McLean County

Arts Center

Com 268 Contributers:

Jade Grek

Antoinette Musco

Gina Malnati

Katie Smith
 Table of Contents

1 Pitch Letter

2-4 PSAs

5-7 News Releases

8 MCAC Backgrounder

9 MCAC Education Backgrounder

10-11 Newsletter

12 Postcard
November 29, 2018
Peoria Journal Star
Matt Buedel
mbuedel@pjstar.com

Good afternoon Matt,

I am contacting you with hopes that you will promote the Armstrong Gallery presenting Mary F. Coats, Andrea Fer-
rigno, & Mariko Brown Harkin, an event that will take place at the McLean County Arts Center. The event will take
place from Feb. 22- April 5. Furthermore, the gallery viewing will allow members of the community to have a fun time
experiencing something unique. Additionally, the Armstrong Gallery will host an Artist Reception on Friday, March 1
from 5- 7 P.M.
To help build awareness about the event, I have included a few story angles to assist you in creating content for your
article.

Exclusive Collection Viewing at Armstrong Gallery: Families and friends in the community can come together for a
unique experience. Do something new and explore the creative world of Mary F. Coats, Andrea Ferrigno, and Mariko
Brown Harkin. At the gallery, enjoy viewing various pieces of beauty and design.

Artist Reception at Armstrong Gallery: Not only will members of the community have a gallery viewing, but they
will also be able to take part in the Artist Reception. The Artist Reception gives people a unique experience where
they are able to meet with various artists and get an insight on their work. This once in a lifetime event takes place on
Friday, March 1 from 5- 7 P.M.

MCAC’s Latest Exhibition: Families and friends in the community will be in a creative and inspiring environment.
MCAC wants everyone to feel welcomed to the gallery viewing as it will be available from Feb. 22 - April 5. Each
piece in the gallery shows the passion and diligence that each artist has put in their work and is something that you
can’t miss!

Given that you have covered local events from the Peoria and Bloomington area, I would appreciate if you continued
that coverage with the Armstrong Gallery presenting Mary F. Coats, Andrea Ferrigno, & Mariko Brown Harkin for the
McLean County Arts Center. For more information about the event, feel free to contact me by email or by phone.

Thank you,
Jade Grek
McLean County Arts Center
773-726-3819
jadegrek@gmail.com

1
 Use: [Feb. 14-Feb. 21]

Time: 30 seconds

Organization: McLean County Arts Center

Armstrong Gallery to feature the work of Mary F. Coats, Andrea Ferrigno, &Mariko Brown Harkin

LOOKING TO EXPLORE THE CREATIVE NATURE OF ARTISTS AND GET INSPIRED? VIEW THE
EXQUISITE WORKS OF MARY F. COATS, ANDREA FERRIGNO (FAIR-IG-NO), AND MARIKO
(MAR-E-KO) BROWN HARKIN FOR A LIMITED TIME AT MCLEAN COUNTY ARTS CENTER..
DON’T MISS OUT ON SEEING THE WONDERFUL CREATIVITY FROM FEBRUARY 22ND TO
APRIL 5TH. FOR AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE GALLERY WITH THE ARTISTS THEMSELVES, AN
ARTIST RECEPTION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST FROM 5 TO 7 P.M.

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Use: Jan. 3-Feb. 10

Time: 30 seconds

Organization: McClean County Arts Center

McClean Country Arts Center presents The Armstrong Gallery

THE MCCLEAN COUNTY ARTS CENTER PRESENTS THE ARMSTRONG GALLERY ON JANUARY
11th UNTIL FEBUARY 15TH IN BLOOMINGTON.

