by BRIAN NADIG About a dozen smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson read story
National Veterans Art Museum exhibit reflects sculptor’s life as medic, escape from communism
by BRIAN NADIG
An exhibit by sculptor and former military medic Steven Luu will be featured through Dec. 13 at the National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
A public reception honoring Luu and his artwork will be held at the museum from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27. The exhibit is called “A Path to Healing and Transformation” and is curated by Gloria Dai.
On his website, Luu describes his artwork as “a vessel for my healing. During my childhood, unlike many other kids with beautiful and happy memories, I endured hardship, poverty under communism and the unforgiving sea during our escape from Vietnam.
“I was less than eight years old when I had to help push corpses of starved people off the boat to prevent contamination. And the theme of death continued traveling with me beyond my childhood. As a U.S. military medic, I provided lifesaving to fallen comrades and enemies in dangerous situations. All these tragic encounters made me struggle to understand why I am constantly surrounded by the theme of death.”
His life experiences are reflected in his works.
“The materials I used for my artworks include everyday objects that accompanied me while serving in the military and include industrial materials like concrete, and epoxy resin. Both resin and concrete start as either liquid or dry composite material that must be mixed to activate and transform into a rigid substance that forms an object.
“My artwork is aligned with geometric shapes that are fundamental to me because they give me a sense of order. The organized shapes allow me to resolve the stress and chaos of my trauma. The process of making art becomes the ritual of healing for me,” he said.
Luu earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in sculpture. He also has participated in several studies with Wright State University and the American Occupational Therapy Association, researching how artwork has evolved and how it has helped veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The museum is open noon to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays through Saturdays and is located on the second floor of the Portage Lofts Buildings. Admission in free, but the museum does accept donations.
Plans call for the museum to move next year to 5411 W. Higgins Ave. in Jefferson Park.
More information about the museum is available at www.nvam.org
- Burglars hit dozen businesses in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Avondale early Wednesday
by BRIAN NADIG About a dozen smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson Park) and 17th (Albany Park) police districts, and there were additional break-ins in other parts of the city and suburbs, totaling about 20 incidents, according - Burglars hit at least 9 businesses in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, Portage Park early Wednesday
by BRIAN NADIG At least nine smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District, and there apparently were additional break-ins in at least two other districts and possibly the suburbs, according to Chicago police. The incidents - CTA targets fare evaders to reduce violent crime; disappointment expressed in release of suspected shooter at Jefferson Park terminal
by BRIAN NADIG Violent offenses reportedly are down 34 percent on the CTA from a year ago as the agency targets a section of the Red Line where criminals are boarding, while a shootout at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal last summer remains under investigation. CTA security vice president Kevin Ryan addressed many crime and - Crime Watch: gunfire reported on Berteau, car break-ins reported, robbery reported in store lot
Two men reported that a man fired shots at them at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 5300 block of West Berteau Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. A 25-year-old man reported that he was talking to a neighbor, who was sitting inside his parked vehicle, and two men walked toward the vehicle and one of them fired - Sip & Shop set for Oct. 17 in ‘Jeff West’; NW Side Halloween events also set
The second annual “Sip and Shop” in “Jeff West” will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, running along Lawrence Avenue from Austin Avenue on the west and Major Avenue on the east. The event had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but was postponed due to rain. It will feature many of the existing businesses
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by BRIAN NADIG At least nine smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson read story
by BRIAN NADIG Violent offenses reportedly are down 34 percent on the CTA from a year ago as the agency targets a section of the Red Line where criminals are read story
Two men reported that a man fired shots at them at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 5300 block of West Berteau Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. A 25-year-old man reported that read story
The second annual “Sip and Shop” in “Jeff West” will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, running along Lawrence Avenue from Austin Avenue on the west and Major Avenue read story
by BRIAN NADIG The site of a former auto repair garage at 4301 W. Montrose Ave. would be used for storage and outdoor training for an entertainment-related trade union under read story
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