Special Events to Celebrate “Of Earth and Spirit”

Speakers, Theatrical Production, Holiday Boutique - Nov, Dec, Jan!

Hello Friends,

SoNa Chicago’s current exhibition “Of Earth and Spirit” features Sharon Bladholm and Monica J. Brown. Please join us for a variety of wonderful events to highlight aspects of the show. (See Monica on left and Sharon on right.)

First up is an Artist Talk by Sharon Bladholm this Saturday, November 18 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

And mark your calendars for a theatrical presentation by Monica J. Brown on Friday, January 12 from 6-7 pm.

For additional events including a book talk and special neighborhood shopping events, see the schedule below and our website at sonachicagoart.com. We are located at 1527 N. Ashland Avenue in Chicago.

We look forward to seeing you at the gallery!

Laura Botwinick & Molly O’Donnell

Schedule of Events

Sharon Bladholm — Artist Talk, Sat., Nov. 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sharon will discuss her artwork and the stories and meanings behind it.
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, 12-4 p.m. SoNa Chicago Holiday Boutique special event and refreshments.
Light Up Wicker Park Bucktown Holiday Shopping Event, Sat., Dec. 9. Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy lit-up rickshaws, holiday window decorations, and music. SoNa will be open from 12 - 8 p.m. with holiday refreshments and raffle prizes.
Mark Ballogg — Book Talk, Sat., Dec. 16, 1-2 p.m. Mark photographed the studios of 160 Chicago artists and compiled them into a beautiful book called Making Space.
Monica J. Brown — Theatrical Performance and Reception, Fri., Jan. 12, 2024, 6-7 p.m. Monica will present a unique theatrical performance. She is an interdisciplinary artist who combines art, theater, and other disciplines.
Closing Reception — Of Earth and Spirit — Sharon Bladholm & Monica J. Brown Exhibition, Sat., Jan. 13, 2024

Artist Talk - Sharon Bladholm - Sat., Nov 18, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Sharon will discuss her artwork and the stories and meanings behind it. Saturday, November 18 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

Image: Sharon standing in front of her drawing and maquette, Green Ideas Seed Spiral

SoNa Chicago website

Theatrical Performance - Monica J. Brown - Fri., Jan 12, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Monica is an interdisciplinary artist who combines art, theater, dance, poetry, and other modes of artistic expression. She will present an excerpt from one of her plays that accentuates and brings out the meaning behind her artwork. A reception will follow.

Image: Aura Ray (Beyond the Veil), Acrylic and collage on wood by Monica J. Brown

SoNa Chicago website

Book Talk - Mark Ballogg - Sat., Dec. 16, 1-2 p.m.

Mark is a Chicago-based photographer who created a beautiful book based on his visits to 162 studios of Chicago artists. Sharon Bladholm’s gallery is one of the studios featured in the book. The photographs of artist studios are intermingled with 80 artists' quotes. His interviews with the artists touched on topics such as the individual artists' relationship with their studio and how that studio models their practice outward to such questions as what art is, why make art, and art's personal and public impact. Mark will discuss his book and share what he learned from the artists in the process of making the book.

Image: Making Space, 191 pages, 9.5" x 13", released August 2023

SoNa Chicago website

Holiday Boutique

Just in time for the holidays, a special section in the Gallery Annex is ready with holiday items in a wide range of prices. Coasters by Jill Kolker and Sharon Bladholm, prints by several of the artists (including Sharon’s beautiful watercolors), mini-paintings on cute little easels by Tom Robinson and Loralyn Kumlin, greeting cards by Tita Brady, books by Tita and Sharon, Mark’s book, Making Space, beautiful jewelry in the gallery by artists Melle Finelli and Christy Klug, and more. Additional items from other artists are being added for this special holiday offering. Come select the perfect gifts for your family and friends and support the artists and the gallery!

Image: Coasters by Jill Kolker

Online Shopping

You can also purchase gifts of artwork at our online shopping site!

Image: Two paintings by Monica J. Brown, “Beneath the Surface” and “I Love You Most in Autumn, acrylic on canvas