CHICAGO, IL – April 23, 2014 - / - Leon Sarantos is pleased to announce that his abstract art was selected for the “Minute Musings” regional juried exhibit at the Union Street Gallery in Illinois. Artists from all over the Midwest entered 250 artworks, and 69 were accepted. It was curated by Jessica Segal, Gallery Director, and Madeline Henry, Union Street Gallery Studio Artist. The opening reception is on Friday, April 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
This exhibition features art that is 12 inches and smaller. Art does not have to be large to make a statement. Some of the most powerful pieces of art are the smallest. Small art is deliberate and intimate; it draws the viewer in closer, causes them to linger. Small art can be playful and whimsical like a toy, familiar like everyday objects, or precious like a small altar.
Mr. Sarantos’ abstract painting, “Jumping Jack,” is on display. His new abstract art explores the theme of networks. In this series, Sarantos says he “uses painted networks to create a single result from its many individual lines. I start by applying swatches of color to the canvas in a random but slightly controlled composition. Then, using a single color, I start outlining these swatches. Eventually, a figure or scene starts to emerge as the lines are laid in, just as a social network starts to take on a life of its own to create its final phenomena. Like reading a Rorschach inkblot, my subconscious offers up a recognizable shape or scene from the materializing network. In this process, my painting, ‘Jumping Jack,’ evolved.”
The Minute Musings exhibit continues until May 10, with an opening reception on Friday, April 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The reception is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Many of the exhibit artists, as well as the jurors, will be present to engage the public and answer questions. Union Street Gallery is located at 1527 Otto Blvd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Gallery hours are: Wednesday and Thursday 12:00 - 5:00 PM, Friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Friday, Saturday 11:00 – 4:00 PM. For more information about Union Street Gallery call 708-754-2601 or visit the website http://www.unionstreetgallery.org
Leon Sarantos originally grew up in Michigan. He currently lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. He obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree in the College of Arts and Architecture at the University of Michigan. After moving to Chicago, Leon continued his work in architecture and art. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Hyde Park Art Center. Mr.Sarantos has displayed his art extensively in both national and international exhibits, and has won several awards and honors. He is a juried member of the Union Street Gallery Guild. He is also a member of Artsia: The Society of International Artists, and 119th Street Artists in Indiana. He is represented by Union Street Gallery, Illinois, Paul Henry’s Art Gallery, Indiana; CornerStone Art Gallery, Indiana; and Xanadu Gallery, Arizona. His art was recently accepted for representation by Artfinder, a curated, international online gallery based in London. His art is in private collections In Illinois, Indiana, New York, Oregon and Russia.
Mr. Sarantos’ website is: www.leonsarantosartist.com and he can be reached at 773-288-1944
