Author: nancy bechtol

nancy bechtol https://www.flickr.com/photos/be_art_now/ photographer. artist. filmmaker. story teller. I collect experiences.

ARC Gallery Shows: “Persistence of Vision: Scene & unseen”

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arc_-march_titlebackgraphicwbxxARC Gallery & Educational Foundation     2156 N Damen Ave   Chicago    773.252.2232

ARC Email: info@arcgallery.com

More info on March Show

“SCENE & UNSEEN: Persistence Of Vision”

David Bechtol and Nancy Bechtol

“SCENE & UNSEEN: Persistence Of Vision” a two-person show inhabiting disparate worlds of photography.

David Bechtol’s images are founded in the “SCENE” of majestic high resolution art photography, including large panoramas of landscapes and beautiful vistas. The work invites and places the viewer in the footsteps of the artist, transporting them to where these remarkable images were captured.

Nancy Bechtol’s art/photo manipulations are entwined with the “UNSEEN” manifestations of the internal workings, the flights of fantasy which revel in highly colorized visions.

Both individually have over 40 years of work/history in the media.

The public is welcome to the Opening Reception,

Friday, March 3, 2017   6-9pm  The Artists will be present.

The exhibit runs March 1 – 25   2017.

Gallery Hours: Sunday 12-4 pm.  Wed – Sat   12-6pm

By the Beard of the Last Hippie : LEE GROBAN (tba. soon a film)

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By the Beard of the Last Hippie : LEE GROBAN (tba. soon a film) Cure for Insomnia found!

by the Beard of

..LEE GROBAN    (gesture pound chest and give the Rest in Power gesture 3x) …it’s a drag..

LEE GROBAN SPEAKS-YOUTUBE NBECHTOL

(above is a short, not the “official trailer for the upcoming movie, but you have a bit of a taste)

If I could write across the sky, for all to see it would be this:

“Legendary Artist,/Poet, LEE GROBAN, fnally finds the “CURE for INSOMNIA!”

…And the word is, there was a ripple in the fabric of the Cosmos, embracing LEE into infinity..enjoying,

 experiencing the ultimate trip.

To describe Lee is to indeed, describe the indescribable…an artist, a scholarly researcher of obscure names, a Chicago Icon. A very interesting being. A good man.

You did not just know Lee, You Experienced him. Truly. What I ..and I am sure many can relate to, the “Lee Groban Experience”i

…at this point every one of you can fill the blank space,with the stories, the memories you have of Lee,

And they may pop in your mind, in most unusual ways, to remind you of your connection with him as Indelible tattoos on our souls.

I first met Lee in the late 70s—Lee was performing spoken word, poetry, with his amazing ,body gyrations and stunning vocals at the Omega Center, a hip Chicago Venue using Laser lights and psychedelic multimedia Time arts, with his artist friends, Frank Garvey, (of OmniCircus, San Francisco) and Michael Markowski (Director/ musician/Video artist)

it was intensely overwhelming attack of all your senses—in a good way.

Decades of Art and Poetry..

Lee was at I believe at every festival that existed,  including his art wanderings to places like the Rainbow Festival, New York, Calif, and Canada and beyond, which he reveled in, as he would say, “getting exposure” for his work. A fixture at the Chicago Art Scene. (and banned by some of the “best” galleries in River North”

Lee loved an audience, he intensely embraced the Poetry Scene (and the poets really understood him), as he would say they dug me..Lee was an enthusiastic performer live and on videos –And in his daily life as an artist.

The last art show Lee collaborated with me on was at the Zhou Bros Art Center, at the 4Art Inc , “Somnambulist” curated by Jenny Lam. (under the auspices of Robin Rios, artist, director and mentor)

The subject was an art/installation tribute I made of Lee, 2010, the title,

“at second glance, you notice something is different, Lee is dreaming…”

The Lee Groban Experience wove into the fabric of the Chicago Art Scene for over 4 decades. With his unique and personal visions. It was a gift to know him.

Finally, a quote, I stole off a video interview on poets– by the artist Wes Heine,

Lee said:

I DANCE WILD DANCES, AND MAKE WEIRD WILD FACES,

BUT WE ALL WERE DOING THAT TOGETHER, SO

I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING IT

By the beard of.. Lee Groban

 PEACE

As spoken by

…Nancy Bechtol

at the Memorial tribute

 held at Packer Schopf Gallery

942 W. Lake Street. Chicago    December 17, 2011

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Women’s March. Chicago. & 60 artists are”Seeing RED”@ ARC Gallery

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Seeing RED show at ARC Feb 2017 clik above to see details on the ARC Gallery exhibit opening Feb 3, Friday. All invited to witness the power of RED.  60 artists with vast views of the power of RED.…

Source: Women’s March. Chicago. & 60 artists are”Seeing RED”@ ARC Gallery

Women’s March. Chicago. & 60 artists are”Seeing RED”@ ARC Gallery

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Seeing RED show at ARC Feb 2017 clik above to see details on the ARC Gallery exhibit opening Feb 3, Friday. All invited to witness the power of RED.  60 artists with vast views of the power of RED.…

Source: Women’s March. Chicago. & 60 artists are”Seeing RED”@ ARC Gallery

Women’s March. Chicago. & 60 artists are”Seeing RED”@ ARC Gallery

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Seeing RED show at ARC Feb 2017

clik above to see details on the ARC Gallery exhibit opening Feb 3, Friday. All invited to witness the power of RED.  60 artists with vast views of the power of RED. included in the show are photos I shot at the Women’s March in Chicago.

