of Life. For these reasons we are honored to present Laura McManus with the Authenticity Award. Marcelo Añón – The Perspective Award Marcelo’s cityscapes and geometric renderings often incorporate wild perspectives, evidence of Marcelo’s non-traditional point of view. And his presence in the studio has begun to shift the perspective of our community, for which we are grateful. We are honored to present Marcelo Añón with The Perspective Award. Montell Payne – The Veteran Award Montell is a veteran art maker. He joined the studio early on and long ago cemented himself as a fundamental member of the community. He has vast experience in art making as well as in The Arts of Life model that keeps the studio moving forward. For these reasons that we honored to present Montell Payne with the Veteran Award. Nikole Heusman – The Captain Award Through calm waters and gale force winds, every worthy vessel (or studio) needs an anchor. Because of her unfailing commitment to leaderSHIP, friendSHIP, and musicianSHIP, we are honored to present Nikole Heusman with the Captain Award. Pouya Bagherian – The Learning Award This year, Pouya has taken on the challenge of living more independently, adjusting to housemates and changes in schedule. At the studio, he has learned the new process of printmaking. He has done the hard work of learning to adapt to these new things and many more. We commend him for it and are honored to present Pouya Bagherian with The Learning Award. Phil Gazzolo – The innovator Award Phil is an artist who does not hesitate to leave his comfort zone and try new things. He always pushes the boundaries and strives to be as innovative as possible with his work. His paintings are not limited to canvases, his drawings move beyond a flat sheet of paper. Phil compliments this exploring curiosity with the realization that things do not always go as he wants and he is able to tackle problems that arise with a good spirit and humor. Pamela Robe – The Bravery Award Pam is a brave lady who comes to the studio each day to try her very best, even when it’s hard.  Her artwork and her relationships have grown this year because she refuses to give up. We congratulate her for moving forward through challenges and growing because of them.  We are honored to present Pam Robe with The Bravery Award. Quinn Zenner – The Emphasis Award Not only does Quinn capitalize on the use of emphasis in his work, but he is the member of the community who most consistently highlights the areas of studio life that need more attention. Whether that is an artist who he thinks might need someone to talk to, a stranger who needs a welcoming tour, or a concern about accessibility. Quinn always gives emphasis to that which is being overlooked. Russell Copenharve – The Professionalism AwardTonight Russell is receiving an award to acknowledge how much progress he has made in his professional development this year. From helping the band record their first album, to having his own solo show, to co-Teaching the pilot of the TARP program at Oakton Community College; Russell has consistently showed his professional best in a multitude of environments and continues to represent the studio well in all he does. Rebecca Kubica – Miss Congeniality We appreciate Becky for her constant expression of respect and admiration of her peers in the studio. She is friendly, charismatic, and always wearing a smile. She is dependable and we can always count on her help when we need it. We are honored to name Rebecca Kubica Miss Congeniality. Rebecca Turner – The Personality Award Rebecca is a vivacious and ebullient woman. She shows us her true personality and we love her for it! Who she is always shines through no matter the circumstance and we appreciate her honesty. We are happy to present Rebecca Turner with The Personality Award. Sean Kremer – The Determination Award This year, Sean has shown an incredible amount of purpose and resolve. Despite challenges that would make some of us want to hibernate, he has maintained an active art practice and is an important presence in the studio. We are honored to present Sean Kremer with The Determination Award. Ted Gram-Boarini – The Crazy New AwardTed has boldly walked into many new territories this year. Stretching from the personal to the professional; he has moved into his own condo, was a co-teacher with the pilot TARP program at Oakton Community College, supported the band in the recording of their first album and subsequent tour, and represented the Arts of Life at the One State in the Art conference at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston this past fall. He did it all without hesitation and with a smile on his face and tonight we want to salute all his crazy new experiences by presenting him with The Crazy New Award.    A big thank you to everyone who prepared, participated, and continue to make our community and unique and dynamic place!  

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