the awakenings project

cart

gallery


Artist info


Anton WitekWrites Anton Witek: “The work I do is mainly collage, off the wall, and relief sculpture. I use found objects, circuit boards, resistors, computer chips, buttons, beads, and bottle caps - things that are disposed of in everyday life. The edges of the work I try to display like an arranged skyline, like Manhattan, Chicago, or Kuala Lumpur.”

Learn More
VIEW WORKS



Ben BeyerleinBen Beyerlein earned an Associate in Arts degree from the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He is not only a visual artist, but a poet. His written work has appeared in The Awakenings Review, Prairie Light Review, and Plainsongs (Hastings College). Ben has been involved with the Awakenings Project since its inception. He says his artwork has had a healing influence on him and it continues to do so.

VIEW WORKS



Dori Poni Coming to the U.S. at the age of five from Uganda, Dori Poni is a 29-year-old artist and writer living in Chicago, Illinois. She describes her art as ranging between surrealism and hyper-realism. Dori also works in sculpture and other forms of art.  

VIEW WORKS
View VIDEO BIO



Irene O'NeillWrites Irene O'Neill: “Ever since childhood, I wanted to be an artist. I once found an ad in the back of a magazine to 'draw Winky,' which I did, and then they sent me a whole bevy of exercises to do. Whenever I have a free moment, which is not often enough, I make art with whatever materials are on hand, which generally means “mixed-media.” 

Learn More
View VIDEO BIO

View Works




John RakowWrites John Rakow: “My art and writing are about the frequent awkward experiences of navigating through life and dealing with our world. My art is often about building and breaking relationships as we go. It is about moving from naiveté to wisdom through learning and letting go. 

Learn More
VIEW WORKS



Julie HoughSince a very young age, Julie Hough has created artwork. She earned a degree in Art Education at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. She has explored a style that has defined her artwork. While she paints mostly in acrylics, she has also explored the mediums of oil paints, colored pencils, marker, and collage. During a transition back into regular life from acute mental illness she discovered the Awakenings project.

VIEW WORKS



Kurt TaeckerPainting was the late Kurt Taecker’s means of survival. Since his diagnosis of mental illness at age 17, he had been compelled to create artwork. He grasped a brush, palette knife or spatula, oozing with oil paint, then worked the canvas until it reflected the twists and turns in his mind... and beyond. 

Learn More
VIEW WORKS



Mark HullMark Hull writes, “My fascination with fruit and vegetable still life paintings grew from my study of 18th and 20th century pieces where the trend generally moved towards a focus on the spatial relationships between the objects. In my paintings, I am looking for the visual and aesthetic enrichment springing from the textures, shapes, forms, and colors inherent in each subject. While painting, I like to explore what artists call line quality. My techniques include watercolor, gouache, ink, pencil, pastel chalks, scratching implements, and colored pencil sticks.”

VIEW WORKS



Michael AllenMichael Allen writes, “Back in the mid-1970s, I lost much of my eyesight, I was about 26 at the
time. My semi-interest in photography was dashed! Fast forward 30 years, I picked up my first digital camera and lo and behold, I was able to take a photo. Many of my photos are planned and pre-focused using the auto focus option. I can’t see through the viewfinder, but I am able to work with the LCD screen on digital cameras. it has been a fun, immensely, rewarding hobby!”

VIEW WORKS



Michael RudisWrote the late Michael Rudis: "I started painting in 2001, after my career in HVAC tanked, and I had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 1989. Sometime in 2002, I met Irene in Naperville and learned about The Awakenings Project. 

Learn More
VIEW WORKS



Peter Hallock AustinPeter Austin became fascinated with art under the tutelage of a 7th grade art teacher. In the following years, inspired to continue his studies, art classes became a road to self-discovery. During his college career, he explored many different mediums, from printmaking to drawing, from woodworking to sculpture. In the ensuing years, Peter has explored numerous mediums, and sees art as an outlet for expression and experimentation.

VIEW WORKS



Robert LundinRobert Lundin became enamored with photography as a high school student in the 1970s. He bought his first SLR camera, a Pentax SP500, at the age of 16 and thereafter became the photography editor for two of his high school's award-winning yearbooks. Robert also plied his photography skills as a photojournalist in the 1990s. 

VIEW WORKS
View VIDEO BIO



Ryan ChaceyRyan Chacey graduated from Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1999, later earning a Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2013. As a visual artist, Mr. Chacey says he has found community, structure and inspiration at The Awakenings Project. His art focuses on the abstract, found art and assemblages, and he's also a novice Polaroid photographer.

