Life Through The Lens: A Photographic Retrospective by Bill "BJ" Jurevich
Life Through The Lens:
A Photographic Retrospective by Bill "B]" Jurevich
Sept. 5 - Oct. 25, 2025
Artist Reception & Talk
Saturday, Oct. 25 1:00 PM
Gallery Hours:
M-Th 4:30 - 7:30 PM
F/S 1:00 - 4:00 PM
*closed during university breaks & holidays
Exhibition Statement:
I want guests to realize what a privilege it has been for me entering the lives of so many people in this community over the past 40 years. I have attempted to honestly portray moments, albeit, private slices of life which informed, entertained and possibly inspired the viewer. It is my hope that this show provides an open forum of discussion where the images serve as a springboard leading to a variety of questions with both the creative and technical aspects of photography.
My photography is based upon a traditional shooting style with a strong foundation of composition and a clear center of interest. The documentary images, uncontrolled moments in time, reflect my respect for the subjects. My commercial photography strives to be as technically perfect as possible while offering personal creativity pleasing to the subject. I have been blessed to see Godʼs greatest gift, life itself, through an unfiltered lens where everything seems new one frame at a time.
Bio:
Bill Jurevich, a native of Joliet, IL attended Joliet Catholic High School in the mid 70ʼs. Paul Simonʼs “Kodachrome” was popular when BJ eventually received a Nikon camera and realized he “loved to take a photograph”. While in high school he began his professional career joining the photography staff at The Joliet Herald-News. Inspired and encouraged by these mentors, he attended Bradley University receiving a B.S. in Photography, News Writing and Radio & Television. In 1980 he was awarded the “Outstanding Graduate in Journalism”. While in college BJ also was as a commercial photographer and darkroom technician for a major Peoria studio.
Upon graduation he rejoined The Herald-News at the request of his mentor, then city editor, Mr. Marx Gibson. Marx then became Managing Editor of The Daily Journal in Kankakee and hired BJ in 1981. For the next 23 years he would be staff photographer and eventually Photography Editor. BJ was fortunate to have been honored several times by: The Associated Press, United Press International, Northern Illinois Press Association, Inland Press Association, National and Illinois Press Photographers Associations and by The Chicago Headline Club receiving The Peter Lisagor award for Exemplary Journalism in Photography multiple times.
In 1986 BJ established Image Group Photography, LLC and next year it will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Olivet Nazarene University has been a classroom home for him as well and 2026 will be another milestone as he begins his 25th year as a Professor of photography.
The Daily Journal offered BJ many opportunities but none more important than the chance to meet his future wife. Nancy was a designer in the paperʼs advertising department and in 1991 accepted BJʼs proposal. They are parents of Ms. Jamie Bleyle , featured in this show and Ms. Annie Riley also featured in the show. Annie is her dadʼs assistant at the studio.
BJ and Nancy reside in Limestone with their spoiled canine companions, Sammy & Willie who are featured in the show. Nancy & BJ have an interest in all things Frank Lloyd Wright. BJ is Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Wright in Kankakee, aka The B. Harley Bradley House.
