A Celebration of Fine Craft

This August, art enthusiasts will delight in the plethora of extraordinary events taking place in conjunction with the 29th annual American Craft Exposition (ACE). Artist Michael Mode, a Vermont-based master woodturner, will speak about “The Power of Inspiration” at Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art (40 Arts Circle Drive) on the University’s Evanston campus. Free and open to the public, Mode’s talk will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 4.

A nationally recognized master of his craft, Mode has won several awards for his single laminate and multi-laminate wood vessels of colorful and intricate designs and is a regular participant at ACE, an annual juried show of fine craft organized by The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem at Evanston & Glenbrook Hospitals (NorthShore). ACE will return to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus, Thursday, August 22 with a Collectors’ Hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Benefit Preview Party from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Show runs throughout the weekend:  Friday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, August 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for a three-day pass or $13 when purchased in advance online.  

Mode’s work is also included in “The Art of Craft: Works from NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Collection of Fine American Craft,” a special free exhibition at the Evanston Art Center (2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston), from August 5 through August 25. For the first time, the exhibition will bring together works from the collection of NorthShore, which are displayed at its four hospitals (Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Skokie Hospital). This collaborative effort between the Block Museum, the Evanston Art Center, the American Craft Exposition and NorthShore University HealthSystem aims to raise awareness and increase education of fine craft.

For more information on The American Craft Exposition, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, please visit americancraftexpo.org or call (224) 364-7270.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.