ENJOY DESIGN SPACES THAT REPRESENTS SIMPLICITY, DRAMA, POWER, AND HUMOR CREAT-
ED BY JEFF BESS. TAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THE SURROUNDINGS THAT ARE OVERLOOKED
BY PEOPLE EVERYDAY THAT BESS EMPHASIZES ON. ARTIST RECEPTION, OR RESPONSE TO
BESS’S WORK WILL BE JANUARY 18 FROM FIVE TO SEVEN AT NIGHT.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GAY DOLAN (DOE-LAN) FOR GENEROUSLY SPONSORING THE EXHIBIT.

TO INQUIRE MORE INFORMATION ON THE ARMSTRONG GALLERY EXHIBIT, VISIT WWW.MCAC.

WILDAPRICOT.ORG

3
Use: Feb. 25—April 5

Time: 30 seconds

Organization: McLean County Arts Center

92nd Annual McLean County Amateur Art Exhibition

MCLEAN COUNTY ARTS CENTER PRESENTS THE 92ND ANNUAL MCLEAN COUNTY AMATEUR ART
EXHIBITION BEGINNING MARCH 1ST CONTINUING THROUGH APRIL 5TH LOCATED AT 601 NORTH
EAST STREET IN BLOOMINGTON.

THIS EVENT WILL PRESENT ARTWORK FEATURING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS AS
WELL AS ADULT ARTISTS WITH WORKS RANGING FROM PAINTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC,
AND MORE. COME IN AND SEE THE WORKS OF ART THAT ARE OVERLOOKED IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR WANTING TO GET INVOLVED, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
HTTP://MCAC.WILDAPRICOT.ORG/UPCOMING OR CALL (309) 829-0011.

4
McLean County Arts Center Jade Grek
601 N. East St. Public Relations Director
Bloomington IL, 61701 jagrek@ilstu.edu
www.mcac.wildapricot.org Dec. 6, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exclusive Viewing at Armstrong Gallery

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.—McLean County Arts Center invites the Bloomington community to join in viewing
the exclusive works of Mary F. Coats, Andrea Ferrigno, and Mariko Brown Harkin beginning Feb. 22-April 5.

This event displaysworks from the artists from their own unique inspirations. Ferrigno’s work is inspired by
systems of science and mathematics, while Coats’ is more interested in the constant repetition, echoing and color
play in the work. Harkin looks to nature, especially the textures and contours of leaves and flowers, for inspiration.
She wishes to “connect the viewer and creator, even if only for a moment through the experience of beauty, design,
tactility and comfort”.

Kevin Kuebler, director of New Perspectives at McLean County Arts Center, is generously sponsoring this
exhibition and is excited for the outcome. “I cannot wait to give the Bloomington community a glimpse of what
these artists have created. It’s so important to me to give upcoming artists the chance they deserve to be applauded
for their great work”, Kuebler explains.

Additionally, there will be an Artist Reception held on Friday, March 1 from 5-7 P.M. The reception will
feature all of the works in the exhibition along with exclusive time with the artists. Members of the Bloomington
community will be able to discuss the pieces with the artists and also get exclusive insight on their creativity. This is
a unique experience that would not be possible without the generosity of Kuebler.

Ferrigno states, “I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing community where my talents are able to
flourish. It’s a good feeling to know that my work has inspired others and that people want to know more about my
creative thought process.”

For more information about the gallery viewing or artist reception, please contact Jade Grek at (773) 726
3819 or visit us www.mcac.org.

5
McLean County Arts Center Katie Smith
601 N. East St. Public Relations Director
Bloomington IL, 61701 krsmi@ilstu.edu
www.mcac.wildapricot.org Dec. 6, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

92nd Annual McLean County Amateur Art Exhibition

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— McLean County Arts Center invites Bloomington residents to join in celebrating
the 92nd annual McLean County Amateur Art Exhibition beginning March 1—April 5, 2019.

This event displays works from high school, college/university, and adult artists including: paintings, pho-
tography/new media, graphics, and sculptures. There will be many opportunities to win and be recognized to those
who put their work into the exhibit. The $300 Merwin Medal will be awarded to one individual in each division
that demonstrates the most exceptional artwork. The awards ceremony will be taking place on March 3 at 2 p.m.

