Photography: The Experienced and The Next Generation by John Vlahakis

ZIA Gallery encourages development of the next generation of artist photographers by providing a professional experience through a photography exhibit by high school seniors. “Looking toward the Future of Personal Expression through Fine Arts Photography” consists of selections from the vicinity high school seniors who responded to our outreach.  The students represent Winnetka, Evanston, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. Please support this next generation of young photographers passionate about their creative pursuits.

These student works are displayed during the exhibitions of infrared photography by acclaimed National Geographic photographer Bob Krist and Chicago Uptown street photography captured during the 1970’s by Bob Rehak. In addition, there is a special viewing of John Vlahakis’ impressive photograph “Neverwhere” a large-scale triptych 66” x 144.”  The exhibitions take place February 22 – March 7, 2020.

Works by (top row) Carolyn Lu, Henry Echt, Alaric Ma, (bottom row) Thomas Leonetti, Eloise Richardson, vicinity high school seniors.

Works by (top row) Carolyn Lu, Henry Echt, Alaric Ma, (bottom row) Thomas Leonetti, Eloise Richardson, vicinity high school seniors.

National Geographic Photographer Bob Krist exhibits his personal infrared compositions rich in textural variations and rhythms, cloaked in subtle mystery through his chosen techniques. 

Mont St. Michel, Normandy, France 20 x 30 Infrared Photography by Bob Krist.

Mont St. Michel, Normandy, France 20 x 30 Infrared Photography by Bob Krist.

Bob Rehak's sensitive portraits of 1970's Chicago's Uptown create engaging narrations of diverse individual circumstances shaped by struggles and resilience. 

Refund Boy by Bob Rehak

Refund Boy by Bob Rehak

ZIA Supporting the Community and the Arts: Partnerships and Programs by John Vlahakis

Join ZIA Gallery as we engage the community through special programing and relationships. With fresh ideas and outreach, we begin this venture through an upcoming display resulting from our proposal to senior photography students, from three vicinity high schools. The photographs go on display on February 22, but more about that later!

Just ahead are new workshops presented at ZIA by gatHERing “an inspirational space where women explore what is real and remarkable within them, discover what is possible, and act on what matters most.” You can ask for a pdf of their programing by emailing gatheringforher@gmail.com. See more information below.

This is the earliest workshop. Request the full list at gatheringforher@gmail.com -See more examples below.

This is the earliest workshop. Request the full list at gatheringforher@gmail.com -See more examples below.

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The full flyer listing more workshops is below. You’ll need to order it from gatheringforher@gmail.com

The full flyer listing more workshops is below. You’ll need to order it from gatheringforher@gmail.com

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Focus on Fumiko Toda by John Vlahakis

Discoveries by Fumiko Toda

Discoveries by Fumiko Toda

Did you know that Fumiko Toda traces her artistic inspiration to her adventures playing outdoors as a child in Japan? This work perfectly shows that influence through the child taking flight imitating the butterflies, on a blustery day of discoveries. This abstract, mixed media painting on panel , 48” x 48,” is rich with color and joy, aspects typical of the artist’s work. She now makes her home in NY where she takes advantage of Central Park’s offerings for rejuvenation.

CARRY ON! by John Vlahakis

Diversity of art to be discovered at ZIA Gallery. Left: Original painting by Kevin Veara, Middle: Mixed media painting by Fumiko Toda, Photography by John Vlahakis, Far Right: Works by Ted Preuss, John Vlahakis and Matthew Schofield.

Diversity of art to be discovered at ZIA Gallery. Left: Original painting by Kevin Veara, Middle: Mixed media painting by Fumiko Toda, Photography by John Vlahakis, Far Right: Works by Ted Preuss, John Vlahakis and Matthew Schofield.

As ZIA Gallery slips into 2020, we continue to present the richness of artistic expression in painting, photography and mixed media offered by our national and international artists. The BEST way to enjoy art is to come into the gallery and take your time to just look. Personal fine art goes far beyond an accessory to your environment. It creates a dialogue with the viewer. We look forward to seeing you at the gallery in 2020. Looking up close, in person, reigns!

ZIA Gallery Is Now Fully Moved to 44 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka (but getting organized) by John Vlahakis

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It has been a long road and we are still getting organized, but at last ZIA Gallery is in one location instead of bouncing between two! We are located at 44 Green Bay Rd., in Winnetka between Capt’n Nemo’s and Northern Trust Bank on the west side of the street. We have both on-street parking and designated parking in the back. Although we still have much ahead of us, we are always excited to discuss our artists’ works and the magic of creative thinking. Make art part of your life! Currently we are focusing on California artist Brian McDonald and Toronto artist Matthew Schofield. Let us discuss with you their unique viewpoints and expressive methods.

ZIA Gallery in Flux by John Vlahakis

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ZIA Gallery has two locations. Please call to arrange a visit to 44 Green Bay Rd. Currently, we are back and forth between the two spaces. Since the Ringo exhibition left town, more fine works by our gallery artists have gone up in this peaceful environment. It is well worth arranging an appointment to view the art. On certain days when the street construction outside 548 Chestnut is intolerable, you may find us taking refuge at 44 Green Bay Rd. However, while we await telephone and wifi at 44, call us at 548 Chestnut to find out the latest. We have scheduled a grand opening on September 6th, 5-7pm of two solo exhibitions of art by Brian McDonald and Matthew Schofield at 44 Green Bay Rd. In the meantime, call and plan visits to both locations.

Ringo Starr The Fine Art Show Opens at 44 Green Bay Rd. on August 2nd, 11 - 5 pm by John Vlahakis

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At the new space near Indian Hill Metra Station, 44 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, ZIA Gallery is pleased to host a pop-up exhibition of artworks by Ringo Starr in conjunction with his performances at Ravinia, Friday August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th. The Ringo Starr Fine Art Show runs from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, August 2nd and 3rd., and Sunday the 4th, noon – 2pm.Proceeds go to his charitable foundation The Lotus Foundation aimed at advancing social welfare.