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Curt Bedei

Artist for Hire; Graphic Arts; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Painting, Printmaking

The Lincoln Lad Letterpress is a letterpress & graphic design studio for general design, posters, prints, cards, stationery, announcements/invitations and any other custom printed work. I use two different types of presses. One is a Chandler and Price and the other is a Vandercook flatbed press. All type and design is custom and handset. I’ve always enjoyed letterpress since my internship with Hatch Show Print in Nashville TN. and now I have the opportunity to share my creativeness with you!

Susan Burton

Visual Arts

Artist Susan Burton has focused on sculptural and public mosaic art. She works closely with clients to develop creative projects that are site-specific and community based. As a perpetual student she explores the creative relationships between history and environments. Reiki, Mandalas and Archetypal studies have influenced her work. These processes have been used in many ancient cultures to seek inner symbolic and psychological connections. Burton received a degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Interior Design with a double minor in Art and Architecture. As a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists she has studied with teachers from around the world. Her work has been featured in media, books and publications. The power of symbols, light and learning influence Burton’s experimentation from a traditional perspective as well as medium contradictions.

Ed Cepiel

Visual Arts: Painting

Hello. My name is Ed Cepiel and I have been a professional artist for over 30 years. I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a BFA in 1985. My work is in Public and Private Collections throughout the country. I live and work in my hometown of Morris, Illinois. I am also a founding member, and the current President of The EXibit Fine Art Center and Gallery located in Morris, IL.

Dylan Conmy

Artist for Hire; Visual Arts: Illustration, Murals, Painting, Paper, Sculpture; Culinary

I am a self-taught artist who works primarily in charcoal and pastels. I am often contracted for business morals, as well as personal morals (such as children’s rooms), and window art. I also do portraits from photos by request. I have been known to work with clay, and sculptural elements such as paper mache, cardboard, wiring, and other building materials. Anything goes–my mind is constantly working. I have to admit, however, that my favorite form of art is culinary. Cooking or baking for someone is my favorite form of creativity.

Shanna Dugan

Artist for Hire; Lecturer/Discussion Leader; Visual Arts: Instructor, Photography; Film Developer

Shanna’s artistic style has been described as “like the atmosphere before a storm.” That description fits her photography, as well as her personality. It took Shanna many years to fully embrace her artistic soul, and some days, she still feels like she’s settling into herself. She discovered photography in college, and that was the medium Shanna’s soul fell in sync with. Developing film, either at home or in a darkroom, brings a serious sense of joy with every roll. After several years as a hobbyist photographer, she began shooting sessions for other people around 2006, and opened her business in 2012. Three years after opening, the business grew to a full time venture. Today, she photographs select clientele for family portraits, branding portraits, senior portraits and weddings. Shanna teaches photography workshops and classes, and advises small business owners on branding and social media. She also serves as the LaSalle-Peru Tuesdays Together leader for the Rising Tide Society, which promotes community over competition among small business owners and creative entrepreneurs. Based in the Starved Rock area, Shanna Dugan is a film photographer who captures breathtaking portraits of all varieties, a visual artist who believes the rules are meant to be broken, and a philanthropist who believes in building community amongst her colleagues and fellow creatives.

Gavin Finefield

Artist for Hire; Visual Arts: Ceramics

Fun and Functional Art with Spirit Throwing pottery was not was I was expecting to do but found in 2012 I enjoyed it and could sell it! I throw functional stoneware pottery that is colorful and fun. The pottery represents a vibrancy and love of life that I try to share with others through my art. Currently I sell in three stores in Streator, Eureka and Lincoln Illinois, as well as online and art shows. I do teach classes on occasion either in large group settings or individual throwing classes. Namaste.

