'Awesome' Art Exhibit Showcases Local Talent

Dozens of community members spent Friday night admiring locally produced art and chatting with the creators during a reception to introduce the newest exhibit at .

The Buffalo Grove Artists’ League’s All Members’ Show features the work of 27 artists from Buffalo Grove and other nearby communities.

There is no particular theme to the show; instead, each artist was invited to submit two pieces of his or her choice. The result is an exhibit that ranges from photography to jewelry. Much of the work is available for purchase.

“Truthfully, I think people are surprised by it,” said Buffalo Grove resident Sharon Borstein, a member of the village’s Arts Commission who coordinated the show. “I stand in here and I feel so proud that I know people who can do this.” 

Buffalo Grove resident Eva Tolpin, who designs jewelry and other accessories, has two necklaces on display at the library.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m very happy to be in the group and have a chance to show people what I’m doing,” said Tolpin, who typically sells her work through her website and at art shows.

Arlington Heights resident Sue Diamond is showcasing a salad bowl, serving utensils and candlestick holders that she patterned with ink and acrylic paint. Diamond said she purchases wood items at resale shops and garage sales and adds her artistic touch, giving everyday items “a new lease on life.”

“I’m a recycling artist,” she explained, adding that she also is commissioned to paint larger pieces such as chairs and benches.

Diamond, who declared the library exhibit “awesome,” said she appreciates the social opportunities provided by the Artists' League.

“Since I’ve been out of art school, being an artist is very isolating,” she said.

The group, which formed about a year ago, attracts as many as 40 artists to its monthly meetings, which offer opportunities for them to share ideas and to network.

“The artist community was ready for it,” Borstein said, adding that public exhibits give them new chances to share their talent with the greater community.

“I think many others are like, ‘Really? This is what my neighbors are up to?’ ” said Borstein, whose beaded bird and hand-bound blank books are on display. “Hopefully, this is a way to educate the community a little and get them excited about celebrating art.”

The Artists' League's show continues at Indian Trails through Feb. 29. Artwork is displayed in the library's front room as well as in the large meeting room. For more information about the Artists' League, email bgarts@vbg.org or call 1-847-459-2525.