Momentum Art Guild of Northwest Illinois

04/15/2026

Our guild has an art show at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford right now-go check it out! They also have the butterfly exhibit going on-added bonus!! 🦋

03/30/2026

Ellie Bartels work can be seen at CMAAA in Oregon. It is a nice museum with many facets. Her art will be hanging from March 1-April 30.

Lowden Gallery Artist: Ellen "Ellie" R. Bartels
March 1 - April 30

​Ellie has a BA degree in Education and a BFA in Studio Art , both from the University of Washington. She taught art, K – 12, in Orangeville, Il for 12 years. She currently lives in Freeport, Il.
Ellie states, “ The process of transforming paint and canvas into an appealing and effective image scares, frustrates, excites and inspires me.

My work starts out with a subject or theme in mind, usually based on my personal response to nature or a past experience, and a general plan on how to accomplish my goal. As it progresses spontaneity and intuition take over and my unconscious becomes the director.
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I have found that both oils and acrylics work well as vehicles for translating my inner vision to outer reality. Both comply with my enjoyment of layering paint and working the canvas by scraping, rubbing, scratching through, dry brushing, etc., to create depth and texture and to bring the surface to life.

It is my wish that the viewer will want to spend time with my work, to contemplate its meaning, discover its complexities, or to just enjoy the colors and shapes.
Ellie Bartels
CMAAA

02/14/2026

Congratulations to MAG member Ellie Bartels for being awarded “Best of Show “ at the Highland Community College Juried Art Show for her painting titled “Subterranean Dream.”

01/03/2026

MAG members at the Monroe Arts Center Center opening. See their work in the Frehner Gallery from January 2. - March 7. The address is 1315 11 th Street, Monroe, WI.

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

Birds of a Feather Art Show Monroe Arts Center! There are lots of amazing pieces to check out!

01/02/2026

Art Show Opening tonight at Monroe Arts Center! Several members have art in this show. Theme is Birds of a Feather and the show begins at 5 pm

09/13/2025

Call for Art!

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