Khumbulani Mpofu, Trees

Dumela Contemporary African Art’s 2013 summer show opens this Friday, June 7.  The exhibition will be on view at August House Studio featuring original paintings, textiles, and a wide variety of vibrant, evocative work in all media by emerging and established artists from Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa. 

Dumela has just one public show each year where visitors can see which pieces Dumela co-owners Leila Green and Nancy McDaniel have hand-picked from their recent travels.  The duo has established relationships with African artists from whom the work is purchased, and each piece is then custom framed locally in Chicago.

June 7-30

Opening reception on Friday, June 7, 5:30-9pm

August House Studio | 2113 W. Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618

Check out the exhibition during studio hours: Fridays 5-9pm; Saturdays 1-6pm; Sunday 12-6pm; or contact Nancy McDaniel (773-477-2404 or email) to schedule a private viewing appointment.

Dumela’s Adventures from the past year...

In August 2012, Nancy made a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia with two objectives: to buy art in Harare and to go on a week-long safari. It was a most successful trip on both accounts.  She met with a number of Dumela’s favorite artists including Charles Nkomo, David Chinyama, Khumbu Mpofu and Tendai Gurupira (an impressive watercolorist whom Dumela hadn’t seen in a number of years).  She also met with two women from the Weya Women’s Co-operative, from whom she purchased a number of “sadza” paintings (on fabric) as well as appliqués.  With this type of work, the artist translates a story and hides it somewhere on each piece.

Leila went to South Africa on safari in March and also met with a number of artists, both South African and Zimbabwean, in Johannesburg. The opportunity to meet new young artists being mentored by current, more established Dumela artists is always a treat. On this trip, Leila met Zenzo Siamenda and Petros Mwenga and bought work from each, which will be in the June show. 

October brought Dumela a fun opportunity back in Illinois, exhibiting work in the ART + VISION series at Spex Eyewear in Oak Park.

Zachariah Mukwira, Hard Workers; Barry Lungu, Sorting Tomatoes

Attention art lovers! The holiday season has arrived and we’re inviting you to celebrate in an artsy way. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of terrific holiday prices on fine art all over Chicago for every budget! Give the lasting gift of art to a loved one or treat yourself this holiday season.

Chicago Gallery News is offering you a special insider guide on where to find this season’s specials.

Galleries Maurice Sternberg

This well-known gallery has 25 beautiful paintings starting at just $2,000.  Visit their space in the John Hancock Center at 875 North Michigan and enjoy an arty getaway when you’re in the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave.

galleriesmauricesternberg.com  

Don Southard  

Nicholas Kilmer 

Project Onward

Friday, December 9, 12-5; Saturday, December 10, 10-4

This program at the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting a Holiday Sale and Portrait Slam, selling original artwork, hand-painted ornaments, decorated cards, and creating customized portraits (artists are willing to work from photographs too).

www.ExploreChicago.org

Roy Boyd Gallery

Dec 11 + 12, 1-6pm

The gallery is opening up their storeroom for you!

Ann and Roy from Roy Boyd Gallery will be displaying work that has been shown in the gallery over the past few decades –some works will be familiar + others a surprise-stop by for this unique peek! Royboydgallery.com

Chicago Urban Arts Society

Dec 18, 12-5pm

CUAS has last minute holiday shoppers covered - they’re hosting the Windy City Artist Alley, where artists, printmakers, illustrators + DIY artists who work in all genres and styles will set up, ready to fill your last minute shopping needs. It’s a great opportunity to check CUAS’s new space too at 600 W Cermak Rd.

chicagourbanartsociety.org

J2 Gallery

The gallery is offering a 20% discount off all limited Edition Reproductions by L. Lee Junge. And there’s no need to wait in line-order online at j2gallery.com and get free shipping using the promo code: LT0C9P

Additionally, photographer, David Mayhew is offering high quality limited Edition photographs both framed and unframed beginning at $110! Call 773-227-7900 for more info. 

L. Lee Junge 

David Mayhew 

Illinois Artisans Program Holiday Art Spree

December 14-16,10-3:30

Meet 20 artisans, learn about their craft, and purchase one-of-kind pieces at the 3-day Holiday Art Spree at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph at the Clark/Lake El Stop.  See an assortment of work from hand-woven table settings, printmaking, glass, paintings, and jewelry!  kschneider@museum.state.il.us

Explore more art online and stay up to date on art events throughout the year at Chicagogallerynews.com  

Dose market is back and in full swing at the River East Art Center! Dose Market is a year round market that happens once a month on a chosen Sunday and consists of over 50 stalls of selected fine food, clothes, and crafts. December 4^th from 10-5pm is when the next market will be, and in spirit of the holidays they will be open an extra hour and have a variety of seasonal treats. The first Dose was in July of this year as a result of the teaming up of the REAC and stylish and visionary individuals who wanted to bring something new to Chicago, it was a huge success. Chicago Magazine calls it a “Brooklyn flea-esque food and fashion bazaar.”

Your senses will transport you to a European market as you bask in the luscious textiles, sample exotic cheeses, and walk up and down the aisles while taking in the aroma of hot apple cider. You don’t want to miss this Chicago treasure, especially with the holidays coming up. You can find the perfect gift for all your friends and family…and maybe something for yourself.

