Exhibit of Photographs and Paintings Reflect Newfound Passions at YMCA Community Art Gallery

During the month of January, the North Suburban YMCA’s Community Gallery features a show of nature and wildlife photographs by Brian Kabat, as well as watercolors and pastels by Karen Bonner. Both artists prove that it’s never too late to try a new type of creative expression.

Brian Kabat has been a lifelong performing musician, and a school music teacher since 1988. He has been greatly influenced by the arts since he was a young boy, but his love of photography came a little bit later in life.

Kabat started walking outdoors because he found that being in nature brought him peace and calmness. He noticed the beautiful sights and sounds, and decided to start bringing a camera with him on occasion. His appetite for nature and wildlife photography started to grow, and before long he found himself becoming very serious about his newfound passion. “My background as a musician has opened the door to my artistic expressions as a photographer,” he commented.

The Y will host a Meet the Artist reception for Brian Kabat on Sunday, January 15 from 3:00 to 4:30pm.

Karen Bonner is a student in the North Suburban YMCA’s Adult Watercolor classes. A few years ago, after retiring from teaching, she took two drawing classes in Ohio. When she moved to this area three years ago, she began to study watercolor with Fran Vail. Since then she has been in several juried shows and won several prizes for her paintings, including first prize at the Art Post this spring. “I never had an art class until a few years ago, and there is always so much more to learn,” she said. “I am so grateful to the program at the Y for giving me this opportunity.”

The North Suburban YMCA, located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, promotes local artists with monthly exhibits in its Community Gallery spaces. Most of the art is for sale, and a portion of the purchase price benefits the North Suburban YMCA’s Visual Arts Program. For more information about the Community Gallery, contact Visual Arts Director Cathie Winnie at cwinnie@nsymca.org or 847-272- 7250. The Y offers a wide range of creative arts and digital media classes for all ages. The Winter Session of the Y’s Visual Arts classes begins on January 9, 2017. For more information or to register for classes go to NSYMCA.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA serves 15 northern suburbs of Chicago, and for over 48 years has provided programs and services that address youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility every day. Working together for good is who we are: an association of people united in a common effort to help individuals become healthier, more connected, and confident. There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y: we have the national and local presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, visit NSYMCA.org.

Photo Caption: Brian Kabat is shown taking pictures in the Grand Tetons. An exhibit of his nature and wildlife photographs is on display in January at the North Suburban YMCA’s Community Gallery.