Annual Gathering of International Decorative Painters

The theme for Salon 2008-Chicago was music...with an expectation of coming together not only to be inspired by each other, but by different styles of music, as well. Some participants incorporated a musical element into their exhibition piece, while others allowed the music to inspired their

hand as they painted. During the exhibition, each day a different style of music was played by live bands consisting of jazz, classical, rhythm & blues and rock. We discovered what the "blues" look like with the completion of the incredible collaborative mural, done under the direction of Patrick Kirwin.

The marble painting "contest" was a treat as brushes danced across the canvas to the lively classical music of the string quartet. With six different bands playing over the four days, and approximately 100 decorative painters from 13 countries, this unique blend of music and passionate painting made for some magical moments.

The enormous venue was provided by District Council 30 and

the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, of our many sponsors and contributors, who continue to make it all possible.

Starting with our welcome reception, we popped champagne and nibbled on assorted goodies. Our opening dinner was at the Signature Room, which is on the 95th  floor of the John Hancock building in downtown Chicago. Noted for their fine food and a spectacular view of the city, we were treated to the best of the best. We dined and danced to our hearts content.

 

This year, two collaborative murals were completed by many who painted continuously to get the job done. The "blues" mural was presented to the City of Aurora. The collage of musical instruments mural was presented to DC 30. Enough thanks can't be expressed to the DC 30 volunteers who gave so much of their time and effort for our benefit.

 

And of course, there's always the unexpected... this year it was body painting, or better said "painting with bodies"!

 

As the Salon draws near to the end, it's always hard to say the good-byes. Our final dinner included many musical surprises and hidden talents. To name a few: the Salon Band accompanied by the girls chorus - the "trompe l'oeil-ettes", a tap dance performance by Valerie Naulleau, a song and dance by our very own gorilla (sorry, some silly things are better left unexplained), a song written and performed by non other than Mark Golden " I Wanna Be At Salon, Baby", and a very special surprise for me, as Patrick Laheyne sang and played his beautiful rendition of "Michelle" by the Beatles. We then danced until the wee hours and lingered as long as possible.

 

Those that could stay on had two day-excursions to see the sights, which included a tour of the Chicago Art Institute and an architectural boat ride.

Many thanks to all our Sponsors, Contributors and Volunteers!! Your continued support, generosity and your gifts of endless hours truly does make it all happen, and is most sincerely appreciated.

 

Sponsors and Contributors list:

IUPAT-District Council 30, IUPAT-Finishing Trades Institute,

Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois, Golden Artist Colors, Faux Effects International, The City of Aurora, Adicolor, Rockland Industries, Purdy Professional Painting Tools, 3M Company, Sherwin Williams, Williamsburg Artist Materials, Georgia Pacific, Vanneste Galleries, and Sal's Beverage World.

 

School Sponsors:

Anything But Plain School of Decorative Finishes, Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Dundean Studios, Faux Design Studio, Faux Effects Dallas Inc., Faux Effects International, Faux Masters Studio, Pierre Finkelstein Institute, and The School of Applied Arts.