We were lucky to have Katie Chiaramonte, a supporter of MCD, write about her experience at this month’s art show. Please enjoy as she walks you through her visual and emotional journey at the show. We hope she will inspire you to join us in July for our next show!
Illumination Street (IS) is a great place to spend a Saturday night for upstart artistic types as well as an innovative gathering for the socially aware. Not only is IS a great place to network with other like-minded individuals it is also a wonderful place to peruse local art talent and take in some refreshing live acoustic music while sipping on coffee and enjoying after-mealtime pastries. For those of you unable to attend this month’s event it will be my pleasure to mentally escort you through the doors of the Mosaic Community Development (MCD) Center, showing you the wide range of talents as well as giving you a feel for the ambiance of the event.
As you enter the doors of MCD to take part in IS (because you do feel like a part of something bigger instead of a mere onlooker) you are greeted by a welcoming hello and simple instructions on how to bid on the art pieces you would like to purchase. Once past the welcome table, I suggest filling a cup full of nice warm (and delicious) coffee and meandering slowly through the paintings hung creatively from chains on the old brick walls of the loft-like building. As you leisurely stroll through the artwork take time to listen 
to the lone acoustic soloist, Blepo, strumming his guitar and softly signing comfortable melodic harmonies. I suggest bringing a friend or loved-one along with you on your journey through the framed forest at IS, not only to expose them to the great work of MCD, but to have an outlet for conversation about the wide-range of artists.
My husband and I often gamble through the works together, picking our favorites and deciding together on our favorite show pieces. Conversation is never at a stand still for those moved by art and this month was no exception. With the theme of Devotion, captured by Danielle Powell and Jenny Cosgrove in their piece Destruction2Devotion, there was no doubt that the artists had come to share their hearts as well as their experiences through their chosen mediums. Laura Travnicek’s pieces Red and Purple evoke emotions of heartache and serenity, while, my husband’s favorite, Angie Philip’s Hope had us split between despair and
faith. One of the highlights of the evening for myself was the work of Jodi Cooper, a member of the MCD team and, in my opinion, a brilliant photographer with a great eye for still-life that draw emotions of longing and peace simultaneously. But
the cherry on top of the evening was Melissa Sinner’s collection of religious artwork that was pulled together in a seamless fashion by her outstanding Lady of Mercy piece. Sinner’s work speaks to the heart of those who have grown up in religious settings while painting a fresh portrait of often cliche images.
Needless to say, if you haven’t had the pleasure of attending an Illumination Street event, make it a priority! Supporters of MCD and local community members seeking to better their surroundings through creative means will find IS a refreshing and relaxing way to spend an evening while raising awareness and funds. Thank you to all those involved for giving my husband and I a taste of culture, exposing us to great local art, helping us fill our walls and bookshelves with mini-masterpieces and serving the community of Omaha by raising awareness for those in need of a helping hand. Bravo!