Paula Guttilla

Visual Arts: Photography

Paula Guttilla Photographer Hatchet Canyon Photography My passion for photography started when I received my first camera at the age of 10, a Kodak Brownie. The wonderful photos in the Life Magazines and National Geographic that came to my home inspired me. I was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts and attended the University of Denver in Colorado. I met my husband Tom backpacking in Europe in 1972. I have worked for Jay Baxter, CPA for 34 years as an Accountant / Enrolled Agent. I now work only tax seasons. I have two grown children and five grandchildren. Cameras – Canon Digital EOS 7D and EOS R Accolades: Smithsonian Magazine 4th Annual Photo Contest 1 of 10 Altered Images Finalists: Dancing Tree: March 31, 2007 Illinois Bureau of Tourism, An Eye for Illinois Winter Photo Contest Honorable Mention: House Finch in Utica: April 30, 2007 Illinois Bureau of Tourism, An Eye for Illinois Spring/Summer Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Sunflowers Route 6, LaSalle: October 2007 Illinois Bureau of Tourism, An Eye for Illinois Fall Photo Contest Second Place: River Bluff Trail, Buffalo Rock State Park Honorable Mention: Matthiessen Lake Falls: Feb. 19, 2008 Illinois Bureau of Tourism, An Eye for Illinois Winter Photo Contest Honorable Mention: Illinois River at Sunset: May 31, 2008 Vintage Illinois 2008 Featured Wine Label: Bald Eagle Photo The Nature Conservancy on line. Nature Photo of the Week 2009 Great Sand Dunes National Park. July 31st, 2009 Boston.com (online Boston Globe) National Parks Photo Contest Judged by Filmmaker Ken Burns 1 of 30 Winners National Park Contest :Great Sand Dunes National Park: Sept.16, 2009 Illinois Bureau of Tourism’s 2010 Governor’s Conference Used my photo “Looking Back at State Street” in a presentation Smithsonian Channel: 2010. ½ Hour Episode for the Smithsonian Spotlight Series featuring the Smithsonian Magazine photo contest. Dancing Tree Altered and the Dancing Tree Original Showcased 2011 Aerial America Smithsonian Channel Photo Contest 1 of 5 finalist in the food category 2013 Cape Cod Annual Guide Cover Photo Book Cover for “Ghost of the Illinois Canal System” by David Youngquist for sale on Amazon 2014 Starved Rock Photography Club Contest 2nd Place Winner Illinois Canyon Water Fall 2014 & 2015 The La Salle News Tribune’s Annual Community Review 2014-present Getty Contributor http://www.gettyimages.com/galleries/photographers/paula_guttilla 2015-2016 Peru Pride Magazine Vol. I Cover Photo 2016 Pub. National Geographic book contributor “A Year of Daily Gratitude” by Lorraine Miller 2016 pub. Oct issue of ARRP 2016 pub. Oct issue Costal Living 2016 pub. Spring issue Flower Mag. 2016 -Current : Village of North Utica’s I-80 Billboard by Marseilles Exit. 2017-2019 La Salle County Magazine Contributor 2007-2018 Illinois Valley Market Guide cover 2018 pub. Apr. issue Travel and Leisure, Coastal Living and Southern Living. 2018/2019 Cover Photo : La Salle , Mason, Moultrie, Iroquois , Lee and Livingston IL., County Plat Books 2018/2019 Cover Photo : Waushara and Jefferson WI, County Plat Books 2018 pub. June issue “Illinois Valley Woman” Mag. 2018 pub. 4 photos of the public mosaic art of Susan Burton in” CREATIONS: Contemporary Decorative Mosaic” by Jacqueline Iskander 2019-2021, 2016-2018 Advantage , Illinois Valley Area Resource and Relocation Guide Published by IVAC 2019 “Heartland Portraits” this “All-American concert honors the beauty and life of our Heartland” , 3 giant screens displaying images with music performed by the Heartland Festival Orchestra. April 13, 2019 Permanent Exhibits: 1. Joanne Jalley Memorial , Jacobs Library, Illinois Valley Community College 2. Eureka Savings Bank in LaSalle, Illinois 3. Central Bank Illinois, Peru, Il 4.. Utica Village Hall, Utica, IL 5. Westclox Bldg. Peru, IL 6. Coldwell Banker Todays Realtors, Peru, IL 7. Jay Baxter CPA. Oglesby, IL Temporary Exhibits: 101 Club, La Salle, IL, April 2017-Current The Social Kitchen, La Salle, IL April-June 2016 Paint Box Gallery (Westclox Bldg.) Oct 2014 & May 2017 Gallery 7 of Joliet, IL “Open Lens VIII A Juried Exhibit of Photography” June 2017 Prairie Arts Center, Princeton Sept 2017 and May 2018 The Exhibit Fine Art Center and Gallery, Morris , IL, Oct 2018 , April 2019, Oct 2019 North Central Illinois ARTworks Center (Westclox Bldg.), Peru, IL Oct 2017, Dec 2018-Jan 2019 CatsEye Wine Bar, Ottawa, IL. Jan , 2019 Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, LLC , Ottawa IL. Sept , 2019 Retail Locations : 1. “A Mess of Things” 726 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 2. Ottawa Art League Hall Gallery , 807 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, Il 3. 101 Club, 101 1st Street, La Salle, IL 4. On Line : http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/paula-guttilla.html WEB Sites: https://hatchetcanyonphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/HatchetCanyonPhotography/ Welcome to North Utica, Illinois http://www.gettyimages.com/photos/paula-guttilla?excludenudity=true&mediatype=photography&phrase=paula%20guttilla&sort=mostpopular http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/paula-guttilla.html http://www.viewbug.com/member/paulaguttilla

Kari Matuszewski

Artist for Hire; Visual Arts: Crafts, Illustration, Instructor, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting

