News Releases 2011
Fonfara | Gallery | Art for Heart | summer ball | polish-jewish relations | party at the museum | pulaski day events | pulaski day scholarships
CHICAGO’S "POLISH PRINCE" TO HE HONORED ON ST. NICHOLAS DAY
CHICAGO, IL (November 7, 2011) The Polish Museum of America, based on the near Northwest Side of Chicago, will honor professional boxer Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara on St. Nicholas Day, Tuesday, December 6th at 1pm.
The very popular Fonfara, 19-2-0 (4KO’s), a native of Warsaw now living in Chicago, will headline in a ten round light heavyweight bout against Phil Williams, 11-4-1 (10KO’s), of Minneapolis, Minnesota, at Windy City Fight Night 20 on Friday, December 16th at the UIC Pavilion.
As part of the festivities honoring the 24-year-old Fonfara, the Polish Museum of America in association with 8 Count Productions is encouraging the local media and fans to attend this event, which will take place in the Great Hall on the second floor of the museum.
The Polish Museum of America is located at 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue, at the corner of Milwaukee and Augusta. Ample free parking is available behind the building.
The Polish Museum of America is the “crown jewel” of the Polish American community. Established 75 years ago it has preserved and exhibited the history and culture of the Polish American community and our ancestral homeland – Poland. Its all-inclusive exhibits are both educational and entertaining. Its Library and extensive Archives have rendered invaluable services to historians, researchers, students and genealogists.
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.
For more information on 8 Count Productions please visit their new website, www.8countproductions.com. Follow them on Twitter at 8_Count and Facebook at “8 Count Productions”.
The Polish Museum of America (PMA) proudly announces the reopening of its Fourth Floor Art Gallery now renamed
The Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery,
presenting a permanent exhibition of unique Interwar Period art from the PMA Collection.
The Gallery will be open for viewing on November 5th.
The Polish Museum of America is opened 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Closed Thursdays and Holidays.
Address: 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL. 60642
Tel. 773-384-3352
We invite you to participate in our Gallery contest by filling out the form.
The winner will be announced on the PMA website on December 6th.
...
Exhibition of Masters
Stanisław Szukalski collaborated with Salvador Dali and inspired H. R. Giger. Maria Werten taught illustrators from Walt Disney Studios. Jan Henryk Rosen decorated churches in Washington and Chicago. Polish artists - emigrants - found success in the United States. From amongst 42 artists, 48 works spanning the years 1901-1947 have been selected and are presented in the Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery.
The works of these distinguished artists - the most abundant representation from the 1930s - show us the dominant trends in Polish art during the Interwar Period, receiving awards both in Poland and abroad. The world appreciated the freshness and originality, as well as the supreme workmanship. The years 1918-1939 were characterized by a variety of groups and artistic trends.
Olga Boznańska's Madame Paris exemplifies post-impressionism; Czesław Rzepiński painted in the manner of Polish colorism, as did Tymon Niesiołowski, who belonged to the Warsaw group, Rytm. Jan Zamoyski was connected with the artistic society, Bractwo Św. Łukasza. Ludwik Tyrowicz was a member of the Ryt Graphic Artist Association. Andrzej Pronaszko represented formism. His simple stylistics, geometric slants, and influences of cubism brought him close to Art Deco, similar to that of Michał Rouba.
The paintings, sculptures, prints, and handicraft arts - originally presented at the Polish Pavilion at the World's Fair in New York in 1939-1940 - are the core of the art collection of The Polish Museum of America (PMA). The outbreak of World War II prohibited the return of the exhibits to Poland, and because of the agreements between Stefan Ropp, General Commissioner of the Polish Pavilion, Mieczysław Haiman, PMA Director, and Józef L. Kania, PRCUA President, some items came to Chicago in 1941. It was just a part of the 11,000 objects which were originally transported from Poland to New York on the MS Batory and the MS Piłsudski in 1939. The impressive presentations at the Polish Pavilion and its spectacular success in the United States is best represented by the monumental stained glass, Symbol Polski odrodzonej [Symbol of Poland Reborn] designed by Mieczysław Jurgielewicz, and displayed in the PMA Great Hall. It is one of the largest secular stained glass works in the USA. The Gallery displays a miniature stained glass by Alojzy Sawicki, which was also exhibited at the Honorary Hall of the Polish Pavilion.
A valuable source of the Interwar Period art at the PMA is the 1945 donation by Maria Werten, artist and promoter of Polish art in the United States. The expressive wooden sculptures from the Zakopane School inspired by folklore are interesting examples of Polish Art Deco, depicting the trend of defining a national style.
To illustrate the various trends in Polish arts of the 20th century, the Gallery presents paintings with historical themes from private collections. The painters - Wojciech Kossak, Jerzy Kossak, and Jan Styka - belong to two famous artistic families.