VIEW WORKS
View VIDEO BIO



Sandra Jo MazurekWrites Sandra Jo Mazurek: “Art was like medicine to me from an early age. I received my BFA and then MFA from The School of The Art institute of Chicago. In between I was diagnosed with major depression. It was travel that really influenced my work. I realized that it was not what or where I painted but how I painted that mattered. Awakenings has been a gift to me.”

VIEW WORKS
View VIDEO BIO



Sean LambAs a visual artist, Sean Lamb's favorite medium is woodwork. Having completed an apprenticeship with David Orth of Orth Furniture in May of 2007, he excels at designing and building distinctive furniture. Two of his unique designs are the fabrication of wooden Zen garden creations and distinctive "balancing" clocks. Prior to this work, Sean was a network administrator, and he still utilizes his computer skills for the benefit of the Awakenings Project. 

VIEW WORKS



Trish EversThe late Patricia "Trish" Evers was a teacher, an award-winning artist, and a co-founder of the Awakenings Project. Throughout her life, Trish, who painted for much of her career under her married name, Patricia Cobb, was committed to the visual arts and education. 

Learn More
VIEW WORKS



William AlexanderOak Park resident William Alexander was a fixture on the local and Chicago-wide art scene.  A lifetime member of the Oak Park Art League, he was responsible for helping the fledgling Awakenings Project obtain several exhibitions there, beginning in 1999.  He was also a founding member on the planning committee of the first Awakenings Art Show in spring of 1997, for which planning began in fall of 1996.