My life has revolved around art for as long as I can remember. It struck a chord with me, made me “feel” something. I have always been drawn to the eccentric and colorful. To me, Art is what makes life interesting. In high school, I would tell my parents I was going to a friend’s house, but really I was sneaking on the train to New York(I grew up in NJ and NYC was about a 45 minute train ride) and exploring all the creative goodness that the city has to offer. I discovered Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring, Pierre-August Cot (Springtime Lovers on Swing is hands down one of my favorite paintings), Jackson Pollak, and Georgia O’Keefe, to name just a few. The freedom I felt, walking those NYC streets, observing the grittiness of it, the graffiti, the unique cultures, even the yellow cabs, made it clear to me that New York is where I needed to be and that Art was what I needed to be making. I was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in the Fall of 2003. Accessories Design and Leather Fabrication is what I earned my BFA in. I can’t begin to explain how much I learned and grew from that experience. After graduation, I worked in the fashion industry for about 8 years before I made the very hard decision to move to Illinois to be closer to my family. Now, I spend my days being a mom, working at a non-profit, and making Art. This wonderful community of Artists has really made making Art and being creative something exciting again for me.

Richard & Phyllis Natanek

Visual Arts: Ceramics, Painting, Photography; Watercolor

Richard and Phyllis Natanek live in Seneca, Illinois. They are active Community members, working to help develop the arts in their area. As members of the Ottawa Art League, Rich and Phyllis have served on the Board of Directors, as Program Chair and Richard is a Past President of the League. They are also members of the Prairie Arts Council in Princeton, IL, The Exibit Gallery in Morris, IL, River Valley Visuals in LaSalle, IL, and the Silo Committee (affiliated with NCI Artworks)in Peru, IL. LPC Studio celebrates art as an expression of what we are thinking and feeling at the moment of creation. Our thoughts find expression in clay, paint, photography and the written word. We like the freedom of expressing ourselves in whichever medium suits the ideas that present themselves. The LPC Studio team’s painting, photography and pottery have been winning awards in the Illinois River Valley for over 10 years.Rich and Phyllis are honored to be a part of the Art Community here.

Brock Sondgeroth

Artist for Hire; Graphic Arts; Lecturer/Discussion Leader; Multi-Arts; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Illustration, Painting; Charcoal Drawing

I graduated from Monmouth College with a Fine Arts in Art Education degree in 1997 and been an Art teacher ever since. I taught at both LaMoille High School (1997-2008) and Mendota High School (2008-Present). In 2017 I earned my Masters Degree in Art Education from Eastern Illinois University. Through my figure drawing class at EIU, I realized I was holding myself back and have since begun showing my artwork more often. This has led to many commissions with little time for personal art. As an artist, I put most of my focus on digital creations, acrylic paintings, and charcoal drawings. It has only been since the beginning of April when I was at a Comic-Con that I found a passion for creating comic-related art in my own style. I have a newfound goal to get noticed by a major comic company and get my artwork on the cover of a published comic. Someday I hope to realize that dream while still teaching art. In the meantime, I have made a commitment that for every two commissions I create a new piece of artwork I do reserved for myself and my dream. Art is full of life lessons, to never give up, to learn from our mistakes, to push through the hard times, to love what we do, to see things in a different light, and to open our minds to the unimaginable. It is my responsibility to display all of these traits through myself so that my students know that anything is possible if you believe!

Jayson Tuntland

Visual Arts: Conservation/Restoration, Photography

My name is Jayson Tuntland. I am a photographic artist, U.S. Army veteran, and native resident of La Moille, IL. I do both photography and antique photograph restoration. Much of my personal photographic work seeks to capture and share the beauty of the natural world. My photographic restorations generally fall into one of two categories. The first being historical preservation. The second being pieces I have sought out and chosen to bring back to life because they speak to me in ways that are hard to articulate, but readily understood by the hearts they are meant to touch. Please check out my website. If I can do anything for you, or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me either by email or phone. Thank you for helping me to continue doing what I love. I hope that, in some way, I am able to be a blessing to you and others around me. Sincerely, Jayson Tuntland

Amanda Weygand

Artist for Hire; Visual Arts: Ceramics, Crafts, Graphic Arts, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Paper, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture

Amanda Weygand is a mixed media artist based out of Ottawa, Illinois. She recently opened Open Space Art Gallery and Studios in Ottawa. It is a contemporary art gallery showing Illinois based artists. The studio area is behind the gallery and a place for artists to create and learn. We host classes to the public in all mediums. It is a space for artists and art enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. She works mainly with photography and acrylic or oil paints but has a strong love for sculpture also. “My work explores the relationship between the human and the natural world. I’m influenced by ideas about what happens when one lets go of materialistic objects and begins focusing on the soul and our oneness with nature. Focusing on the positive feeling you get when the boundaries between self and the rest of nature dissolve and a seamless connection is formed with one’s surroundings.”

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