June art spree at the James R. Thompson Center

Discover hand-crafted gifts for special graduates, a summer wedding or for Father's Day at the Illinois Artisans Shop June Art Spree in the atrium of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., on June 12 and 13, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, selected members of the Illinois Artisans Program will display and sell a broad selection of one-of-a-kind items that would make treasured gifts.

Ten artisans will present original hand-made jewelry paper, prints, fiber, wood carvings and photography. Select special gifts from the display of hand-carved wooden toys and animals, hand-made paper and stationery, color photographs, hand-colored etchings and fiber pieces. As a special feature, Dennis O'Malley will display his black and white and hand-colored etchings of the Chicago skyline. By drawing through a ground applied to a metal plate and immersing the plate in an acid solution, O'Malley creates an etched linear image. He then uses the aquatint technique to create tonal areas. The aquatint process involves applying and fusing rosin particles to a metal plate to form a dot pattern. The pattern is etched into the plate with acid to crate rich values. The result is an overall view of the Chicago skyline with a lovely series of linear and tonal areas.

The Illinois Artisans Shop, a not-for-profit endeavor, is a showcase for art work created by the state's finest artisans. It provides an ongoing opportunity to view and purchase the best designed and crafted traditional, contemporary, ethnic and folk art made in Illinois. Illinois Artisans Shop, 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 2-200, (312) 814-5321, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.