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Connect with and follow us!
CAVA is a volunteer not-for-profit organization founded in 1988. It is dedicated to giving our over 200 members throughout Chicagoland the opportunity to exhibit artwork in at least three exhibits annually in such notable venues as the Chicago Cultural Center, Evanston Art Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Beverly Arts Center, and the Leslie Wolfe Gallery in Old Town. Creating art can be a solitary occupation—CAVA provides events for artists to come together through its salon, a member luncheon, a symposium, and special events. For more information, visit our CONTACT page, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
CAVA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
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Exhibit in the Annual Members Show;
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Enter the juried Later Impressions exhibition;
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Engage in various group and media-focused exhibitions
we organize throughout the Chicago area; -
Participate in membership social and
educational programs, including our
annual CAVA Symposium.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING
FEATURED CAVA ARTIST
Sharon Wong was introduced to CAVA by fellow member Anne Rappaport. They met through the Chicago arts group “Urban Sketchers,” a
SHARON WONG
network of artists who draw cities where they live and travel to. Sharon joined CAVA in October 2019, and since then has started to attend board meetings and work on some of CAVA’s 2020 events.
In college, Sharon took art electives in painting, drawing, and printmaking and was hooked. “I’ve always admired artists of all media, and wished I could do what they do,” she says, “but am a bit shy about putting myself and my artwork ‘out there.’"
Recent work by Sharon, responding to the current pandemic.
Not withstanding that shyness, Sharon has harnessed her resourceful nature, strong focus, and dedication to forge ahead with her art practice. “One thing I know about myself," she says, "I'll dive in full force if I have an idea, and get the proper materials and equipment to make it happen.”
"As far as my artistic line of inquiry, I don't think I have a particular style—I paint what I feel and like at the moment. For example, my most recent work, Songs of My Homeland (featured in the new CAVA Online Members' Show), was painted in honor of the Armenian Genocide. I wanted to express the musician's sadness concerning his homeland and people. This latest painting also serves to express the emotions of our heroes during this pandemic."
Songs of My Homeland, which is featured in the current
2020 CAVA Members' Show Virtual Exhibition.
Over the years her life and responsibilities changed, and for a time, her art equipment was stored away. “In 2012, as I was clearing out some space in my home, and giving stuff away, I found my easel. It took me until 2013 to sign up at Lill Street Art School to take classes in painting, drawing and figure drawing. But once I started, I was hooked again!”
“My journey through art has been one of great reflection and tranquility. Art is a wonderful meditation process. Some people bake, write, whatever ... I like art. My downfall has been feeling each piece must be perfect. But I try to impress on myself that what I think are mistakes are actually not mistakes.”
The current quarantine situation has freed her up to use her time in new creative ways. “Luckily, I had a good stock of art supplies, so I just started to use them all, and paint more than I could when I had so many other responsibilities outside of home.” So far she’s been able to complete one painting each week since mid-March.
Untitled, a recent abstract work by Sharon, completed in April of this year.
“ I admit, I am stuck on two paintings that I can't seem to get past a certain point… probably because my feelings have changed, and need to be expressed in a different manner. But that's how things are, and I’m certainly enjoying the new challenge.”