RENÈ ROMERO SCHULER EXHIBIT AT THE GALLERY

THE GALLERY LAKE FOREST is proud to debut Renè Romero Schuler’s new art exhibit, I’m Making Lemonade. The show—which runs throughout the month of December—exhibits two collections of work that demonstrate the breadth of Renè Romero Schuler’s art. The show’s title, I’m Making Lemonade, refers to the artist’s approach to artmaking and creation in this especially transformative year.

One collection is focused on the symbolism of butterflies. The pieces in this collection are oil paintings on canvas, and sales from this body of work will be donated to LEAD, a Lake Forest based 501c3 organization. LEAD’s mission is to promote healthy family relationships, emotional wellness, and the prevention of alcohol, drug use, and other risky behavior by youth by providing parents and schools with cutting-edge substance abuse prevention and mental health services. Of the Butterfly series, Schuler says, “My personal connection with butterflies is much like anyone else’s might be—they symbolize rebirth or transformation, and when you’ve had a ‘colorful’ life such as mine, this vision is a powerful one. I have essentially reinvented myself several times through my own life. I’ve gone through various stages of personal development, and I have made a concerted effort to grow, adapt and change; hoping that each stage would bring more joy, beauty and happiness to my existence.”

The second collection in this exhibit is comprised of beautifully elusive figures that showcase a new technique of original oil paintings on French Arches paper. The result is a subtle and strikingly beautiful whisper of imagery and feeling. “These paintings are deliberately ethereal, transcending space and time, and essentially emerging and flowing through the mist,” Schuler shares. “As always, my work is loaded with symbolism, and the figures stand tall and beautiful in the face of the ‘mist’, the texture, or the ‘mark-making’—all emblematic of ‘the Human Condition.’ The most important message to take away from experiencing my work is that we are all beautiful, and not despite all the baggage, scars, and bad choices we bring to the table, but because of those things that have shaped who we are today.”

In lieu of an opening reception, Renè Romero Schuler will be holding gallery hours throughout December. Guests may make appointments to visit with the artist and view the paintings by calling The Gallery at 224-544-5961. The Gallery is located at 202 Wisconsin Avenue in Lake Forest.

ADOPT, DON’T SHOP

PLACING PAWS OF ILLINOIS (PPI) was established in 2008 in Lake County with the goal of saving animals from high risk situations. Since opening, PPI has saved the lives of nearly 2,000 dogs and cats. All of the animals that are taken into the care and comfort of PPI receive proper veterinary care and a loving foster home while they wait to be placed in the “Hearts of their Forever Homes.” For those not quite ready for a pet, Placing Paws Adoptable Plush Pets are ready just in time for the holidays. Adopt a Plush Pet and help a real-life rescue dog or cat in need. All come with a Placing Paws bandanna, collar, and adoption certificate, and there is a wide variety of breeds to choose from. To learn about animals available for adoption, volunteering, fostering, or donating, or to purchase an Adoptable Plush Pet, visit placingpawsrescue.org.