The renovation of the Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, as well as the conservation of the most valued paintings, was possible thanks to the generosity of Stephen Kusmierczak, a successful Chicago investor with Polish roots, a graduate of Princeton University, and a Fellow of the Kościuszko Foundation at Jagiellonian University. The Gallery is named in the honor of the major benefactor's parents. Additional finances for this project were donated by friends of the Museum - including "Wspolnota Polska" Association and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago - who enabled the opening on November 4, 2011 of this permanent exhibition of unique Polish art.
More information on the artists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Info: Joanna Zelaya
Gift from the Heart/Dar Serca Foundation
(630) 890-5099
Jan M. Lorys
Polish Museum of America
(773) 384-3352
jan-lorys@polishmuseumofamerica.org
"Art for Heart" to Benefit Gift from the Heart Foundation and The Polish Museum of America
Art for Heart - A weekend of art to benefit The Polish Museum of America and Gift from the Heart Foundation, assisting children with disabilities since 1988: Fri - Sun, Sept. 30-Oct. 2.
CHICAGO-August 30, 2011-Art lovers and kindhearted individuals are invited to view the latest works by renowned contemporary Polish artists and enjoy an evening of entertainment and culture while helping raise funds for European children with disabilities and supporting a world-renown museum during the "Art for Heart" exhibition, Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday Oct. 2, 2011.
Gift from the Heart Foundation (Dar Serca) and The Polish Museum of America have united to organize a fundraising weekend of art to present the works of several innovative and distinguished Chicago-area Polish artists, ranging from painters to sculptors to photographers. All artwork will be available for sale. Come meet the artists and enjoy a night of music and appetizers, including a cash bar, at the Opening Night Reception on Friday, Sept. 30 from 7-11 p.m. at The Polish Museum of America, located at 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL. The museum will also be open Saturday from 12-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. Each day promises a variety of art and music for guests from throughout the community. Admission is $5 and additional funds will be raised from sales of art and a cash bar. Souvenir event books will also be available. All proceeds will jointly benefit Gift from the Heart Foundation (Dar Serca) and The Polish Museum of America.
Gift from the Heart Foundation, or Dar Serca, is a non-profit 501 (c) organization that helps children with disabilities receive the medical treatment that they urgently need. The Foundation brings seriously ill and disabled children from European countries to the US and helps them receive high-quality medical care and treatments that are unattainable in their home countries. Over the past 20 years, Gift from the Heart Foundation has helped several hundred children receive modern medical treatments from the highest-quality clinics in the United States.
Dar Serca/Gift From the Heart Foundation:
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POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA'S SUMMER BALL
Friday, June 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Deadline for Reservations June 1, 2011, Contact: (773) 384-3352 ext. 101 and 104
The Polish Museum of America (PMA), 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 extends a warm invitation to our valued friends and patrons to the 31st Annual Summer Ball, on Friday, June 10, 2011. The ball will held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 E. North Water St., Chicago, IL, in beautiful downtown Chicago. The black-tie event begins with cocktails at 7:00 p.m., and dinner served at 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the renowned Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra. Individual tickets are $175 each. A portion of the ticket price and any donations to The Polish Museum of America are tax deductible.
This year, the Polish Spirit Award will honor Alex Storozynski, President of the Kosciuszko Foundation, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, and author, for his outstanding contributions to the traditions and culture of the Polish American community.
The Summer Ball is the PMA’s largest yearly fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum. Established in Chicago in 1935, The Polish Museum of America remains the nation’s only institution of its kind, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Polish and Polish American culture through a wide variety of educational programs and exhibitions. In addition, the Museum hosts its Library, the newly-renovated Paderewski Room, its priceless and newly-conserved Royal Sleigh, and the soon-to-be state-of-the-art Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, all of which serve those seeking knowledge regarding assorted and interesting histories and arts within Polonia. Additionally, the PMA’s valuable Archives house research sources chronicling the lives of those of Polish descent in the United States and throughout the world.
Over the years, we have tried to make The Polish Museum of America the center of our ethnic heritage and to help preserve its holdings for succeeding generations. We have continued in our efforts to renovate and modernize the Museum, as well as safeguard our priceless collections. As a not-for-profit institution, we need your continued help and support to preserve and promote Polish and Polish American heritage and culture.
We all owe it to future generations to make The Polish Museum of America a Chicago heritage landmark and the cultural center of the Polish American community. Please help us.
We thank you for your continued and generous support and look forward to seeing you at the Summer Ball!
Please make checks payable to The Polish Museum of America.
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POLAND IN THE HEART OF THE JEWS AND THE JEWS IN THE HEART OF POLAND
May 8, 2011, 2:00 p.m.—Sabina Logisz Great Hall of The Polish Museum of America
The Polish Museum of America is pleased to host an unusual Sunday afternoon dialogue on Polish - Jewish relations. The fabrics of these cultures are interwoven with threads of religion, history, and memory. The afternoon’s discussion will focus on Poland in the Heart of the Jews and the Jews in the Heart of Poland.
