Launching a new exhibition venue for local artists, the North Suburban YMCA hosted an opening night reception on January 17 for its inaugural exhibit, a collection of paintings by Northbrook artist Terry Luc. Friends and guests toured the show that lines the walls of the community center’s public areas, part of a new initiative to showcase the wide variety of talented artists living and working in the northern suburbs.

Luc, a well-established painter who frequently exhibits his work in galleries, shows and competitions, is also known in the arts community as an instructor, commentator and volunteer. His boldly colorful canvases, often depicting pop culture icons in surrealistic compositions, will remain on display at the Y through the rest of January. The Y is located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook.

“I’m very excited about the potential of the Y’s new Community Gallery,” said Luc. “We have so many outstanding artists who live in this area. I was proud to be asked to participate, and I feel like we’ve put down a good foundation on which the Y can build a great program.”

“Terry’s show is a wonderful opening for the Y’s new Adult Life and Learning Department,” commented Howard Schultz, NSYMCA Executive Director/CEO. “This new department will offer programs to improve our adult participants’ social, intellectual and professional lives on a daily basis. The Community Gallery is going to inspire and challenge our members while it promotes the many talented artists who live in the area.”

Following the Terry Luc show, the Y’s art department and new Community Gallery committee will consider applications from local artists for future exhibits. Anyone interested is welcome to join the committee; contact Cathie Winnie, Visual Arts Program Director, cwinnie@nsymca.org, for more information.