Chicago Alliance
of Visual Artists
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CAVA is a volunteer not-for-profit organization founded in 1988 to serve artists aged 50+. We're dedicated to giving our over 300 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 organizes and presents events for older artists to come together through its exhibitions, salons, member luncheons, workshops, annual 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 Salon/Critique Events; CAVA Studio Visits; and the annual CAVA Symposium.
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FEATURED CAVA ARTIST
KATHIE COLLINSON
is a self-taught artist
residing in North
Aurora. She's
been drawing
all her life, and
after a long
career working
with computers,
she returned to art, taking many classes in all different art methods and media.
“It was fate or destiny that in 2011, I stopped into a gallery that was hosting an encaustic exhibit, and I instantly felt a connection," says Kathie. She found a teacher in 2013, and has worked in encaustic ever since. “I’ve won several awards for my abstract pieces, but combining my photographs and beeswax remains my preferred method. I think of my pieces as capturing moments (some sentimental, some joyful), and providing inspiration to others. Just as an artist can get lost in the creation of their art, my hope is that others can get lost in my art and be inspired.”
Irish Window, encaustic
In her latest series, “Irish Memories,” Kathie explores how her memories of a trip to Ireland have seemed to dim over time, like trying to hold onto the wisps of a fading dream. “I can still picture the vibrant greens of the countryside and hear the lively tunes echoing from the pubs, but they're becoming softer, more distant."
Nocturne, acrylic on canvas
AchillIsland Graveyard, encaustic
"Yet, there are moments that refuse to fade completely—the taste of hearty Irish bread, the feel of ancient stone ruins beneath my fingertips, the laughter shared with new friends over pints of Guinness," she continues. "It's like trying to catch smoke in your hands; even as the memories blur, they leave behind a warm, nostalgic glow I'll always treasure."
AchillIsland Church, encaustic
"Working on my encaustic photo transfers creates this same feeling—an ethereal effect on the beautiful landscape pictures of Ireland. I find it's especially effective in representing the mist in my photographs."
To see more of Kathie's artwork, click here to visit her website, or follow her on Instagram at @kathiecollinson