One weekend only, Saturday, October 12 from noon to 9 pm, and Sunday, October 13 from noon to 6 pm, the Groundwater Collective will be sharing an eclectic bouquet of their recent and collected works at the Carriage House Gallery of the Oak Park Art League.
This group of artists has been meeting to critique and share their art and life stories for over 20 years. It is a unique combination of talent and dedication to the art of making art. See and feel their years of connection in this jubilant exhibition. Be energized by the Midcentury Modern aura of Galen Garapolo’s brilliant collages. Sink into the mysterious world of Jackie Lakely’s mixed media paintings. Become mesmerized by Kelly Donahugh’s surreal mixed collage works, and peek into  Mary Jo Parker Ohearn’s fantasy of family, friends, and fashion on canvas, paper, and metal.  This is a must see exhibition and a local gem. All works are for sale.  Artists accept payment by cash or check. Some can accept payment by Zelle and credit cards. Support women in the arts. You will be glad you did.

Groundwater is beneath the surface and is vast, nourishing, and a vitally important part of the natural cycles of life. It is fresh and new, and it can be ancient. It can move quickly and slowly, quietly feeding the streams, rivers, wells, springs and oceans. It fills the spaces in between. It replenishes and feeds life. It is fragile and resilient, and it is everywhere and ever-present.

We are the Groundwater Collective: Galen Garapolo, Jacqueline Rueckert Lakely, Kelly Donahugh, and Mary Jo Parker O’Hearn. We are four artists who have met together as a group to share and critique for over twenty years. We have a fondness and respect for one another’s talents and dedication, and we assist each other in the process of discovery as we explore common themes and interests and connections in our artwork. As varying generations of women we all arrived at creating deeply personal artwork from different directions and pathways. In our work we seek what is beneath the surface, in the in-between and yet unseen. We explore themes of nourishment, above and below, inner and outer worlds, and our natural world as both inspiration and a great concern of humanity to protect and preserve. We desire to give ourselves and the viewer a visual experience that will challenge and delight.

We are excited to have our debut exhibition as The Groundwater Collective, at the Oak Park Art League, since that is where we all initially connected with each other. Open house both Saturday, 3:00-9:00 pm, and Sunday, 12:00-6:00 pm.