Local Artist Showcases Works At North Riverside Mall Theatre Chicago

Chicago Artist To Display Work in Theatre Lobby

Throughout the Month July

North Riverside, IL - Since early childhood, Claudia Smalley has possessed a passion for creativity and the visual arts. Her now 10-year art career was fueled by the large amount of exposure to the arts as a young child and by her encouraging parents, who always provided exposure to the arts, as well as art materials to inspire her imagination. Throughout the month of July 2010, Claudia will be sharing her work with the visitors to the popular North Riverside Mall Theatre, located at 7501 West Cermak Road, where her paintings will be on display in the lobby exhibit space.

Originally from Mt. Prospect, Claudia will be exhibiting her most recent series titled "Peek" which explores the use of color and gesture. Her collection began when she looked back to 18th century Spanish still life paintings and tried to mimic the color and composition. The preceding pieces morphed from that initial exploration and have become more refined in form and more exploratory in color. Enthusiastically speaking about her upcoming showcase at the North Riverside Mall Theatre Claudia says, "It is always nice to be able to share art in unexpected venues. Growing up, in order to see artwork, I needed to travel into the city. Being able to display work in a suburban location helps bring art to the broader public."

-MORE-

Claudia Smalley studied art and design at the University of Illinois in Champaign where she received her BFA in Industrial Design, later earning her MBA. Through her website and by connecting with others at gallery showings in and around Chicago, Claudia is able to promote her work and maintain a presence in the Chicago art scene. Her upcoming shows include: 

July 1 – July 31:	Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, New Wave Coffee
July:	Beverly Arts Center, Celebrating Chopin Exhibit
July/August	EmeraldCityCoffee, Chicago (Wrigleyville)
July/August	Yova Coffee, Oak Park
September/October:	Chicago Public Library, Uptown Branch
November/December	Elephant Room Gallery

For additional information on Claudia Smalley, please visit www.claudiasmalley.com.

Each month, the North Riverside Mall Theatre provides lobby space to display the works of local artisans. Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theatres with 99 screens in 12 communities in the Chicagoland and northern Illinois area. For more information on Classic Cinemas or the North Riverside Mall Theatre, please visit www.classiccinemas.com.

# # #

For further information about the North Riverside Mall Theatre or Classic Cinemas.

please call Falk Associates at 847-675-2580.