Dateline, Chicago. 1/21.2017 A.D./C.E. Being on the streets of Chicago with 250,000 active participants was to be in an embrace..unlike any other …speaking in a unified voice, speaking out on the issues with signs and movements, Indeed.

this is our time.We the people.As a lifelong Chicagoan, artist,and APA photojournalist I documented and engaged.  familiar with many past marches I was compelled do what I could to capture, I also wanted to share history, to share the images. You are welcome (for personal use only) to view, and comment, share, and download, especially if you see yourself or those who express your views.

If you would like to inquire about these photos, or to request commercial or professional use in digital or print, feel free to contact me.  on  www.aHere is the link I am sharing, to the Album on Flickr, of over 400 photos:

Women’ March Chicago. Close up art/photo view for History

absolutearts.com/nancybechtol

Spread the word. the power of the people is Powerful.

in Peace through Justice,

Nancy Bechtol

 

“Art IS Speech!” Witness it before the Election. C Drew Film : a tribute to Ron Grenko 11/06/16 at Intuit:Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art

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“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey Free Speech C.Drew with Ron Grenko reunitiedof Chris Drew, Street Artist.” Indie documentary. (99 min) ©2014 Producer/Director Nancy Bechtol indie film w…

Source: “Art IS Speech!” Witness it before the Election. C Drew Film : a tribute to Ron Grenko 11/06/16 at Intuit:Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art

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“Art IS Speech!” Witness it before the Election. C Drew Film : a tribute to Ron Grenko 11/06/16 at Intuit:Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art

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“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey Free Speech C.Drew with Ron Grenko reunited of Chris Drew, Street Artist.” Indie documentary. (99 min) ©2014 Producer/Director Nancy Bechtol

indie film with indie music by Behind the Sun, screens / with director present and more…present for Q & A.: 

Sunday, November 6, 2016 to the Intuit:Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art.Doors open at 11 am, film begins promptly at 11.30.am

please come to support Free-SPEECH-Poster__NWCbrandedsmlxBIG_4RONrevwbxX.jpg

Donations to  benefit the nonprofit gallery that Ron loved so much  

A fitting tribute to a friend who was in solidarity with Chris Drew’s cause and with respect to all “outsiders” artists and all who do the right thing and champion our freedoms.

cdrew-painted-cape

this one is for you. see the film that is now in the documentary selection/catalogue for the New World Cinemas from NYC and the world, included at Cannes Festival Du Film, France…and shown in several Chicago venues…including premiere at Logan Theatre,but has had a roller coaster ride for screening in hometown Chicago!

With gratitude to all who were there from the start…we are growing this to let all know the true story!!

go figure…stranger in a strange land. Sweet home Chicago. doing what we can, together we can change this city for the good. peace through Justice.

ron grenko: RIP. Art/Spirit is Forever

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Ron Grenko : a tribute: RIP:life time artist:more…


  • Ron Grenko : a tribute: RIP:life time artist:more…Published on October 12, 2016
author:  – a tribute to Ron
Shadow Bechtol Studio/Artist; Photographer/Media Specialist; APA Photojournalist

When someone you cherish dies, it is like a whole library burns down (proverb) and the loss has a ripple effect/mourning and celebrating a life–in the best–well lived.

Ron was my dear friend too, he graced our lives and remains in spirit.

He passed over on Thurs. October 6th at 12:30 am 2016.

This posting is to get the word out, and to connect the people who need to know he stayed with us as long as he could. Now he has passed over, on the last amazing journey which unveils itself…

Ron was a studio mechanic, a teamster, and a conceptual artist. Mostly known for being a crazy artist

Each of us who knew Ron, will share the stories of his life how it impacted our own. A lifetime Chicagoan and hardworking proud Union Member of Studio Mechanics Local 476  and the Teamsters Local 727 – both of they called him Brother Ron. He embraced the work and art dually. The people he spent many hours/decades with, as family. I knew him for decades…As a conceptual artist and photographer, Ron Grenko was a man with many dimensions, talents and deep convictions. He upheld rights and personal freedoms. I want to share herein, a few== of the art/projects he recently engaged: in an indie film, co-published a book with the group, “langoliers photo collective: David Bechtol, Nancy Bechtol, Ron Grenko and Hermann Wieland: the “O’Hare Expansion Project” released, 2011. limited edition. and he often enjoyed the alternative gallery event space for the last 5 years at the 2nd Saturday event at The Lost Artists Colony (owner/entrepreneur Mark Thomas of the Alley) Ron and I co-created work there, he often used aliases as an artist–many.(smile.)

