Released on: October 31, 2007, 1:54 pm

Press Release Author: Jennifer Navarro, Ginny Richardson Public Relations

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: New installment celebrates work of self-taught artist and
philanthropist Lisa Gengler

Press Release Body: (GLEN ELLYN, Ill.) - The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College
of DuPage will unveil its newest art installment, "Universal Consciousness,"
featuring 10 works by self-taught painter Lisa Gengler, at an opening night
reception at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the MAC, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn,
Ill.

The exhibit opening was planned in tandem with New Philharmonic Orchestra's November
concert series, "Mozart and Muspratt." Following the opening, patrons will be
treated to the orchestra's performance at 8 p.m. as well as a post-concert champagne
toast at 10 p.m.

Though primarily a painter, Gengler is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work
history includes visual art, dance, music and theater. She is also an arts advocate
and philanthropist. The MAC is hosting her exhibit in celebration of her
extraordinary dedication to advancing the arts in Chicago's western suburbs.

"The MAC and New Philharmonic are saying thank you to generous and long-time
supporters of the arts Lisa and Duane Gengler," said Stephen Cummins, director of
the MAC. "One of the reasons Lisa is such a wonderful advocate for the arts is
because she herself is an artist. We are taking this opportunity to celebrate her
talents with a showing of her work at the center that she has graciously supported."

For over 20 years, Gengler and her husband, Duane, have donated time and resources
to the MAC. They were financial sponsors of the campaign to build the MAC in the
1980s and have since contributed to the MAC's endowment and programming needs as
well as a fund for new works. Gengler was also co-founder and long-time president of
the College of DuPage Foundation\'s Cultural Guild, an organization which raised
hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the arts.

In addition, she founded the Lisa Gengler Scholarship and the Kristina Meyers
Memorial Scholarship, as a tribute to her daughter.

"Lisa and Duane have painted a vibrant picture of their passion for the arts," said
Michael Trench, chief development officer for College of DuPage Foundation. "Their
love for the arts, and for College of DuPage\'s McAninch Arts Center, will have a
lasting impact on the ability of the College to make cultural opportunities
available to our community."

The public is invited to attend the concert and post-concert champagne toast;
pre-concert reception is private. Tickets are $33 for adults, $31 for seniors and
$23 for students and patrons under 17. Call (630) 942-4000 or visit
www.atthemac.org.

-About the exhibit-
For "Universal Consciousness," Gengler enlisted the help of Father Michael Komechak,
curator of Benedictine University's Art Collection, a 3,450-piece anthology of
original works.

Komechak has worked with Gengler on numerous occasions and said her paintings in
this collection reflect a distinct awareness of the larger universe and a fusing of
historical figures with contemporary events, both from her own life and from society
at large.

"Lisa's work is expressive and figurative, often encompassing the beauty found in
nature, spirituality in our environment and elements of history," said Komechak.
"Unlike many artists, Lisa does not begin with preparatory drawings. She puts on
classical music and begins to paint, straight from her heart. She is a very
courageous artist, with wonderfully bold color sense and flowing forms."

A self-taught painter who works in acrylics, Gengler is also strongly influenced by
her childhood experiences. She grew up in Germany and came to the United States as a
teenager, moving first to Los Angeles, Calif., and eventually settling in Oak Brook,
Ill. The anchor piece of her exhibit is called "The Loving Tree," an 8-foot-tall
canvas inspired by Gengler's memories of climbing trees as a child.

The exhibition will run through Monday, Nov. 19, in the MAC's main lobby. Viewing
hours are from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and admission is free.

-About the McAninch Arts Center-
The McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage (MAC) is a state-of-the-art facility
bringing professional theater, music, dance, comedy, opera and visual art to the
residents of Northern Illinois. Housing three distinctive performance spaces and an
art gallery, the facility's unique design allows patrons to experience all the arts
under one roof.

Since its opening in 1986, more than one million people have attended performances,
gallery exhibits or events at the facility. The MAC scheduled more than 250
performances during 2006-2007 alone, bringing in more than 69,000 patrons from the
Chicago region and beyond.

In addition to presenting touring artists, the MAC houses five resident professional
companies, including New Philharmonic Orchestra, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center
Jazz Ensemble, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and New Classic Singers.

The MAC also maintains a robust community outreach program with initiatives such as
its SchoolStage program, which connects performers and students for an interactive,
educational arts experience.

Because of its efforts to increase community access to the arts, the MAC has earned
the Illinois Arts Council's Partners in Excellence designation, which recognizes 40
of the most significant cultural institutions throughout the state.

The MAC is conveniently situated 30 miles west of Chicago in central DuPage County,
near I-88 and I-355, and offers free parking and discounted rates for groups and
outings. For tickets and information, please call (630) 942-4000 or visit
www.AtTheMAC.org.
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Web Site: http://www.atthemac.org

Contact Details: Jennifer Navarro
630-789-8555, ext. 24
jnavarro@gr-pr.com