June 6, 2009 Downers Grove, IL – Local Downers Grove resident, Joe Anderson displays his latest work in his inaugural exhibition at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., in Downers Grove. (June 1 – June 30; Meet the Artist - June 24, 7-8 p.m.)

Illusion takes on reality when happenstance creates the suggestion of space. Whether a particular work is guided by threads taught against a canvas, or chemically etched into an aluminum can, Anderson’s artistic trajectory continues on with exploratory vigor. His interest in art, chemistry and mathematics are reflected in his style. “After combining my cross-disciplinary interests and skills, my body of work generally appears diverse in both conceptual and visual ways.”

A University of Illinois senior majoring in Art Education and Painting, Anderson’s interests rest in a variety of traditional art making methods but more often than not, he is found developing new methods altogether.

His lifelong love for drawing did not seem to correlate with his deep interest in science and mathematics through his Downers Grove North High School years. However, this correlation came to form the very foundation on which his art practice is built. Reflecting on this connection, Anderson pinpoints segments of his life that brought direction.

Anderson has always been creatively involved. Park District classes gave him a good start with ceramics, cartooning and crafts. Through his grade school years, Anderson attended St. Joseph School in Downers Grove, where his artistic abilities were nurtured by teachers. “Encouragement came from many, but in particular, my third grade teacher was the first to notice and nurture my interest in art.” Anderson’s artistic endeavor at that young age was soap carving. He presented a small hand-carved lizard to his third grade teacher, Naperville resident Angelita Gaffud, who noted his ability. “She has always encouraged me to pursue my love of art. To this day, when I visit St. Joseph School, Miss Gaffud still pulls that lizard out of her top drawer with a smile.” Anderson adds that Gaffud and other teachers gave him opportunities to incorporate this interest in class projects.

Acknowledging his interest in eighth grade was then St. Joseph art teacher, Maureen Duax. She provided opportunities to participate on the visual side of the school’s VIP Day performances. He jumped on the opportunities and, with inspiration and help from his grandfather who shares Anderson’s passion for art, mastered his first canvas when creating the Golden Gate Bridge for the schools show, “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

But it wasn’t until late high school that Anderson began to think of art as a serious option to pursue as a career. “My attitude towards the symbolism of art and literature before high school was in need of a major adjustment. It was my freshman English teacher, Mrs. Everitt, who was able to open my eyes to the beauty and complexity of the arts.” Anderson began to ask questions of himself that allowed him to eventually make what seemed to be a complete change of focus from science to art.

Anderson was very interested in science. AP Chemistry with Mr. Redig was one of his favorite classes. Not only was it the content of the course he enjoyed but also Redig’s way of teaching. “He taught me that teaching is its own art form when life lessons are the most meaningful things you take away from a class.”

Then it was his art teacher, Mr. Voelker who was the one who really pushed Anderson to develop not only confidence in his art as something valuable to share, but also allowed him to see how his interest in the sciences and engineering were actually one in the same with what became his art practice.

If Anderson didn’t have enough motivation, receiving a National Scholastic Silver Key Portfolio Award at Carnegie Hall solidified it. “This was the event that not only gave me the final push, but it also made me realize all the people who helped me get where I was. It is refreshing to look back and reflect on those who gave guidance in your life.” Beyond his parental support, Anderson names just a few of the teachers he feels helped him find his path. “There are so many memorable teachers.”

Anderson chose to go into the field of art, but his goal is to share it with others like his high school teacher, Mr. Voelker. “I recognized that teaching what I love not only gives me an opportunity to make a positive impact on younger generations, but will also keep my art practice real and more in tune with the reality of the everyday.”

As Anderson enjoys his first exhibition, he welcomes visitors to join him in celebration on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 7-8 p.m. when he will be available to discuss his unique style and techniques.

Anderson’s future includes student teaching at Hinsdale Central High School to complete his college career in 2010 with a major in Art Education. His plans are to teach high school art while maintaining a full studio practice.

For more information on Anderson and his current exhibition, go to www.downersgrovelibrary.org. Downers Grove Public Library hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Artist's information sheet is located at the library's information desk. Check website for available hours during Heritage Fest. Questions on the exhibit can be directed to Anderson via email at jandersonica@gmail.com.