McCord Gallery Offers a Portrait of Humanity In Latest Exhibit

Michael McNicholas, a Palos Park resident, brings his unique portrait sensibilities to the in an exhibit entitled "The Human Landscape: The Figurative."

Running now through Oct. 8 the collection features portraits of a variety of subjects from iconic Hollywood celebrities, to the artist's own family. The paintings attempt to capture more than just the physical presence of their subjects.

"I always try to capture something about who they are," McNicholas said.

McNicholas grew up in the Palos-area and attended Sandburg High School. It was there that his talent and passion for art first began to take shape. He worked in the art department of an advertising agency for most of his career.

For the past few years he has taught at McCord, and the Beverly Arts Center. He encourages his students to capture the personality of a subject in their work.

McNicholas' work has been commissioned for everything from family portraits to corporate projects. This is his first solo show.

"It's exciting for me to see everything here together," McNicholas said. 

The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.