Lessie Venardo Dixon is an American artist known for his evocative and thought-provoking works, characterized by emotional depth and intricate detailing. Raised in Henning, TN, he discovered his love for the arts in Chicago, IL, where he later developed a passion for Portrait and Plein Air oil painting. In 2011, he founded ANI Afrocentric Neo-Impressionism, a style marked by bold colors and thick, expressive brushstrokes that celebrate African culture and history. Dixon's work has been recognized through significant exhibitions and awards, including the Best in Show Painting Award at the Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.

Currier and Ives was a prominent American printmaking firm based in New York City, operating from 1834 to 1907. Founded by Nathaniel Currier and later joined by James Merritt Ives, the firm became renowned for its popular and affordable prints. They produced lithographs depicting various subjects, including landscapes, historical events, domestic scenes, and portraits. Their works were widely distributed, making art accessible to the American middle class and shaping the visual culture of the 19th century.

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The husband-and-wife designers were pioneers in modern architecture and furniture design. The Eames Lounge Chair was their first foray into high-end furniture and was intended to provide a modern take on the traditional English club chair. This cherished Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman not only exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and design but also holds deep sentimental value for its owner. 

Preserving historical glass negatives is a meticulous and delicate process, essential for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of these valuable artifacts. Photographic glass plates—predecessors to film—decreased in popularity during the 20th century, but they were still common and reliable in the early 1900s when this photograph was taken. "Facing Freedom," a circa 1910 photograph attributed to Charles Duprez of Brown Brothers, depicts a family newly arrived at Ellis Island gazing at the Statue of Liberty, capturing a significant moment in American history.

Antique sewing machines are not merely functional devices; they are historical artifacts that reflect their time's technological advancements and artistic sensibilities. Preserving these machines involves a meticulous process that maintains their functionality and history. The Antique and Fine Furniture Department at The Conservation Center recently conserved two antique sewing machines, a detailed process showcasing the careful work involved in this type of furniture.

Camy Rocher, a talented Haitian artist whose life ended far too soon, left behind a legacy that continues to captivate art enthusiasts. Born in 1959 and tragically passing away at the tender age of 21 in 1980, Rocher's artistic journey was cut short, but his impact on the art world remains deep. Rocher's painting Erzulie stands as a testament to his talent and vision.

Souvenirs serve as tangible memories, mementos carefully chosen during travels to remind us of the places we have explored and the moments we have cherished. This scroll, acquired during a trip to Beijing in 1990, holds personal significance to its owner. "Back then, there was very little foreign tourism in Beijing. There was one tourist hotel - a 60's era socialist concrete structure called the Friendship Hotel. There was one tourist shop where you could purchase with Yuan - the foreign currency. I purchased the scroll because it was beautiful." At a time when foreign tourism in Beijing was low, the acquisition of this artwork was a rare and cherished opportunity. 

Thomas Birch, celebrated for his maritime paintings that encapsulate the essence of American naval history, is considered to be the first "ship portraitist." Born in England to artist William Birch, Thomas Birch (1779 – January 3, 1851) moved to the United States in 1794, settling in Philadelphia. American Ship, an oil on canvas seascape painting measuring 22.5x32.25 inches, is an excellent example of Birch's maritime work. However, the results of time had dimmed its brilliance, prompting its journey to The Conservation Center for treatment.

Renowned Chicago-based artist Kerry James Marshall is a leading figure in contemporary art, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions. Among his notable exhibitions, his 2022 showcase, "EXQUISITE CORPSE: This Is Not The Game," at Jack Shainman Gallery New York, unveiled a collection of 20 meticulously executed works of art. Among these was Untitled (Exquisite Corpse Lightbulb Cross), a commanding 90 1/2 x 66 1/2 inches (framed) painting, one of four striking acrylic paintings featured in the exhibition.

Art conservation and the legal protection of artists' rights intersect in complex ways, especially with the enactment of the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) in the United States. VARA grants certain rights to artists, including the right to claim authorship of their work and the right to prevent its destruction or alteration under specific circumstances. As art conservation practices evolve, navigating the delicate balance between preserving artistic integrity and ensuring the longevity of artworks becomes increasingly crucial.

Woven within the fabric of the Cass Flag lies a story of patriotism, resilience, and community spirit, dating back to July 3, 1861. Crafted under the dim glow of lanterns by the hands of a determined sewing bee in Cass - now known as Darien, Illinois - this historic artifact embodies the essence of American identity during the tumultuous Civil War era. These days, the Cass Flag is at home in the Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum under the guardianship of the Darien Historical Society, and the story of the flag tells the story of the enduring legacy of those who shaped its history.

To kick off the new year, we held our annual art competition amongst our talented staff this January. The entire staff was invited to enter the competition, using any method, form, material, or approach they preferred to capture the theme of “make me laugh.” Creations were submitted, and after our vote, we are proud to share the winning entry from Tony Capone, Associate Art Handler! Tied for runner-up are entries by Jesús Mejia, Conservation Services Director, and Suju Park, Client Services Assistant. Cheers to 2024!

The Conservation Center was honored to host Ana Belaval from Chicago’s WGN Morning News Around Town segment on January 31, 2024. Click to watch “Around Town checks out The Conservation Center.”

The Conservation Center was recently featured in URMIAInsights, the online publication by URMIA, University Risk Management and Insurance Association. URMIA is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of the profession of risk management in higher education. URMIA provides community, education, and resources to an international community of almost 3,000 members. The article “Safeguarding Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Strategies for Preservation, Digitization, and Archival Storage” was written by former staff member of The Conservation Center, Catharine Murphy. Click Here to Read Safeguarding Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Strategies for Preservation, Digitization, and Archival Storage

Shipping damage to sculptures can be a significant concern, as sculptures are often delicate and can be easily damaged during transit if not adequately protected and handled. Take, for example, these two sculptures portraying polo players from the Tang Dynasty, a historic imperial era in China spanning from 618 to 907 CE. These sculptures capture the dynamic nature of the sport, showcasing horses in full mid-stride gallop, their riders poised for play. Notably, the use of distinct colors on each figure signifies their affiliation with opposing teams, adding visual depth to these artifacts.

Salvador Dalí, a luminary of surrealism, left an indelible mark on the art world with his eccentric and dreamlike creations. Dalí was born and died in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain (1904 - 1989) and was known to admire another famous Spanish artist, painter Diego Velázquez (1599 - 1660). In fact, the only model Dalí acknowledges himself to have had is Velázquez, and this etching titled Velázquez "captures the nobility and grandeur of this fine artist."

In the ever-expanding world of art appreciation, one couple's journey led them to antique stores, where they discovered a love for art that spoke to them. Their acquisitions weren't driven by fortune but by the simple joy of finding pieces that resonated with their souls. Their approach was refreshingly unscripted — "looking for things we don't know we need." Their method involved purchasing pieces and researching conservation firms for treatment, and this journey would lead them to The Conservation Center.

This year, The Conservation Center celebrated its 40th anniversary. This is a notable moment in time to reflect. What we do every day at The Center is fine-tuning our "practice" of living a life of perfecting our process in our field. It is a living, breathing entity that brings us tremendous pride. The pride stems back to the foundation of principles and ethics, which is at the core of our daily decisions, actions, and processes.

Filled with seasonal charm and details, "Winter Sled Scene," attributed to Ukrainian-Russian artist Stepan Kolesnikoff (1879-1955), presents a quaint winter village scene. This gouache on paper board, measuring 21 inches high by 27 inches wide, arrived at The Conservation Center within a frame, bearing the marks of time and handling.