Painter and instructor at Knox College Ashely C. Ritter is awarding the Ashely C. Ritter Most Promising
Art Award valuing $150. The award is given to an individual that obtains the most future potential. While painter
and instructor at Knox College Andrea Ferrigno, will be jurying the exhibit as well as featured in the Armstrong
Gallery.

Andrea Ferrigno states, “The Annual McLean County Amateur Exhibit is such a great opportunity for art-
ists young or older, to explore others work and take pride in their own. Attending this event throughout the years
has expanded my creativity and knowledge in the realms of art and what it can be. McLean County has an amaz-
ing community of artist and it’s a pleasure to see new faces branching out and taking part in the community.”

For more information about the event or other ways to get involved, please contact Katie Smith at
(847)609-1129.

###

“A group of enthusiasts rejuvenated the Bloomington Art Association in 1922. The Charter was issued on April 6,
1922. Their purpose was: “To cultivate an appreciation of art in all of its branches, and to encourage civic im-
provements.” The Russell Gallery in Withers Library housed the Art Association exhibits from 1922 until 1976.”

6
McLean County Arts Center Gina Malnati
601 N. East St. Public Relations Director
Bloomington IL, 61701 gmmalna@ilstu.edu
www.mcac.wildapricot.org Dec. 6, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McLean County Arts Center Gravitates Towards the Armstrong Gallery

BLOOMINGTON, IL- The McLean County Arts Center will present the Armstrong Gallery Exhibit Jan. 11-
Feb. 15 in Bloomington, IL

Jeff Bess will have his Armstrong Gallery available for artist-lovers to examine. Those who attend will see
the simplicity of space. His designs will resonate with a sense of volume, drama, power and humor. Bess’s success
has stemmed from helping others see and appreciate the beauty in everyday surroundings that are taken for granted.

Gay Dolan is generously sponsoring The Armstrong Gallery exhibit. The McLean County Arts center is a
non-profit organization that seeks to encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development and
practice of the arts in McLean County. All donations re tax-deductible.

For those who want to submit an exhibition application, have until February 20th. All applicants have to
include is their name, phone number, if they are a McLean County Arts Center member, artist statement, credentials
and three artwork examples.

“We are proud to welcome Jeff Bess into The McClean Country Arts Center. His inspiring work is some-
thing that will amaze our viewers and connect them to a deeper meaning,” said Executive Direction Doug Johnson.
“His previous art exhibits have demonstrated intellectual challenging views which viewers can appreciate.”

To inquire more information about The Armstrong Gallery Exhibit, contact the MCAC staff by calling 309-
829-0011 or visit www.mcac.wildapricot.org

“A group of enthusiasts rejuvenated the Bloomington Art Association in 1922. The Charter was issued on
April 6, 1922. The purpose was: “To cultivate an appreciation of art in all of its branches, and to encourage civic
improvements.” The Russell Gallery in Withers Library housed the Art Association exhibits from 1922 until 1976.”

7
 Contact: Katie Smith

Public relations Specialist

601 N. East St. | Bloomington, Ill. 61701
309-438-1033

krsmi@ilstu.edu

BACKROUNDER:

McLean County Arts Center’s goal and purpose is, “To cultivate an appreciation of art in all of its branches,
and to encourage civic improvements.” This goal is put into action by the many workshop opportunities that the
center provides that includes: adults, youth, and private groups with their own classes and registration opportu-
nities. Whether if you are interested in taking a one-time workshop or joining a class that meets weekly, MCAC
has a variety of art classes to offer that challenges your creativity at an affordable cost. Payment of course fees
includes supplies as well as quality instructors.

