J. R. Kortman Center for Design

We’re enjoying our annual buying trip in NYC…checking out the NY NOW gift fair at the Javits Center and cross town to Shoppe Object on Pier 36 near South Street seaport…

Check out these 2 classic episodes just uploaded to www.YouTube.com/: Episode 18
Talk with artist Michael Bugler about his show, Active Assemblage, at Kortman Gallery and his love of Pez. Then, as a part of the Collections Series, join Dennis Horton to the home of Chris and Eva Laird to tour their outstanding collection of art and artifacts. Art video by Noir.
Music by Eric Nofsinger, Craig Beiersdorff
The Art Zone Episode 19
We talk with newcomer to the Rockford art scene, artist Patty Kim, who is also an illustrator with a Rockford Register Star. Then we’ll head to the downtown roof garden at the home of newlyweds Joe Zimmer and Deborah Newton. Deborah Newton is one of Rockford’s best known and most successful artist. We’ll also hear from Artzone’s Dave Cleveland as he takes us on a tour of art on Saturdays downtown, featuring chats with Brian Endl, Char Berg, and John Lamar. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1995.

The Design Award winning desk lamp, the Octagon One...It’s a great reading lamp or desk light that you can angle it in 4 different positions and it delivers a direct, bright light in whatever angle you have positioned it, without disturbing anyone else in the room. Shop J.R. Kortman Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Modern elegance from Orrefors Crystal made in Sweden…shop J.R. Kortman Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

The Line Up Vase is composed of two separate vases that join together to create a striking addition to your home or office. Handmade from colored glass…available @ J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Summer Vegetable Stand, hand crafted retablo by Peruvian folk artist @ J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

“Chairry Deconstructed”…painting by Lisa Jimenez…homage to Pee-Wee from the Kortman Gallery exhibition, “Sit. Chairs as Art” (Dec., 2022)

Check out these classic episodes: www.YouTube.com/…watch & subscribe!
The Art Zone Episode 16: Explore metal sculpture on entirely different scales from two artists; Deb Karash, jewelry artist and Gene Horvath, life size sculpture artist. Listen to music by pianist Stephen Johnson with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, then watch highlights at the Rockford Art Museum' opening night with Dan Gustin, Mothers and Daughters in Art.

Episode 17 Experience The Last Supper opening night at the Kortman Gallery, curated by Brent Jones. Dennis Horton covers the event for the ArtZone. He invited some of Rockford’s most accomplished artists to participate in this show. Tour the Skuggi gallery, located on 7th in the Midtown District. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1995.

Waiter, there’s a fly in my soup! Fun fly and grasshopper ceramic soup spoons @ J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Now streaming on www.YouTube.com/…Episode 14: Collector’s Profile features Charlene Berg, owner of Gallery Ten, and her art collection in her loft above the gallery. Join the Rockford Art Museum staff as they prepare for the Spitzer Collection. Then, talk with artist Charles Gniech and see his exhibition, Monuments, at the Kortman Gallery.

The Art Zone Episode 15: Head up to Kortman Gallery to see the newest exhibit, Screened Images, by Rockford screen artists Parry Donze, Brian Endl, and George Farbotko. Stop by the Rockford Art Museum and listen to Dan Gustin discuss his show, Heroic Scale Work. Then join Marilyn Moore at Gallery 451 to learn about the recent show, A Head Of My Times. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1995. Music by Eric Nofsinger and Funeral March

Interactive design: from “vase” to “bowl”…shop J.R. Kortman open Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Artist Braydon Letsinger captures a photo of his friend Quin Daughtry standing next to a portrait painting of Quin created by Braydon for the exhibition, “Staring at Strangers” in the Kortman Gallery. See this compelling show now thru August 31st…

Here are some photos captured on opening night of artist Braydon Letsinger's exhibition, "Staring at Strangers" in the Kortman Gallery. A fun evening with art patrons, friends, and family, including Lisa Jimenez, Braydon's high school art teacher (first photo)...all very much enjoying Braydon's amazing artworks.

Now streaming on www.YouTube.com/: Episode 13: Doc speaks to artist Matt Herbig at Levings Lake about his latest show in the gallery, Reach into Fear, then visit Gary Carlson and view his collection of local art in his home in a historical downtown neighborhood. The Jefferson High School Art Club make an appearance, too!
The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1994.
Music by Eric Nofsinger

Braydon Letsinger fine tuning his exhibition, “Staring at Strangers” opening tonight in the Kortman Gallery, June 30th, 5:30 to 9pm.

Braydon Letsinger…Opening this Friday, June 30th, 5:30 to 9pm in the Kortman Gallery!

