Inspired By Lemont: Creating a masterpiece
Copyright 2023. Joyce Affelt. Do not share or distribute without permission from her family and estate.
Woven throughout the charming hills and resting along the Canal, you’ll find stories of folks building community, bridging together to overcome obstacles of language, faith, and education to take a chance on their dreams. Artists, authors, and entrepreneurs alike have fallen in love with the colorful buildings, seven steeples, and stories tucked into the Des Plaines – some enough to inspire their greatest works. We’ve been lucky enough that they’ve also decided to call Lemont home.
As we approach the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Lemont, we’ve asked local artists and writers that share their stories and their masterpieces with you. Throughout this year, you’ll find our celebration of events, the release of a Lemont book in the Images of America series, and our 150th zine: which offers a look at some of the art and stories inspired by Lemont.
Take a first look and get to know some of the artists and authors that continue to inspire us.
A Story Starts Here
The ornate historical buildings can make you feel like you’ve stepped into your own Hallmark movie. But what if your tale took twists and turns so wild that it turned into a bestselling mystery series? Local writer, Pat Camalliere, tells such a story in her Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series that starts with The Mystery at Sag Bridge.
Pat Camalliere
As a retired medical group administrator, Pat always knew she wanted to be a writer but with work and family life she never had the time. After she retired, she took on an archiving role in the Lemont Area Historical Society and Museum, became Vice-President of Development for a community chorus, and Vice President of the local library board.
Pat had always been an avid reader - her mother said that she picked up reading at the age of two. With her love of writing, love of history, and love of Lemont, Pat decided to put aside the thirty-seven years of emails, manuals, reports, and meeting minutes to write her first novel turned series – The Mystery at Sag Bridge.
The series follows Cora Tozzi, an amateur historian, as she finds herself in a present-day mystery connected to the past. Throughout her additional work in the series, The Mystery at Mount Forest Island, The Mystery at Black Patridge Woods, and The Miracle at Assissi Hill, readers enjoy a look into the past whilst capturing the quintessential character of Lemont.
Pat Camalliere looking through the archives at the Lemont Area Historical Society
Pat Camaliere still lives in Lemont with her family and has contributed to publications through the Lemont Area Historical Society and Museum and in celebration of the 150th Anniversary. You’ll also find her speaking at local events about Lemont’s history and the changes in the community throughout the year.
Painting a Pretty Picture
Joyce and Ernie Affelt
Born to Bob and Rose Gerrie, Joyce moved with her family to Lemont from Orland Park in 1948. Joyce and her sister went to Lemont Public School and Lemont High School and in 1957, she married long-time Lemonter, Ernie Affelt.
The couple raised their children, Debra and Scott in Lemont, sending them to SS. Cyril & Methodius School and Lemont High School before moving out of state for Ernie’s job. When Ernie finally retired, the family moved back to Lemont to what had been his family home for 40 years.
It was then that Joyce fell in love with her new love of painting, taking classes at the Lemont Park District, while rediscovering her first love, Lemont. Joyce was quoted saying, “I knew my neighbors and the owners of the downtown businesses, churches with stained windows, church bells and train whistles. But I didn’t hear the rooster crowing as it did years ago.”
Joyce’s work captures someone who was in love with Lemont – the small village where she lived a life well-loved by her friends, family, and the folks around town. Her work features the church steeples, stained glass windows, and scenes of Lemont Downtown.
Copyright 2023. Joyce Affelt. Do not share or distribute without permission from her family and estate.
Shared with permission from her family and estate, you’ll find her work “Village of Faith” featured on the limited-edition brew from locally-owned Pollyanna Brewing Company in celebration of the 150th Anniversary soon to be released on May 16, 2023.
Artists Around Lemont
You’ll find many artists capturing the essence of Lemont and working on their craft in the Lemont Artists Guild (LAG). LAG is on a mission to enhance life in Lemont and the surrounding community by providing fine art education, instruction, programming, and appreciation through a supportive environment that nurtures creativity and individuality. Members of the guild range from hobbyists to professionals, with disciplines ranging from watercolor to sculpting and fiber art.
Photo Courtesy of the Lemont Artists Guild
Liz Connelly has been president of the LAG since 2012, presiding over monthly programming, meetings, and managing the annual scholarship which benefits Lemont High School students interested in studying art in college. The group provides an outlet for their creativity, a way to join with the community and continue honoring their talents and craft through the exploration of other disciplines.
Photo Shared Courtesy of Lemont Artists Guild
The Lemont Artists Guild meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Homer Glen Library unless otherwise noted on their website or the library’s website. You can always expect a deep dive on some topic of art - a new method, subject, or expert perspective – and some interactive portion allowing you time to work on your next masterpiece.
Programming is free and open to the public and features new artists each month. To join the guild, members pay annual dues ranging from $20-30.
A Masterpiece Awaits
The beauty of Lemont is that our story and your story are constantly evolving. Join us as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary and get to know some of the writers and authors inspired by Lemont. Grab your copy of The 150th Zine this fall.
In the meantime, watch artists at work during the Lemont Plein Air Session in Lemont Downtown this summer.
“En plein air” is the French expression for “in the open”, used to describe leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice was popularized by French impressionists, but has been practiced by the Lemont Artists Guild for years! This year’s sessions will take place:
Monday, June 5, 10am-12pm
Wednesday, July 12, 2-4pm
Monday, August 13, 10am-12pm
Anyone is welcome to join and create their art during these sessions. If you’re ready to be inspired by Lemont, email lemontartistsguild@gmail.com and let them know you plan to participate as an artist!
