Rescuer of Once Loved Things:
The Art of Donna Castellanos
Dressed to the 9’s’
On a blustery Sunday, half past high noon, heading home from church, I found myself annoyed at the inclement weather which seemed bent on bending me away from my walks in the woods. On the spot (well, actually behind the wheel) I decided to take advantage of the time on my hands. I wrote Tom a text so he wouldn’t worry, and headed over to the Elmhurst Art Museum to see Donna Castellanos’ acclaimed exhibit.
The Elmhurst Art Museum sits steps away from the Elmhurst Public Library in Wilder Park. It is a small but remarkable gem in the western suburbs and hosts exciting, innovative artwork, community programs, experiential teaching, gatherings and more. The museum also houses one of only three remaining homes designed by Mies van der Rohe.
Using rescued items as varied as train tracks and typewriter keys, encyclopedia covers to sheet music, brass rings and old musical instruments, Donna Castellanos’s work invites visitors to not only enjoy her artistry, but, to imagine new ways to employ old things.
I wandered this small museum, amazed at the spectrum of Donna’s work and in awe of her vision. I felt the challenge of her art that implores the viewer to see everyday items in imaginative, fresh ways and dare to envision a renewed look in the “things” we have, we find, we toss away.
Rather than ramble on with my words, I invite you to click onto the photos – once, maybe twice – and look at the mixture of media employed by this remarkable woman. Her masterful marriage of encyclopedia pages, old lace and Lionel train tracks, acrylic paint, fibers and tattered lace all make for a happily ever after in the innovative exhibit. This is a mere sampling of what this exciting exhibition holds.
I also invite you to head over to the Elmhurst Art Museum to experience Donna’s artwork on a personal level. Bring your kids or grandkid. The exhibit has several experiential areas for children to make artwork of their own.
https://www.elmhurstartmuseum.org/exhibitions/rescuer-once-loved-things-art-donna-castellanos
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
Such whimsy, Penny! How fun to have a delight like the Elmhurst Art Museum right in your backyard and I think it’s a must to have the lightness and fun of Donna Castellanos in the middle of bleak, unrelenting winter-like weather. I particularly love those heels! I am so impressed with the creativity. Maybe she’d like some donations. I have more little bits of nothing hanging around that always look like they should have some purpose. Ha!
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This museum is really a gem, Debra, and welcomes visitors from around the globe. It is, indeed, a particular delight in this midwestern weather. The heels were fun, as was the dress – amazing how musical instruments become pieces of art. The pathway in the photo next to the heels is from cast-off denim! Wish you were nearby so we could see this together – well, wish you were here when spring finally comes. 🙂
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I haven’t let go of the idea that sometime in our future we’ll have that visit, Penny! 🙂
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What an imagination. I enjoyed reading about another of those moments when you dive off the beaten track (Penny going AWOL – though there was a text I see).
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AWOL – haha! That’s me, Juliet, as you know I am always taking the road less travelled. 🙂 Donna Castellaos has such talent and imagination as well as a giving person. Thank you for stopping by. We still have winter weather here. Sigh.
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What a lovely exhibit. Thanks for sharing it with us, Penny.
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Your are very welcome, Jill.
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Love it all, Penny–especially the 9s dress. So creative! I’ve never been to that museum. I’d like to visit at some point, especially as the weather is still blustery.
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Isn’t it great? I wish you could see it up close for the detailing is awesome. The Elmhurst Art Museum is a treasure and I think you would enjoy it, L. Marie. This weather is relentless and I fear we will go from winter to summer without a spring this year. Oh well, I am constantly reminded that I am not in charge. 🙂
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Thank you for this whimsical trip in your backyard!
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You are very welcome, Marilyn. There were other photos I wanted to add, but, didn’t want to give away her entire exhibit. I mention this as I thought of you at the beginning of the exhibit where there was a large, hanging piece made of fibers. It was wispy and the type of artwork where one found herself walking around and around and seeing so many different things. It took me a bit, but, I started to notice words, then realized Emily was talking with hope is the thing with feathers.
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This was a fun tour — and I especially appreciate it since it’s a little far to drop by that wonderful museum. One of the galleries we visit in Eugene had a Steam Punk exhibit and the dress (the second one in your post, not the ‘9s’) reminds me of that. We were on a tour and had that type of art explained — apparently it originated during the Victorian era but seems to work nowadays as a way of making art out of formerly loved objects as your artist has done so beautifully.
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I am so pleased that you found it fun, Sallie. 🙂 That exhibit sounds so interesting. I always imagine Eugene, Oregon as being a mecca for the arts. Thank you for mentioning it – now, off I go to google Steam Punk. 🙂
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This looks like a very imaginative, fun exhibit! The Elmhurst Art Museum is such a gem in Elmhurst.
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The museum is, indeed, a gem, Janet, and it is a spectacular exhibit. Do you remember Donna? She is so very talented. I’m hoping to get Tom over there to see this.
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Dear Penny, what an innovative artist she is. That kind of creativity–seeing possibilities in everything–always astounds me. Brings me to awe. Thank you for sharing. I think you are truly fortunate to have this museum so close by. Peace.
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Thank you, Dee. I am, indeed, fortunate to live near this museum and wish you could visit it with me as this is quite an amazing exhibit. Peace.
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