Art show was dying wish of Rockford-born Chicago artist
From the time Rockford native Steven Alban Jr. was a youngster, his design talents were evident.
“The minute he picked up a pencil he was drawing house plans,” said Alban's older sister, Susan Sunday. “And when we played with a deck of cards, we built house plans. We built rooms. We were both really interested in design.”
Alban, an East High School graduate, went to Southern Illinois University where he earned a degree in design en route to becoming an interior architectural designer, an accomplished musician, and painter working and living in Chicago.
He died on Oct. 4. He was 72.
Sunday, who found nearly 200 paintings in Alban's apartment, is carrying out her brother's wishes of showing his work in a free art show.
The Steven Alban Experience: Out of This World exhibition will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the McPherson, 1210 Buchanan St. in Rockford.
“It's an old art factory, which was definitely my brother's vibe,” Sunday said.
Just as Alban's interior design talents are on display nationally and internationally, the family also wants to share his unique art in Rockford and beyond. Alban's paintings are influenced by Chicago blues and soul music, Aztec, Egyptian and African cultures.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Alban's art will go toward The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, which provides wishes to 18-24 year olds who have aged out of grants from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and to the David Swanson Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for the OSF Nursing Program.
Chris Green:
@chrisfgreen