A new group is forming in West Chicago and anyone who loves to sing is invited to join. The West Chicago Community Chorus, under the direction of Jo Noonan, an experienced conductor both locally and internationally, has secured space at Gallery 200/STUDIO, located at 203 Turner Court in downtown West Chicago, for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. for the children’s chorus and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for the adult choir.

The currently forming West Chicago Community Chorus plans to perform at community events such as Frosty Fest, Blooming Fest, Railroad Days and others, as well as provide music on a monthly basis at Delnor Community Hospital. Plus, it hopes to represent West Chicago in Taufkirchen, Germany, West Chicago's Sister City sometime in the future.

Those interested in joining either the adult chorus or children's choir, may attend a Wednesday rehearsal, or contact Jo Noonan at (630) 346-8117.

Horse owner and watercolor artist Kristine Plum paints from the perspective of a competitive equestrian and nature enthusiast.  A free Opening Reception of her exhibit, “Horse and Garden,” on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Gallery 200 offers an opportunity to meet the artist and includes light refreshments.  The artist will also be available at the Gallery on Saturday, May 19, 2012 during Blooming Fest.  The exhibit will be on display from May 5 – 27, 2012 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago.  Regular Gallery 200 hours are Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.

Caption:

“Friends at the Gate” is a watercolor on paper of two horses nickering to come in to the barn for grain after a long day of “turn out” in their pasture.

Horse owner and watercolor artist Kristine Plum paints from the perspective of a competitive equestrian and nature enthusiast.  A free Opening Reception of her exhibit, “Horse and Garden,” on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Gallery 200 offers an opportunity to meet the artist and includes light refreshments.  The artist will also be available at the Gallery on Saturday, May 19, 2012 during Blooming Fest.  The exhibit will be on display from May 5 – 27, 2012 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago.  Regular Gallery 200 hours are Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.

Caption:

“Little Wonder Magnolia” by Kristine Plum is a framed, eight-inch square watercolor of a saucer magnolia that grows in the Midwest.

“Perception” is an exhibit of soft pastel paintings by artist Heide Reimann Morris featuring art works inspired by her travels and personal interests.  The exhibit will be on display from June 1 – 30, 2012 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago.  A free Opening Reception on Friday, June 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Gallery will include light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.  Regular Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.

Caption:

The soft pastel painting “Old Christian Martin Farm” is a combination of a photograph Heide Reimann Morris took of a local barn and her memory of the farm on a beautiful fall afternoon.  The barn was formerly located at the southwest corner of Fabyan Parkway and Roosevelt Road in West Chicago. 

Local artist Buddy Plumlee offers a watercolor class on Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2012 at Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Court, West Chicago.  Watercolor basics such as setting up a paint box, understanding color and basic painting techniques will be covered.  Projects will include landscapes, still-lifes or individual subjects based on student’s interests.  The cost is $20 per session for ages 12 and up.  All skill levels are welcome.  For additional information and a materials list, contact the artist at (630) 876-1264 or email b.plumlee@sbcglobal.net.  To register, call Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.com.

“Perception” is an exhibit of soft pastel paintings by artist Heide Reimann Morris featuring art works inspired by her travels and personal interests.  The exhibit will be on display from June 1 – 30, 2012 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago.  A free Opening Reception on Friday, June 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Gallery will include light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.  Regular Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.

Caption:

Artist Heide Reimann Morris found inspiration for “Mourning Doves” after photographing a dozen doves that were on the ground eating dropped seed from a bird feeder in her back yard.

“Perception” is an exhibit of soft pastel paintings by artist Heide Reimann Morris featuring art works inspired by her travels and personal interests.  The exhibit will be on display from June 1 – 30, 2012 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago.  A free Opening Reception on Friday, June 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Gallery will include light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.  Regular Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.

Caption:

The soft pastel painting “Old Christian Martin Farm” is a combination of a photograph Heide Reimann Morris took of a local barn and her memory of the farm on a beautiful fall afternoon.  The barn was formerly located at the southwest corner of Fabyan Parkway and Roosevelt Road in West Chicago.