Alphabet Art Exhibit at Evanston Public Library

Alphabet Art: An Educational Exhibit that Inspires
Exploration and Experimentation

“ALPHABET ART” is an exhibit of works by Evanston artist and author, Marjorie Price. It highlights a large painting, Alphabet, which consists of individual watercolors based on letters of the Alphabet – all are more or less abstracted but are readable in context; additional works are paintings of letters forming names, including Sue, Jan, Tom and Liz, resulting in a kind of name portraits. Also on display is Price’s art and education book for children, AlphaDabbles, which explores the design and whimsical possibilities of each of the letters.

Price hopes this exhibit will inspire a sense of creative exploration. She says, “The letters of the alphabet (as are all objects we look at closely) are endless springboards for experimentation. Some become geometric abstractions, some are lyrical, some are recognizable as a letter only in context, while others maintain their identity standing alone. Some suggest colors, for example, J for jade, I for indigo, V for vermillion, etc. Each letter is a painting in itself, but in the overriding interest of the Alphabet, defers its individuality to the group.”

The exhibit is on the main floor of the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue, through mid-January, 2012; the “Alphabet” painting will continue to be on display. It is ideal for both children and adults, families, grandparents and anyone who appreciates abstract art.

About the Artist

Marjorie Price was born in Chicago and grew up in Evanston. After graduating from ETHS, she went to Stanford University and received a B.A. in Speech and Drama. She studied painting in San Francisco and at the Chicago Art Institute. A painter all her life, she has worked in all mediums. Over the years, the styles of her painting have moved between representational and abstract. The Alphabet Art series reflects her years as a graphic designer and abstract artist. In 1960, she moved to Europe where she remained for nearly 20 years. She lived in France and Italy, working and exhibiting her artwork in galleries and museums. In the late 1970’s, she returned to the states and settled in New York City. She has taught painting to children and adults and has published several children’s art and education books. In 2008, Gotham Books published her memoir, A Gift from Brittany, which tells of the unforgettable years she lived in an ancient village in Brittany in the 1960's. After 30 years in Manhattan, she recently returned to Evanston, where she continues to work as a painter and writer. To view her art, visit www.marjorieprice.com.

About the Evanston Public Library

For nearly 140 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents research to find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books, it is a place to meet, connect, learn and explore.