Renee McGinnis
“In Search Of Symmetry”
New Paintings 
Nov. 1st – Dec. 21st  2019                                       Zg Gallery, Chicago

Butterflies, birds, flora, atoms and pearls abound in Renee McGinnis’ second solo exhibition at Zg Gallery, “In Search of Symmetry.” For McGinnis, each of these symbolic images embodies the essential state of symmetry that ensures the stability of virtually all physical forces and living organisms. Not only does the presence of symmetry bind together this vast spectrum of subject matter both conceptually and formally, it also imbues the artist’s paintings with pervasive tension; without this inherent design, everything –even our solar system– would fail.

Here, the perfection and cruciality of symmetry is underscored through the contrast of asymmetry, particularly that of civilization’s imbalance between male and female. Research shows that high birth rates occur in places where women’s status in society is low, and the subsequent volume of humanity breeds more and more industry to support the population’s needs. In McGinnis’ work, this failed symmetry and its subsequent byproduct is illustrated in the manmade towers and ships infringing on the lush, natural landscapes.

“In Search of Symmetry” also features a series of paintings on small circular or long rectangular supports, themselves a literal manifestation of the Morse code dots and dashes that make up the maritime distress signal, “S.O.S.” In this exhibition, McGinnis continues to harness her masterful aptitude for rendering realism to both revel in the beauty of nature, and also underpin this perfection with the threatening aura of mankind’s faults and hubris.

Edie Yakutis (Hook, 1984) retired after twenty-three years from the Microsoft Corporation in 2018. She is in her second year (of five) as a rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She completed her first year of the program living and studying in Jerusalem, Israel. In June. After the summer as the rabbinic intern at Temple Sholom in Cincinnati, she is continuing her studies in Cincinnati, OH and serve as the student rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom, visiting the congregation monthly, in Marquette, MI.

Karen Nesius Roeger ’83 and her husband Mike Roeger celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2019.

Congratulations to Karen and Mike! Wishing you all the happiness in the world!

Kirk Johnson ’83 and his wife Susan welcomed baby boy Joshua Wayne Johnson on April 18, 2019.

Congratulations to Kirk and Susan on the new addition to their family!

Tim Braun ’89 started a new job in August as Adjunct Faculty at Illinois Central College teaching freshman and sophomore music theory. He will be performing on clarinet as a member of the Prairie Wind Ensemble and recently completed several arrangements for handbell choir that have been performed over the past year. In addition to all of these things, he is working on a collection of handbell choir arrangements.

Way to go, Tim!

Jeff Lambert ’86 has been named a senior regional sales director for the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. Lambert will oversee Illinois and Wisconsin in managing sales and producer relationships for the national company that provides insurance solutions for individuals and workplaces.

To read more about his  accomplishment, click here.

Congratulations, Jeff!

Prairie Fire Theatre toured How To Be a Superhero, its annual opera for children, in the Bloomington-Normal area. Directed by Rhys Lovell ’87, written by Nancy Steele Brokaw ’71, and musical direction by Charlie Berggren ’10.

Steven Riesenberg ’87 retired from the Illinois State Police following a 31-year career in law enforcement. He served in patrol, investigative and covert operations assignments while earning three department service ribbons. A bagpiper with the State Police Pipes and drums, he performed solo before three Illinois governors and twice on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. In 2012, he preformed with the Illinois Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts in Michael Schelle’s The End of the World. Steve concluded his career as the commanding officer of District 6 State Police in Pontiac, Illinois, and District 8 State Police in Peoria, Illinois.