The Chicago Cultural Center is known for its many wonderful and diverse exhibits. These exhibits and events include such things as films, 
music, theater, dance, family events, special events, and art exhibits. One such art exhibit is Lost in Thought, a collection of the works of artist C.M. Fogerty. This exhibit is part of Chicago Cultural Center’s Project Onward. Project Onward is a wonderful program that was instituted which promotes the artworks and growth of various artists with a wide array of mental and developmental disabilities.
C.M. Fogarty is the first artist that will have a one man show in conjunction with Project Onward. Fogarty’s work is full of complex shapes and patterns that are often woven together in inextricable manners. Large swaths of color swirl like the winds of a storm. The art of C.M. Fogarty explores this chaotic, storm-like qualities of life. It was just for some extra pocket money that Fogarty originally began painting and drawing, eventually continuing, in part due to the urgings of her therapist. Her paintings not only explore the chaotic nature of life and the world, but they also reflect the wish to impose order upon it.
These paintings are reflections of the mindset of Fogarty. The complex shapes and overtones of foreboding reflect the inner thoughts, feelings and passions of the artist. Just as they show what she feels and thinks at the time of painting, it is also a way to relieve herself of these burdens and troubles. Fogarty’s art is beautiful as it is frightening, calming as it is nerve racking. This dual nature, the struggle for control and order on a constantly changing world makes for moving and passionate art that directly relates to Fogarty’s viewers. The struggle for order in a constantly changing world is something that everyone must contend with. But it is Fogarty who can so aptly depict this inner struggle and bring it to bright, colorful life.
