Don't Miss the Fabulous "Food for Thought" Exhibit at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center in Palos Park, IL...Now Until 5/3/25

PHOTO CREDIT: Jan A. Schrader

Art BEAT Buzz Publisher, Lynne Kornecki who judged this show, poses with BEST IN SHOW recipient, oil painter, Fred Harris. His painting of a native American woman, "The Bread Fryer" took top prize out of more than 60 entries. Scroll down to see a few more entries from this "tasty" show (pardon the pun) ...

McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, located at 9602 W. Creek in Palos Park, is currently exhibiting "Food for Thought -- Celebrating Food in All its Forms". From the fun and kitschy to serious pieces such as the one Fred painted above, this is a show everyone can enjoy. There are more than 60 entries to review with three top prizes awarded and three honorable mentions. After seeing all these food-related pictures, you just might feel hungry afterwards. Luckily, the surrounding area brims with many restaurants to choose from, so why not make a day of it! Publisher, Lynne Kornecki, was delighted to be asked to judge saying it was truly a fun show to review.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM; Closed Sunday

BEST IN SHOW, "The Bread Fryer", oil by Fred Harris; JUDGE'S COMMENTS: This piece has it all! Great composition, amazing depiction of the woman's clothing from the texture of the sueded blouse to the pleated detail of her skirt. Her engaging face locks eyes with the viewer showing a friendly smile conveying the impression she enjoys what she's doing. The textural contrast between the soft clothing and humble dwelling behind her makes her stand out all the more. Sunlight on her face and light reflections on her dark hair are well done. There's also a story element here with the printed word DEFIANCE on a pot at her knee. What do you suppose that might mean? This piece may be relatively small in size, but it's mighty. Well done!

HONORABLE MENTION: "Healthy Still Life, Oil by Bob Carlson. Judge's Comments: Love the multi-directional bold lines and color palette that successfully draws in the eye. Even though this is a still life, the lines provide movement and added interest. Reflected light on the vase and the fruits is nicely achieved. and the use of negative space between the stems inside the vase provides added depth to the piece. It's a great contemporary still life.

HONORABLE MENTION: "As Good as Gold"; mixed media. JUDGE'S COMMENTS: What an intriguing piece that also casts a vintage mood of place. The golden egg is representational of many stories from today's avian flu and high egg prices to the importance of having a nest egg to the need for a goose who lays golden eggs. This thought-provoking little piece packs a powerful punch in many directions inviting the viewer to muse over its many behind-the-scenes story lines.

Although not an award winner, per se, it's a nicely executed watercolor that would no doubt remind viewers of some fun times and warm weather ice cream treats!