The REAC is the perfect place for this Sunday event, providing at scenic background with a patio and a view of the ivy-covered walls that line the Chicago River, with Navy Pier close by. Dose Market showcases local artisans and restaurants, some that are already well know, like the Doughnut Vault and Franks ‘N” Dawgs, and those that are only known by a small portion, like Great Lake and Cheap Tart. You can find your favorite Chicago food stops set up with great deals and discover some new places that you will be sure to scout out after. Also indulge in the breathtaking vintage fashion booths that will drape you in Chloe, Valentino, and Chanel. The clothes and food are reason enough to attend this Sunday afternoon oasis, but there is also a plethora of other crafts and art available. From hand-knit blankets to wood carved sunglasses, you will be pleased with all of the creative booths you will encounter on your journey at the market. 

Tickets are $8 if you purchase them ahead of time online and $10 at the door, this also includes a free drink for those over 21 who want that morning mimosa to give them a lift for their shopping experience. Parking at the REAC lot at 454 E. Illinois and get your ticket validated for 4-hour parking for $6. Click here to visit their website and check out all the upcoming vendors and stores included in the December 4^th market and get your dose on!

DECEMBER 4^th from 10-4pm  ------- Get Dosed!

   Krisanne Johnson  

Glass Curtain Gallery presents Black Gossamer, a group exhibition opening November 17^th where several artists are exploring black identity.

Glass Curtain Gallery comments, “An anxiousness exists among people of color because there is still an expectation to "perform," explain and react to one's Blackness in society, maybe even make excuses for it, both within and outside "black" culture. One outlet utilized to express this dichotomy is through dress.”

“This exhibition showcases the work of black contemporary artists who use and draw inspiration from clothing, fashion, textiles and fabrications to explore and uncover recent revolutions in black identity.” (Class Curtain Gallery)  

 Wangechi Mutu 

Black Gossamer exhibits an impressive collection of work from several artists, including New York based Kenyan artist, Wangechi Mutu. Mutu’s work has been shown in venues such as: the Tate Modern, Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, MOMA, P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, and at the Royal Academy in London.

Other artists include: Aisha Bell, Sheila Bridges, Myra Greene, Marlon Griffith, Krisanne Johnson, Kalup Linzy, Ebony G. Patterson (colum.edu/Student_Life/DEPS/)

Black Gossamer will include multiple opportunities to attend gallery talks and hear from some of the artists as well as curator, Camille Morgan. See below for a list of corresponding events.

Marlon Griffith, LOUIS (from the Powder Box School Girl series), 2009 

Located at 1104 S. Wabash on the 1^st floor of the historic Ludington building at Columbia College, Glass Curtain Gallery exhibits emerging and mid career artists. By presenting museum-quality exhibitions, workshops, and visiting artist lectures, Glass Curtain acts as a catalyst in the dialogue for students in the arts. 

Ebony G. Patterson 

For more information about the exhibition click here 

Exhibition Programming

November 17: Opening Reception 5:00-8:00pm

November 18 : "Taboo Fashion and Chameleon Identities" Gallery Artist Talk with Artists Aisha Bell and Ebony G. Patterson, 11-12:30pm

November 22: Critical Encounters Cafe Society discussion with artist Myra Greene and Curator, 4-6pm

February 1: Closing Reception - African American Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration, 5:30 - 7:30pm

This weekend is an exciting time for art lovers in Chicago. The annual SOFA CHICAGO is back, now with an extra emphasis on art & design. Visit Navy Pier Friday-Sunday to see a wide range of art presented by international galleries and dealers. You’ll find many rare objects and works of art, as well as have access to outstanding lectures. Experts are around every corner, so the opportunities to learn and explore are endless. Once again SOFA is partnering with The Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art, so you may enjoy two fairs under a single roof. 

Visit sofaexpo.com to learn more about special exhibits and lectures at the fair to get the most out of your visit. This year’s lectures (click here for info) range from The Bluffer’s Guide to European Jewelry to Cartooning In Conflict: An Illustration of the Futility of War and It's the End of the World As We Know It...But My Art is Fine! A guide to protecting your art. Most of the lectures take place Friday and Saturday, with just one on Sunday, so plan ahead if you’re hoping to get in on the learning. Lectures are included with admission.  Tickets to the fair are available online, or at the door.  

There is certainly enough activity to keep you busy all three days this weekend.  Play hooky and come to the fair on Friday, or just wait until after work and catch some gallery openings Friday evening. Chicago Gallery News is providing a courtesy shuttle between SOFA, the Museum of Contemporary Art + the River North Gallery District all weekend. The shuttles will take you to openings on Friday.  On Saturday evening, there will be an extra stop at KM Fine Arts for their special fall exhibition, Eyes Wide Shut. KM Fine Arts is located on the 25^th floor the John Hancock Center, so you’ll have a fabulous view of the city and the lakefront from the gallery, not to mention cocktails! 

Several galleries in the River North District will have extended hours all weekend (including on Sunday!) and many will be holding opening receptions Friday evening. Take the free shuttle to Franklin + Superior and enjoy the opportunity to visit the culturally rich River North District where streets are lined with galleries and great restaurants. 

River North Gallery District

SOFA + Shuttle Hours

Friday: 11am-7pm  •  Shuttle: 12-7pm

Saturday 11am-7pm  •  Shuttle: 12-7pm

Sunday 12-6pm  •  Shuttle: 11am-2pm

For more information about SOFA and galleries visit: Chicagogallerynews.com