Ron’s art spans decades, since he was a photography student in the 70s at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. he earned MFA degree in art and also in Education. (also another Chicago College, which I forget at this time…) A Photographer is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. He studied with Barbara Crane, as well as several other noted photographers, Harry Callahan and more.Recently he showed me his “Lifetime Artist” card from SFMOMA which he is in the collection…and Always more..much more..

Ron was with the legendary venues beret international, uncomfortable spaces, tough gallery and showed at ARC Gallery, Chicago.

“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” Indie feature doc film (99 min) (below)IS now available on Amazon.com to stream or DVD: my friend RON was KEY to making this film happen. Both photography, backup on the streets during the challenge, along with Hermann Wieland,and in the credits, right and to the end…. This social justice documentary indie made in Chicago. Produced by Shadow Bechtol Studio, with David Bechtol and Features the indie music by Behind the Sun.(Alton & Mansfield)

Ron can be seen in the film several times, most notably in the beginning wearing an orange coat (making him , as he said “invisible”. (he was an extraordinary “conceptual artist)

Link for getting film on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=free+speech+and+the+transcendent+journey+of+Chris+Drew

Listed on IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3505448/combined

Know that he died peacefully in the end. His eyes were donated, fitting for a photographer, so someone will have vision.  Comfort each other and celebrate his life. As long as you remember him, he is with you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Intuit Gallery of Outsider Art – Chicago.. or support your local artist – buy LOCAL ART! and Support the Unions!. Ron was a longtime artist and understood, member/supporter and enjoyed

(I will look for more to share, as time allows, that is.all for now...or as Ron would say “readyyyy…set…ready? GO!” )

written by Nancy Bechtol. Oct. 6, 2016

A memorial screening of this film —he was deeply involved as crew member and photographer– is being planned at Intuit Gallery early November.(Nov 6, Sunday at 11 am–to be confirmed)  all donations will go to Intuit, since Ron was a Longtime member and supporter. Please come.

Nancy Bechtol

Shadow Bechtol Studio/Artist; Photographer/Media Specialist; APA Photojournalist

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“The Art of Cannabis” Art Show @tselone & MadpalX -Alternative Posting “magical mystery tour” (sigh) of Modern Cannabis

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The Art of Cannabis @ Lost Artists Colony 5/14/16  #artofcannabis @tselone

MadpalX & TSE LONE @tselone  showing art of cannabis theme! first time in Chicago!

flowers_REDUXwithtxtMJ

First time Art Show in Chicago with this Theme! (I do believe)  Come Saturday! hey

http://www.artslant.com/chi/events/show/416824–the-pursuit-of-happinesses

and a bit of poetry..

 

 

Special Alternative Posting “magical mystery tour” (sigh) of New Pot Dispensary: Modern Cannabis |MOCA opens in Logan Square, Chicago. via ©2016 by MadPalX

….And now for the “Magical Mystery tour”(sigh) of Modern Cannabis- pass it on :):

A long LONG time ago. Ah..Now, A.D/C.E. 2016..scored daytrip to brand new Pot digs, in ‘da hood’ open house at MOCA… all rainbow light, shock & awe.. followed the cool white rabbit frantically checking his ancient watch..i followed.. breathe..hmm..running late for party…in da hood.. hoppin’ out of dreary street.. brain seering brightly arty colored graffiti boarded up front hole .eyes everywhere…I tumbled in..down, down, down the rabbit hole. spinning..timeless…what a long strange trip..messy enough to harken all heads to the party, welcoming.. Art everywhere, of entrancing psychedelic colours vibrating..tye dye art, black lite glowing (wear white), on beings past and present …mandalas grabbed the cave walls… Upon entry there was the undeniable true sweet smells of..wait!.. grass brownies, yum, and weed munchies galore, and other hippie treats, and of course, the Hooka Caterpiller  was gently..on the move and offering SAGE advice. Of how to get FROM HERE… to there… spiritual guides// high reputation..intricate Indian Rugs grounding me to floor released and calmed space ..forest of many good plants grew tall and strong..for those too bummed to hunt and gather themselves a haven..more greeting, healing, and all warmly…the sound of sitars…all music..lights.. beckoned weary soul, mind, body, as I entered the magical space embraced by friendly people of all kinds, and all things righteous appeared to  make it really good and comfy.. and most of all they are there to help to ease the pain and suffering of the weary tribes…gathering for safe haven..(ingest) (insert) (wave) peace sign and a group hug..in all ways…one LOVE.