MCAC adult classes has open registration for Spring 2019 and has several workshops that range from ceram-
ics, acrylic paint, drawing, and many more medias of art. Upcoming classes that are still available to register
for is, Monday Acrylic with Jeremy Langston, that begins on Jan. 14, 2019 and ends on Feb. 18, 2019 with the
allotted time of 12:30-3 p.m. Registration fee is $135 for the six-week painting course and no prior experience
is necessary. All skills are welcomed, and all supplies are provided. Ceramics Open Studio: January 2019 is
another class that is available to register for with the registration fee of $125. This class is for advanced and
intermediate students only or completion of two ceramics classes at the MCAC will be another way to join. To
register for an adult class, you must be 17 years or older. More classes are available to view or register for at
https://mcac.wildapricot.org/AdultClasses.

MCAC Youth Workshops are open to children that are seven-years-old and older. Some popular workshops that
are currently available for registration includes: Drawing/Painting with Whitney Johnson that is on Feb. 2, 2019
at 1-3 p.m. with the fee of $15 and Ceramics with Whitney Johnson on March 2, 2019 at 1-3 p.m. with the fee
of $20. More registration and workshop dates are provided on the website.

MCAC also provides space for private groups to come and create many different medias of art. Many private
groups that are included in registration is: Workshops for Scout Troops, Youth Birthday Parties, Adult BYOB
Workshops, and K-12 School Groups. Each group comes with different fees, group size, as well as allotted time
due to the difference in age. If interested or for more information, please contact Education Coordinator Sarah
Sciba at sarah@mcac.org. To view pricing and more information on what is at each private event please visit
https://mcac.wildapricot.org/PrivateClasses.

Registration policies for each available workshop and class are available to view online and are located on
each MCAC education page. For more information on registration, getting involved, or for any other questions
please visit https://mcac.wildapricot.org/ or call (309) 829-0011.

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 601 N. East St. | Bloomington, Ill. 61701
Contact: Gina Malnati

Public Relations Specialist

309-438-1033

gmmalna@ilstu.edu
BACKGROUNDER

MCAC History:

Mrs. Horace Smith in 1870 established an art studio with a class of students to oil paint. One of her art students and
three other members of the Bloomington Sketch Club were appointed to organize the Bloomington Art Association.
Their purpose was to, “cultivate an appreciation of art in all of its branches, and to encourage civic improvements.”
The original building was located at 210 E. Washington Street in Bloomington which is also where the McLean
County Arts Center began to operate.

Due to the demolition of the rental building, the Arts Center then moved its location to its current address at 601 N.
East Street. The town of Normal granted official agency designation in 1991, and by the City of Bloomington, as
well as McLean County.

MCAC Today:

The Arts Center presents twelve exhibitions yearly. One of these includes the annual Holiday Treasures exhibition
and the annual Amateur Competition and Exhibition. MCAC also offers classes and workshops for children and
adults to participate in. Those who are interested in purchasing artwork can go through the Sales Gallery. The two
art festivals the Arts Center hosts include the Spring Bloom Arts Festival in March at Illinois State University’s
Bone Student Center and Sugar Creek Arts Festival in July at Uptown Normal.

Volunteers:

Our volunteers are impeccable and what keeps the Art Center running. There are internship opportunities that come
with responsibilities and qualifications. Some of these internships include Arts Administration/Assistant to Director,
Gallery Assistant, Graphic Design, Marketing Intern, Receptionist, Special Events, and Kids.