Principal Presenter is Michael H. Traison, Esq., “Who I am and what I am are defined by what I found in Poland.”
Mr. Traison is the is the initiator of the Fundusz Michała H. Traisona dla Polski and has organized and executed over 80 programs honoring Poland and Poles, preserving the memory of Polish Jewry and promoting Polish Jewish relations.
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PARTY AT THE MUSEUM
Thursday, April 14, 2011, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
LIVE JAZZ, ARTWORK FOR SALE, POLISH BEER, AND MUCH MORE!
Join us for a special and fun-filled Polish Museum of America (PMA) fundraising event. Opening Reception with the artists—Adventures of Light: Voytek Glinkowski and His Students. The exhibition will feature intriguing paintings and drawings - poetic light impressions of colorful landscapes, flowers, still life and figure compositions - by the talented Voytek Glinkowski and his students: Beth Boyd, Margaret Boyd, Olga Dolgun, Carole Gilberg, Inna Goldman, Joyce O’Callaghan, Natalia Osipova. Works will be for sale, and 30% of the price will be donated to the PMA Art Gallery Renovation Fund. Exhibition until April 20th. Performance by acclaimed Jazz singer Agnieszka Iwańska at 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Monika Nowak | Tel. (773) 384-3352 x103 | Email:
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STATE OF ILLINOIS WILL HONOR GENERAL PULASKI
Chicago, IL - The public is invited to attend the State of Illinois’ official Pulaski Day celebration on Monday, March 7, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Sabina P. Logisz Great Hall of the Polish Museum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The program includes short speeches by a number of national, state, county and city officials, including Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, as well as Polish American leaders. This will be followed by five scholarships presentation generously underwritten by Jewel-Osco, Polish entertainment and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pulaski at Savannah painting. The annual event will conclude with a reception. Admission is free. Free parking is also available next to the Museum.
General Casimir Pulaski is recognized as the “Father of the American Cavalry.” He offered his services as an experienced military leader to the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. “I came to hazard all for the freedom of America,” Pulaski stated in a letter to the Congress. At the insistence of General George Washington, Pulaski was appointed by Congress as Brigadier General and became the first Commander of the American Cavalry. His cavalry unit was known as the Pulaski Legion, which was instrumental in saving the City of Charleston, South Carolina, from British occupation in 1779.
In October of 1779, at the age of 32, General Pulaski paid the ultimate price for freedom when he died from mortal wounds received while he led a cavalry charge in Savannah, Georgia. He is buried next to the Pulaski Monument at Monterey Square in Savannah. The General is now posthumously honored as an Honorary US Citizen as enacted by Congress through a co-sponsorship by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).
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PULASKI DAY SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED
The Polish Museum of America partners with Jewel Osco on Pulaski Day Scholarships
The Polish Museum of America is pleased to announce the 2nd annual partnership with Jewel Osco. Jewel Osco, sponsors of the Pulaski Day Scholarships, have once again graciously chosen the Polish Museum of America to facilitate this scholarship program. The scholarships will be presented at the Official State of Illinois Pulaski Day Observance, to be held in the Sabina P. Logisz Great Hall of the Polish Museum of America. The Polish Museum of America will select 5 recipients, each of whom will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship applicable for the 2011 school year. High school seniors and college students who will be continuing their studies are encouraged to apply. Submissions must be received by February 28, 2011.
This is the 70th anniversary of the passing of the great son of Poland, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The Polish Museum of America houses one of the larges collections of his documents, writings, photos, and concerts memorabilia in the world. Paderewski excelled in three major categories during his lifetime: Statesman, Musician, and Humanitarian. Each applicant is to focus on one of the three categories in an essay (not to exceed 500 words). The Polish Museum of America’s Paderewski Room and the Library can help serve as excellent resources for information-gathering.
Essays should be accompanied by a personal statement of the student's academic and career goals, community involvement, personal interests, extra-curricular activities and/or any recent achievements. Entries should be typed, double-spaced and will be submitted in English. Candidates must be residents of the metropolitan Chicagoland area, and must include their first and last name, email address, phone number and school address with their entry. Please email the entries to: or fax to 773-384-3799. Any questions should be directed to (773) 384-3352, ext. 104.
Recipients must be present at the official scholarship check presentation held at the Polish Museum on Monday, March 7, 2011 beginning at 10:00 AM.
In recent years, guests at the Pulaski Day celebration have included then-Senator Barack Obama, Governor Patrick Quinn, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, and other distinguished political and community leaders. A short program of speakers will take place, followed by the Jewel-Osco Pulaski Day check presentation, with a public reception afterward. Admission and parking are free.
The first Monday of March in Illinois honors Polish-born Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a famed cavalry officer in Poland and recently posthumously-designated US Honorary Citizen, who joined the American Revolution and became a hero here and a source of great pride for Polish-Americans. Jewel-Osco and PNC Bank are once again generously underwriting the Pulaski Day Observance.
