The fotoMuses Present “The House - Personal Environments,” A Photo Exhibit of More than 40 Pieces at Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts

"Dad's Typewriter R.J. Braasch" by Marita Blanken

September 10, 2025  -  The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, present their newest exhibit, “The House - Personal Environments,” at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct, Schaumburg, IL (through September 29, 2025).  In this fine-art exhibit, the fotoMuses’ members feature a more nostalgic side, revealing treasures found within their personal space, while showcasing the individuality of each artist; through the lens of a camera.

Curators of this exhibit are members Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park and Marita Blanken of Downers Grove.  Challenging themselves to search within, this creative exhibit peeks inside  personal spaces to create this insightful exhibit.  Ladendorf created this unique theme, bringing the question to each member, “What makes your house YOUR house?”  

“Looking for something unique to focus on, I challenged members to reflect on what makes us happy in our own homes,” she said. 

Ladendorf has a talent for capturing the unique.  “Photograph what makes your home personal and interesting,” she said, adding, “Choose objects that hold memories, family history or family members, current passions, comfortable spaces, details of special things, light and shadow, whatever is important to you.”  

Ladendorf’s idea was interpreted in myriad ways, creating a unique photographic display, featuring a glimpse into the world of these photographers.  

“Our members took this theme to heart, creating photographs that not only focus on treasures within, but also signified memories past,” said Blanken.  Her pieces include her father’s 1930’s Remington typewriter on an antique desk.  “It’s a cherished piece, knowing his finger-touch on this typewriter helped create his future as an educator all those years ago,” she added.    

Member Ann Frantzen of Hinsdale focused on musical memories; having performed recitals for family members on a century-old piano accompanied by her grandfather on his vintage violin.  Franzen’s creative photographs reveal her nostalgic memories these instruments bring to her.     

“We hope these images will prompt you to reflect on your own personal home environment,” said Ladendorf, adding, “Appreciate the history, the memories, the comfort, the inspiration and the people and pets who share your houses.” 

The fotoMuses is an innovative 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 through the photography program at the College of DuPage.  Members also include Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, Judy Kinal of Roselle, Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Marje Reichart of St. Charles, and Joan Trushin of West Chicago.  

The Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and select evenings and weekends during events.   For more information, call 847-895-3600, or go to https://www.prairiecenter.org/programs/herb-aigner-gallery. 

For further information about the fotoMuses, visit their new website at https://thefotomuses.com.