J. R. Kortman Center for Design / Kortman Gallery 107 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101 USA 815/968.0123

Now on www.YouTube.com/… Episode 12: A review of On The Video Front, an interactive video exhibit at Cafe Esperanto @ On the Waterfront festival, video art by Angel Head II, Brian Beumer, and Doc interviews Stephen Pitkin in his studio along with musical guests including Rick Nielsen. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1994. Subscribe today on YouTube!

Kortman's 'Collection' is five decades of Rockford's art scene in a single book J.R. Kortman Center for Design owners are the authors of a new book called 'Collection,' a showcase of personal art collection.

Now on www.YouTube.com/TheArtZone …Episode 11: Explore the Discovery Center Museum’s traveling exhibit, Through the Garden Gate: The World of Beatrix Potter. Doc interviews Rockford native Sarah Bell about watercolor. Visit the Stateline Vicinity Show at the Rockford Art Museum with curator Stella Dobbins. Listen to Rod MacDonald live during poetry night at Cafe Esperanto.
The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1994.
Music by Eric Nofsinger and Rod MacDonald

Black glass bear shot glass/mascot, intriguing watch face from M & Co., handcrafted stone elephants from Kenya…Father’s Day @ J.R.Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Cool gifts for Dad from Alessi…functional, sophisticated design @ J.R. Kortman…open Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Saturn Glass Sphere…3-D laser-engraved design on lighted base…Father’s Day & Graduations @ J.R. Kortman…Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

There’s still time to see “Collection,” the multimedia exhibition in the Kortman Gallery featuring video presentations of classic “The Art Zone” TV show and beautiful poster images (suitable for framing) of works by Rockford artists from the book “Collection”. Cool gifts for Father’s Day @ J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

CONSTANT PRESSURE opens tonight! Free public opening from 6-8pm with a gallery walk at 5:15pm. Don’t miss this!

Fun gifts for Dad or the Graduates in your life @ J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Two more vintage ArtZone episodes have been added to www.youtube.com/. Watch & subscribe today!
Art Zone Episode 09: Join us at The Art of Death Opening at Gallery 10, downtown Rockford, curated by Robert McCauley. Listen to music by X-TANG Live at Cubby's West. View The Balsley Collection at Rockford College. Interview with artist, Brent Jones, regarding his show at the Cafe Esperanto, Only the Fireborn Understand Blue.
Music by Eric Nofsinger, Funeral March, and X-TANG.
Art Zone Episode 10: Doc interviews Jim Sullivan on the set of Dancing at Lughnasa, the last production Jim Sullivan directed at NAT, New American Theater. The conversation covers the humble creation of NAT and its evolution to the cultural institution it was in Rockford. Anecdotes from old buildings and productions. Comments from staff, friends, and family, including Karen Howard (Charlotte's Web), Steve Vrtol (actor), Cindy Jo Lantz (NAT), Jan Bacino (NAT), Daniel Sullivan (actor).
The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1994.

Shop J.R. Kortman for Graduations & Father’s Day, Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Episode 8 now available on The Art Zone Rockford YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ ...interviews with artist Scott Snyder, video art by Bob Belt, and interview with RAM education director Laura Johnson. See all binge worthy episodes now on YouTube!

Watch classic Art Zone episodes: https://www.youtube.com/
The Art Zone Episode 07: Interview with designer Courtney Alexander about her work and show at the Cafe, watch videos by Christopher Bering, titled Backyard Daytona, and Doug Connell, titled Paris 1992, visit the Rockford Art Museum to hear Peter Baldaia, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections discuss the Harold Gregor Retrospective Exhibition. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1993.
Music in video submissions by Signal 23

Heading into summer with these ceramic heads which can used inside or on the patio or garden from J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5

Now Steaming on YouTube: Art Zone Rockford... Episode 06: Join us on opening day of Art Interactive, a group exhibition in Kortman Gallery, then watch a video on the celebration of Kwanzaa by H.G. Breeze, and listen to highlights of a poetry reading at Cafe Esperanto with Pat Maggio. The Art Zone was funded by J.R. Kortman Center for Design. Aired on Cable TV in Rockford, IL in 1993.
Art Interactive Artists: Duane Neil, Nikki Posely, Cherri Rittenhouse, Stephen Pitkin, Gerold Posely, Maggie Thienemann

“Collection,” a visual journal of art & artifacts from Rockford and beyond. Available now at J.R. Kortman…open Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5. See you this Saturday for the Great Downtown Open House.

A great gift for Mom from J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5….see you Saturday for the Great Downtown Open House!

Mom will love a cool necklace or hand-beaded brooch from J.R. Kortman…shop Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5. See you this Saturday, May 13th for the Great Downtown Open House!

Shop J.R. Kortman for Mother’s Day…Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5…don’t miss Downtown Open House, Saturday, May 13th!

Shop J.R. Kortman Tu-Fr 11-6, Sa 11-5. See you this Saturday for the Downtown Open House event!