5/17/2026 Artist Reception for the fotoMuses' "AMERICANA -- 250 Years in Focus" at Bloomingdale Park District Museum

PHOTO:  "Sanctuary for Nature” by Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, IL 

Photographed at the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park. 

"For me the national park system is a real treasure offering peace, beauty and recreation,” said Kalmanek....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2026  -  The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, present their newest exhibit, “Americana - 250 Years in Focus,” at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, in Bloomingdale, Illinois (now through May 30, 2026).  Artist Reception is on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 2 pm-4 pm.  In their latest fine-art exhibit, the fotoMuses’ collectively captured the essence of the American story; showcasing the individuality of each artist; through the lens of a camera.  

Curators of this exhibit are members, Anne Frantzen of Hinsdale and Joan Kalmanek of Lisle. 

“In celebration of our country’s 250th birthday, our members gathered an array of photographs, allowing visitors to step into the heart of our nation,” said Frantzen, adding, “Our goal as a group was to create an exhibit that offers a window into the cultural and social landscape that shapes our American identity.”  

Kalmanek found the creativity of the fotoMuses members endless.  “From iconic landmarks to everyday life, this collection spans two and a half centuries of places, people, and moments that define the United States,” said Kalmanek, adding, “We are celebrating our past while reflecting on our present; revealing the enduring spirit of America.”  

The Bloomingdale Park District Museum itself brings Americana in focus.  It is housed in the town’s first structure built in 1849, once home to the First Baptist Church of Christ.  Along with the many exhibits, visitors today can view its historic nature, with the original ceiling, knotty pine floors, and some of the original glass pain windows.  Bark-covered trees continue to support this historic beauty’s foundation.  

Officially termed America’s Semiquincentennial; 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the fotoMuses’ hope to take guests back in time, while allowing viewers to experience life as we see it today.  

The fotoMuses is a profound group of women who display their photos in a creative, professional way.  The group is currently made up of nine women from the western suburbs, many of whom met while discovering their creative sides together through the photography program at the College of DuPage.  They also include Marita Blanken and Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, Judy Kinal of Roselle, Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park, Marje Reichart of St. Charles, and Joan Trushin of West Chicago.  

Regular exhibit hours are Wednesday 3-7 p.m.; Thursday 12-4 p.m.; and Saturday 12-4 p.m.   For more information on this exhibit go to bloomingdaleparks.org/facilities/bpd-museum or call (630) 339-3570.  Museum is ONLY open during exhibitions.  For more information on the fotoMuses, visit their new website at www.thefotoMuses.com.  

     PHOTO by Anne Frantzen:  Civil War - Wisconsin State Memorial Monument, Vicksburg National Military Park, in Vicksburg, Mississippi ... shows some of the history that the group's members also captured in their photos for this show.                                                                                                                                            ***

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