Publications & Sites 
Celebrating fine art by the inch
"On State Street," by Grace Kroll of Niles
‘inchworks’
North Shore Art League, Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka
Through Jan. 15
Wine and cheese reception, 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 29
(847) 446-2870 or visit www.northshoreartleague.org
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Updated: November 28, 2012 1:52PM
Big talent comes in small packages through the holidays in Winnetka.
It’s 144 square inches and under to be exact. That’s the size limit for works in The North Shore Art League’s sixth annual “inchworks” Fine Arts Show.
“The ‘inchworks’ show is a lot of fun because it’s all no bigger than 12x12, and it’s just a charming show,” said Grace Kroll of Niles. “Lots and lots of artwork is exhibited. It’s very nice.”
Kroll is one of the artists who has contributed work for the show, which opens Nov. 29 with a wine and cheese reception held in the League’s gallery space in the Winnetka Community House. Guests are welcome to see the exhibit and meet some of the artists.
“It’s an opportunity to find out what everybody is doing and enjoying,” said Kroll. She likes showing her work with the League because “there are many people who come and appreciate it. You spend a lot of time working on these pieces and I think most people do this because they love to do it.”
Approximately 175 works — and still counting — will be in the show. They’ll range from paintings and drawings to prints, photographs and mixed media pieces.
Not only will visitors be able to look at the work, they’ll be able to purchase pieces. Prices range from $50 to $500. Revenue from the show will fund North Shore Art League operations and its annual scholarship programs, which recognize local high school art students’ achievements.
“I always like ‘inchworks’ because it includes such a variety of pieces from both members and non-members,” said Linda Nelson, executive director of the League. “The sizes are easy for people to include in their home or office collections...and offer quality artwork at affordable prices.”
This year will be Kroll’s second year participating in “inchworks.” She’ll show two of her prints, one titled “Winter,” which depicts birch trees in a snow scene and the other, “Chicago River Bridges,” illustrating the Kinzie Street Bridge. The works feature the Chicago River in different settings.
“It’s a landscape and a cityscape,” said Kroll. “I’ve lived in Chicago all my life and I’m really fascinated with the architecture. and the bridges that are iconic to Chicago because the river runs right through downtown and there’s a bridge at every cross street. It’s appealing to me. I don’t know if it’s appealing to everybody else but if you’ve lived in Chicago you recognize all these things.”
Nelson expresses pride in this annual holiday show and sale, and the opportunity it gives artists to exhibit and possibly to sell their work.
“This show is a gem,” she said. “It’s our gift to the community.”
