I have been trying to post about Chicago Artists Month since the Sept. 29 kick-off at the Hyde Park Art Center, but the activities have kept me so busy I have not until now!
I will revert to a real web diary style and post a few events at a time. Please add yours to the comments! I can copy your info into new posts. The city has a link that lists all the activities as well as sponsors WTTW and WFMT.
The opening event was terrific! Dawoud Bey's photography show, that he curated,was still up as well as the Dale Washington show presenting his varied styles of portraiture from line drawing to impressionistic representation through abstract expressionism using every medium you can imagine.
Theastor Gates, ceramic artist and sculptor, performed with a group called the Black Monks of Mississippi. (Click on the link to see the guys...I think one of the monks was passing...) They were phenomenal AND ironic, and could really sing!
The food was great, too! And, of course, Eva Silverman and Cynthia Quick and the other WONDERFUL and hardworking Department of Cultural Affairs crew were at their charming best (as always)!
Every October, for the past 13 years, Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs promotes artists residing in Chicago. This began through the Chicago Artists' Coalition who held, and still do, The CAC Art Open, a first-come, first-served non-juried art exhibition that has evolved over time to have curator choices, emerging artists sections, students and professional artists showcased. I am in a new category where I was nominated by an organization, The South Side Community Art Center. Diane Dinkins Carr, her fabulous board and Faheem Majeed, the exec. director are really adding to the brand of this WPA art center!
But the CAC is only the beginning. (Below is "Woman in Tied Blouse" in the Merchandise Mart at the CAC show)
October is now like Black History Month is for African American artists. The joke is that every black artist can get a show in February. Well, every artist I know has a show for October and we are all running around trying to figure out how to get to everything.
So here are my first 3:
October 3, Griffin Gallery, "Legacies"
October 3, Gallery Guichard, group show.
October 3, Chicago Artists Coalition's Art Open
The CAC launched their new art publication called"Prompt". My work is featured in an article, "Defining the Black Artist Today" written as a conversation between preeminent Chicago-based photographer Dawoud Bey and president of Diasporal Rhythms, prominent art collector and arts advocate, Patric McCoy
.
"Survivor Spirits in Black and White" group is featured in the first issue of "Prompt".
The amazing artist, Preston Jackson will be at Maison Rouge
Maison Rouge Gallery
Reception, Saturday October 11th
5pm - 10pm
2828 North Clark Street
Century Shopping Centre - Chicago Illinois, 60657
NI'JA Whitson has sent a flier for her exhibition the at South Side Community Art Center. (please click on either image to enlarge).
