The Languages of the World

Cyd Smillie, eager to help out a local school, made a generous donation of 10 hand-painted circus banners to Northside College Prepatory High School. Each banner focused on a single subject taught there, and were then sold at an auction to raise money to support the school. This banner was for the languages program.

It's happened! Cyd Smillie has opened a fine art gallery in French Lick, Indiana. Housed in the old "Five and Dime" on Maple Street in the historic district, Touching Ground Gallery boasts a collection of fine art paintings and ceramics by mid-west and regional artists. Nearby the beautifully restored French Lick Hotel and the West Baden Hotel offer luxury accommodations and a casino while honoring the 1800's architecture. When in town try a cup of coffee from the new (and wonderful!) French Lick Coffee Shop and step into to the gallery to see new works by Cyd Smillie, Susan Barton, Dede Handon, Nella Spencer and more.

Who would have thought that a view of the Chicago river would figure into an evening of "Chekhov Shortz" at the theater? Cyd Smillie designs 10 sets-in-one for the St. Sebastian Players presentation of an evening of Chekhov's comedies. Comedies? you say. Chekhov comedies?! Why yes, often silly, sometimes farcical and playing through the second week of March.

Coming Up: "The Return of Birds I have Known" featuring nearly 100 artist created or painted or built or smashed bird houses.

Holiday Show at August House

Yes it's holiday time and August House Studios is hosting a show and party featuring the work of 14 Chicago area artists including Cyd Smillie, Marya Veeck and Jill Arena to name a few. All original artwork is for sale and can be wrapped for gift giving. Stop in and see some lucious colors and textures like those in "Dragonbreath" featured here.

October is Artist's Month in Chicago! We're celebrating close to home with a show of local artists. Cyd Smillie will be showing three oil paintings tracing the surrender of the body to the landscape. All artwork will be for sale and is on view for the month of October in the building on the corner of Elston and Berteau. It's free to come by and see 10 different artists' views of the beautiful world we live in.

If you missed the warm and wonderful opening on Friday you can still stop by on week-ends through the month of October to see the show. Art In My Back Yard has invested in better lighting and the space is the best yet. Thanks again to Jackie Kazarian and Liz Mills.

July 12, 2009 Chicago's own Bach and Beyond performed Mendelsohn's incidental music to Shakespear's, "A Midsummer's Night Dream" in the 6th floor ballroom of the DANK HOUSE. To add color and form to the stunning performance local and international artists including Cyd Smillie presented artwork inspired by the play (see example -"Puck and Oberon Amused by Fools")

The collected artwork continues to be on exhibit in the Scharpenberg Gallery through August. The gallery is open on Saturdays from 11 to 3 or by appointment.

Is there anything more rejuvenating than the sight of spring flowers? This May the Avram Eisen Gallery gives you a chance to enjoy their life affirming wonder even if your garden hasn't sprouted yet. Cyd Smillie along with 10 other area artists plant their seeds and share their visions of beauty. Come share the experience the first week-end of May, and maybe buy mom a flower that will last for years to come.