Artist
Charlie De Leonardis has kept a journal since childhood. Throughout the past
six years, he has been using these journal entries as inspiration for his
artwork, bringing a fresh new concept to the community of North Riverside. Throughout
the month of August 2010, Charlie
will be sharing his work with the visitors to the popular North Riverside Mall Theatre, located at 7501 West Cermak Road, where
his paintings will be on display in the lobby exhibit space.
As
an Elementary Art Teacher in Berwyn, Charlie De Leonardis was pleased to learn
that his works would be showcased at the North Riverside Mall Theatre,
especially since many of his students patronize this location. Charlie
explains, "I think it's crucial to show by action that not only do I teach
art, but I also make art. Art keeps me young-minded. It keeps me from not
letting go of what it means to play, explore and not let the responsibilities
of an older person take away a youthful outlook on life!"
His
current showcase represents moments where he's been traveling in Peru, riding a
CTA bus in Chicago, drinking coffee at his dining room table and daydreaming on
the grass reflecting on his day. As he describes, "Each moment is special
and worth exploring throughout the use of art. It’s a way to be more aware of
my “being” and the world at large.”
Originally
from Brookfield, Charlie De Leonardis studied art at Illinois State University
where he realized that making art was his segue to seeing himself reflected in
this world. "The environments that most of my pieces and journal entries
reflect are buses, trains, car rides, my travels, public places as well as
isolated moments. This type of work is an ongoing journey to document my
surroundings while I'm breathing in them," he says in description of his
work.
Through
his website and by getting involved with other artists at gallery showings in
and around Chicago, Charlie is able to promote his work and maintain a presence
in the Chicago art scene. For additional information on artist Charlie De
Leonardis, please visit www.charliedeleonardis.com.
For more information about what's going on around Berwyn, IL we invite you to tour the site and participate on the shared Berwyn News Calendar by adding your organization's community news.
