Neighbor News
Meet the Artist: Jennifer Medema
Local artist showcases charcoal portraits in month-long exhibit at the library.
The Orland Park Public Library invites the community to experience the striking charcoal portraits of local artist Jennifer Medema in her solo exhibition Drawn From Darkness, on display throughout the month of September on the Library’s second floor.
The exhibit showcases Medema’s captivating charcoal reduction portraits, which reveal raw emotion and striking human expression through up-close compositions. “Faces fascinate me. Identity intrigues me,” says Medema. “I choose not to create traditional portraits but rather narrow my focus with up-close compositions. This tight cropping creates visual tension or an intimate moment that pulls the viewer in.”
In addition to the month-long exhibit, the public is invited to a special event, Meet the Artist: Jennifer Medema, on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Library. Attendees will hear Medema speak about her artistic process, inspirations, and career as both a fine artist and a professional designer.
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Medema’s love of art began in childhood, with early encouragement from her parents. She discovered her passion for portraiture in junior high, pursued her B.A. in illustration and fine arts at Columbia College Chicago, and studied abroad at Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy. Today, she balances her work as the Senior Graphic Designer for the Village of Orland Park with her artistic practice, creating deeply expressive works in charcoal inspired by her training in Florence.
This free event is open to the public. All are welcome to attend and meet the artist in person. For more information, please contact the library at (708) 428-5110 or visit orlandparklibrary.org.
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About the Orland Park Public Library
The Orland Park Public Library is committed to enriching the community through access to information, education, and engaging programs. Located at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., the library offers a wide range of services and events for patrons of all ages. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
