Tonight was the Opening Night Reception for the Art League of Hoffman Estates art show.
This was the first time I have hung my work in a public place.
The reception was a wonderful time!

The main hallway that Roosevelt University allowed us to use for our show was wonderful. A wide hall with lots of natural light from large skylights.

Here are some views of the main hallway.





Above, four of my paintings are in the dark frames to the right of the 2 large blue paintings.
My other 3 paintings were around the corner.

Two more views of the main hall during speaches.
 
Above, in light blue, the VP of the Schaumburg Campus who allowed us to use her facility and who hosted this event.

    
Sharron & Danuta, 2 of the leagues driving forces.


Most of my paintings hanging in the show were oil pastels.
Here is one of two that were oil paints. This is my niece when she was a toddler. Painting titled "Playtime".
 

Here is the other oil painting. "Fountain Dancers", 12"x24"


Back to the 4 oil pastels hanging in the main hallway.
It was so much fun to watch people stroll down the wall looking at paintings and occasionally they'd linger over one of mine.

 

One man even stopped me as I was walking through the room.

"You're Ann?"
(We wore nametags.)
"I love your red painting. It looks like a field of poppies.
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it."

Okay, I have to admit, that was a major ego boost!



Some more photos of Opening Night:

   

Before the reception, I had what someone called First Show Jitters, not knowing what to expect or what people would say. My husband came with me holding my hand and providing what he calls "moral support and sound effects". In other words, being my rock and saying "I told you they'd like it"

My parents came and so did a number of friends.
Even the mayor of Hoffman Estates and several town trustee's stopped by.

I had an absolutely wonderful evening!


   
Fellow art league member, Bob Nielsen. And my parents behind him looking at the show.