North Suburban YMCA Community Gallery Showcases Two Local Artists

October Exhibit Features Colorful Collage and Mixed-Media Artwork from Ellen Schwarzbach and Romona Meher

By North Suburban YMCA, Neighbor

Nov 10, 2026 10:01 AM CST

This post was contributed by a community member.

The North Suburban YMCA Community Gallery is showcasing an exhibit featuring two local artists, Ramona Meher and Ellen Schwarzbach, throughout the month of November. This collaborative piece, titled “Imogen,” was created by both artists. (NSYMCA)

Northbrook, IL – November 2026 – The North Suburban YMCA (NSYMCA) Community Gallery is pleased to showcase the work of two talented artists, Ellen Schwarzbach and Ramona Meher, during its November exhibition. Featuring vibrant colors, layered textures, and imaginative compositions, the exhibit highlights two unique artistic perspectives through the creative medium of collage and mixed media. Adding to the uniqueness of this exhibition, many of the featured pieces are collaborative works created by both artists, bringing their individual styles, creativity, and artistic visions together in one-of-a-kind compositions.

Ellen Schwarzbach is a multidisciplinary artist whose current work focuses primarily on collage and mixed media. Incorporating papers painted with watercolor and acrylics, as well as prints created using a gel plate, Schwarzbach experiments with fabric, hand stitching, color, texture, and patterns. Her work often features geometric abstractions and grid-like structures reminiscent of paper quilts, along with an ongoing fascination with the design possibilities of circles. Inspired by artists Corita Kent and Alma Woodsey Thomas, her artwork is recognized for its vibrant color combinations, precise placement, and joyful, energetic quality.

Ramona Meher brings a storytelling approach to her collage work, drawing on her many years of experience as a cross-cultural storyteller. For Meher, collage is a creative process that blends meditation, play, and personal expression. Through collecting, cutting, and layering pieces of paper and imagery, she allows unexpected discoveries and meanings to emerge. Humor, struggle, and discovery are central themes in her work, which invites viewers to explore the stories and possibilities found in even the smallest pieces.

The NSYMCA Community Gallery celebrates the diverse talents of artists living and working throughout Chicago's northern suburbs through monthly exhibitions and pop-up displays that are free and open to the public. Artwork featured in the gallery is available for purchase, with a portion of all sales benefiting the North Suburban YMCA's Visual Arts Department.

The exhibit will be on display throughout November during regular YMCA hours.

For more information about the NSYMCA Community Gallery or visual arts programming, please contact Megan Vazquez at mvazquez@nsymca.org or 847-272-7250.

The North Suburban YMCA is located at 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.

The North Suburban YMCA Community Gallery is showcasing an exhibit featuring two local artists, Ramona Meher and Ellen Schwarzbach, throughout the month of November. This piece, titled “Up/Down,” was created by Ramona Meher. (NSYMCA)

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