Learn More
VIEW WORKS

paintings and artwork

Anton Witek
In the City (2015)
Assemblage
20x24”
Anton Witek
Moon Unit Apocalypse (2015)
Assemblage
14x21”
Anton Witek
Mother and Child (1992)
Assemblage sculpture
42x60”
Anton Witek
Tattoo Me (2005)
Mixed media
36x48”
Anton Witek
Untitled (2017)
Assemblage
14x16”
Ben Beyerlein
Home (2006)
Color pencil
18x24”
Ben Beyerlein
Strongman (2005)
Color pencil
18x24”
Ben Beyerlein
The Fish (2006)
Color pencil
18x24”
Ben Beyerlein
Time (2006)
Color pencil
18x24”
Ben Beyerlein
Voices (2004)
Color pencil
18x24”
Ben Beyerlein
Whitman’s Bridge (2007)
Color pencil
18x24”
Dori Poni
Anhedonia (2019)
Acrylic wash
16x24”
Dori Poni
Breaking Point (2019)
Ink and pencil
18x24”
Dori Poni
I Am Shocked (2020)
Acrylic
18x24”
Dori Poni
Poison (2013)
Watercolor
18x24”
Dori Poni
Untitled (2021)
Acrylic
16x24”
Dori Poni
Untitled (2013)
Charcoal on paper
16x24”
Irene O’Neill
Early Retirement (2006)
Mixed media
24x32’’
Irene O’Neill
Field of Dreams (2005)
Mixed media
24x32’’
Irene O’Neill
From Victim to Victor (2008)
Mixed watercolor and torn paper
22x28’’
Irene O’Neill
The Lighthouse in ME (2018)
Acrylic
16x20’’
Irene O’Neill
Through the trees (1998)
Watercolor, pen and ink on paper
24x30’’
John Rakow
Caution (2007)
Mixed media on wood
24x24”
John Rakow
Clement (2005)
Oil on canvas
20x24”
John Rakow
Family (2007)
Oil on canvas
Various dimensions
John Rakow
Revenge (2004)
Mixed media
12x16”
John Rakow
Trio (2017)
Oil on canvas
20x26”
John Rakow
Work (2007)
Mixed media
25x31”
Noelle Hoppe and Julie Hough
Deep in the Sea (2022)
Acrylic
10x10”
Julie Hough
Enchanted Forest (2022)
Acrylic
24x30”
Julie Hough
Enchanted Forest 2 (2023)
Acrylic
24x30”
Julie Hough
Untitled 1 (2022)
Acrylic
24x32”
Julie Hough
Untitled 2 (2020)
Acrylic
24x32”
Julie Hough
Untitled 3 (2021)
Acrylic
24x32”
Julie Hough
Untitled 4 (2022)
Acrylic
24x32”
Julie Hough
Untitled 5 (2020)
Acrylic
24x32”
Julie Hough
Untitled 6 (2022)
Acrylic
24x32”
Kurt Taecker
Arabian Nights (1994)
Impasto oil
30x36”
Kurt Taecker
Midnight Madness (1998)
Impasto oil
36x48”
Kurt Taecker
On the Threshold of a Dream (1996)
Impasto oil
30x36”
Kurt Taecker
Symbols of Peace (1995)
Impasto oil
30x35”
Kurt Taecker
There Is a Heaven (1997)
Impasto oil
30x35”
Mark Hull
Banana Juice (2011)
Mixed media
10x12”
Mark Hull
Green Onion (2012)
Mixed media
8x10”
Mark Hull
Mango (2014)
Mixed media
30x36”
Michael Allen
Alone (2020)
Digital photograph
Michael Allen
Bad Dream (2020)
Digital photograph
Michael Allen
Blues (2017)
Digital photograph
Michael Allen
John (2014)
Digital photograph
Michael Allen
Sometimes You Just Feel Like an Acorn (2015)
Digital photograph
Michael Allen
Wise (2015)
Digital photograph
Michael Rudis
Edgar Allen Poe 3 (2017)
Acrylic
24x32”
Michael Rudis
Jacobs Ladder (2017)
Acrylic
24x32”
Michael Rudis
Untitled 1 (2017)
Acrylic
24x32”
Michael Rudis
Untitled 2 (2018)
Acrylic
24x32”
Michael Rudis
Water Rings (2018)
Acrylic
24x32”
Michael Rudis
Yellow Moon (2018)
Acrylic
24x32”
Peter Austin
51 Spring Vision (2021)
Acrylic on Wood
32x32”
Peter Austin
Feathered Frau (2022)
Fiberglass, foam, steel under structure, featuring with exotic and domestic feathers.
6’7x23x38
Peter Austin
Ian Sneezed (2023)
Digital photography
Peter Austin
The Ensemble (2023)
Acrylic on canvas
9x5”
Peter Austin
The Time Signature of Mania (2021)
Copper, plastic, brass, steel, galvanized steel, and other abstract materials
10x8x9”
Peter Austin
Untitled (2020)
Oil, acrylic, and marker on masonite
39x30x40”
Peter Austin
Untitled (2020)
Paint on masonite
39x30x40”
Peter Austin
Weary Waters (2023)
Acrylic on canvas
24x24”
Robert Lundin
Above the MCA (2009)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
American Bustle (2013)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Below the MCA (2009)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Coleus (2023)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Coleus 2 (2023)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Daylily (2023)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Geranium (2023)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Roses (2023)
Digital photograph
Robert Lundin
Windflower (2023)
Digital photograph
Ryan Chacey
Flag #3 (2024)
Mixed media
16x20”
Ryan Chacey
Echos (2024)
Mixed media
36x24”
Ryan Chacey
Spring [new beginnings_old friends] (2024)
Mixed media
36x48”
Ryan Chacey
Everything We Found After We Sung Loudly (2024)
Mixed with frame
18x24”
Ryan Chacey
Wrecktangle #1 (2024)
Mixed media
16x20”
Ryan Chacey
Wrecktangle #2 (2024)
Mixed media
16x20”
Sandra Jo Mazurek & Dorcas Poni
Empathy (2020)
Oil on canvas
18x24”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Crunch (2021)
Oil on canvas
18x24”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
El Nino (2024)
Oil on canvas
12x30”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Fear (2020)
Oil on canvas
24x32”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Galaxy of Tears (2023)
Oil on canvas
18x36”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Hope Springs (2023)
Oil on canvas
16x20”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Homer (2023)
Oil on canvas
18x36”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers (2024)
Oil on canvas
16x20”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
My Father’s Garden (2014)
Oil on canvas
46x48”
Sandra Jo Mazurek
Pancreas (2010)
Oil on canvas
24x30”
Sean Lamb
Detail of Floating Table (2012)
Furniture design
Sean Lamb
Library Table (2002)
Furniture design
Sean Lamb
Table and Lamp (2004)
Furniture design
Sean Lamb
Time in the Balance (2007)
Accessory design
Sean Lamb
Walnut Sconces (2012)
Accessory design
Sean Lamb
Zen Garden End Table (2013)
Furniture design
Trish Evers
Queen of Fools (1995)
Mixed media
24x32”
Trish Evers
Smoothing the Shroud (1995)
Mixed media
24x32”
William Alexander
Anger (1995)
Acrylic on wood
13x18”
William Alexander
Madman Series #13 (2003)
Mixed media on wood
16x20”
William Alexander
Madman (2005)
Mixed media on wood
15x16”
William Alexander
Madman Series #5 (2005)
Acrylic on wood
10x21”
William Alexander
Madman Series #8 (2004)
Mixed media
21x28”
William Alexander
Madman Series #11 (2004)
Mixed media
21x30”
William Alexander
Madman Series #14 (2005)
Acrylic on wood
12x22”
William Alexander
Silent Cry Madman #15 (1997)
Acrylic on canvas
36x42”

receive our newsletter  |  about us  | contact  |  donate
© Copyright 2024, The Awakenings Project  
Site built and designed in Cargo by Chloe Vo