9
 Associated
Artists
McLean County Arts Center/December 2018

Brightening Up Bloomington, Illinois

By: Antoinette Musco
Would you like to see more colorful art pieces in Bloom-
ington and promote the expression of local artist from the
McLean county area?
The McLean County Arts Center is seeking three local
artists to contribute originality to multiple murals in the
downtown Bloomington area.
Past mural contributor, Adam Miller, is one of the design
committee members looking for creative young artist to
bring some color to downtown Bloomington. “I was one
of the lucky winners for this same contest in the past, said
Miller. “This year I know our panel is looking for a fresh
new artist that will incorporate the tradition and history
of Bloomington into the mural, but with an added mod-
ern twist. Originality will be key here.”
The contest requires artist to be 18 or older and
a McLean county resident. The panel will pick a winner
from the contestant’s smaller scale illustration of their
mural design ideas. A total of three winning artists will be
chosen to design the mural. “This mural contest is a great
way for young artist in the McLean county area to have
their voice be heard,” said art MCAC art director Kather-
ine Buckley. “We decided to lower the age requirements
so the artists could direct the mural to a younger audi-
ence, and teach them a little about the tradition held in
downtown Bloomington as well.”
“I have been on the design committee for the past 13
years. I want to see a new artist bring something so
creative and different to the downtown murals,” said
active MCAC member Simon Riley. “Downtown
Bloomington has so much history and culture to it, so
I’m looking for someone that can bring attention to
that.” Riley is also a teen art instructor at the art center
and is encouraging his own students to compete in the
artist search.
Some further requirements for the murals also
include originality, correct usage of primers and paint
materials, and title for their art piece. The winners of
the mural contest will be notified via email or phone
from one of the McLean County Arts Center commit-
tee members. “I am wishing nothing but the best of
luck to these young contestants,” said Adam Miller. “I
know the rest of the committee and myself will chose
three talented artists to incorporate a fresh look to the
downtown Bloomington area.”

mcac.wildapricot.org 10
MCAC Gets Creative with Kids
By: Antoinette Musco

“My children’s favorite part of the youth class-

Do your children have a passion for art and cre-
es are the classes taught by Ms. Whitney,” said Barrin-
ativity and want to get more involved with it?
ger. “They have learned so much ever since they began
attending her classes when they were only 3 years old.”
McLean County Art Center offers art classes for chil-
Whitney Johnston often teaches her students about fa-
dren between ages 7 to 14. Classes are held to allow
mous artist and then allows them to recreate their piec-
children to express their creativity through art pieces.
es with their own twists. “I want to teach my students
about all of the amazing artists that have introduced
Mother of two, Casey Barringer, is an active member at
noteworthy techniques that we still use today,” said
MCAC where she brings her children to participate in
Johnston. “giving them a background story about a fa-
art classes weekly. “I believe it’s so important for kids to
mous artist will help inspire them in their own artworks.”
express themselves and who they are through artwork,”
said Barringer. “Starting them to do this at such a young
Many of the students from MCAC have made
age really helps develop their own sense of identity.”
great progress already at such a young age. Sever-
al have even had several pieces featured in McLean
The McLean County Art Center’s main focus is to not only
County’s monthly member Art Exhibitions. “I was
get people involved in art, but encourage and 10promote the
very excited when I saw my painting being shown
growth and development of art within the community.
at last month’s member art show,” said 9-year old
“Getting the youth in our community involved in the ap-
member Kayla Biondo. “When I grow up I want
preciation of art at such a young age will help them get in-
to be just like Ms. Whitney and teach art to kids.”
volved in the community,” said youth instructor Whitney
Johnston. “Art was my only form of expression growing
Members of the community and art center
up, and I’m really appreciative of the McLean County
plan on honoring Whitney Johnston later this year
Art Center for allowing me to teach my true passion to
for all of her hard work and being a role model for
such a young audience.” Whitney Johnston was a long
her students. “Just to think back from my time as
time member before she turned to an instructor at MCAC.
a young member here and how far I’ve come is just
amazing. I get emotional just thinking about all of the
young lives I had made an impact on,” said Johnston.
“I can’t wait to continue my work at such an inspir-
ing non-profit like the McLean County Art Center.

Thank you for subscribing to our monthly newsletters

and updates. Stay tuned for next months issue.

10

Antoinette Musco

mcac.wildapricot.org 11
Exclusive Viewing at Armstrong Gallery
February 22, 2019 - April 5,2019

601 N. East St. | Bloomington, Ill. 61701

(309) 438-1033