Though some say that August is a slow month for the arts, I beg to differ. This weekend is jam-packed with activities for the art lover. Here’s a sample of the fashion, music, and art events happening around town this weekend to check off your to-do list…
TONIGHT, JULY 20
>>3RD FRIDAY BRIDGEPORT ART WALK
The Zhou B. Art Center will be hosting a plethora of events 7-10pm this Friday as a part of this month’s 3rd Friday Bridgeport Art Walk. Spencer Corbett’s (www.spencercorbettart.com) “Buffering” and “Persistenza” by Angela Joanna Grancagnolo open on the 20th. Showing in the 33 Contemporary Gallery of ZBC, Spencer Corbett (whose work I’m partial to as he is an alum of my universit) uses electrifying colors and dramatic perspectives to illustrate rather shameless or reckless examples “mob mentality”, as he describes in his own statement. Grancagnolo on the other hand hails from Italy and will be showing a series of intimate charcoal drawings.
“Facemask”, the ongoing summer exhibition at ZBC this summer, will enter its last few weeks of exhibit this Friday. This self-portrait exhibit explores an authentic representation of self in a world where our social media personality is what matters most. Curated by Sergio Gomez, “Facemask” will run through August 11 in the 33 Contemporary Gallery of ZBC.
On the second floor of ZBC, Palomar, an ensemble by Access Contemporary Music, will perform a sound installation consisting of a blend pre-recorded electronic sounds with live acoustic instruments, written by Ben Via. The ensemble will also present the world premiere of “Three”, a piece inspired by three Zhou Brothers paintings. Visit www.zbcenter.org for a full itinerary for this Friday’s activities.
Just two floors above, 4Art Inc. Gallerywill open their artist studios for public viewing. And just a minute walk west at 1200 35th St., you can also browse the artist studios of Bridgeport Art Center’s Artists of Eastbank.
>>MILWAUKEE AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL
On the complete opposite side of the city, Logan Square will be hosting the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival this Friday through Sunday. A myriad of arts activities will be taking place on three hotspots along Milwaukee Avenue: Festival Center @ Milwaukee + Logan Blvd., Hairpin Arts Center @ Milwaukee + Kimball, and Cole’s Stage @ Milwaukee + Belden.
The festival will host over 100 artists, 3 stages of live music, performance arts, a handmade market, family activities, and tons more. Festival Center, in particular, will host the art exhibitions that will feature work by artists from Spudnik Press, Penguin Foot, Latitude, Any Squared, and Comfort Station. While this all may sound a bit daunting, the MAAF has put together a suggested itinerary and a festival guide for us. Purchase a 3-day wristband for $10, or pay $5 per day. Visit www.milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org for more information.
SATUDAY, JULY 21
>>CGN SATURDAY MORNING GALLERY TOUR
Every Saturday, CGN hosts a Saturday Morning Gallery Tour of River North galleries. Patrons should meet at the 750 N. Franklin Starbucks at 11am on the morning of the tour. We’ll take you on a light morning stroll through four of River North’s galleries featuring everything from painting and sculpture to glass and photography. You’ll also learn a little bit about the history of River North and how our district has grown to have the highest concentration of galleries in the entire city. Today, over 40 galleries are within walking distance of the intersection of Superior and Franklin, so tours are never longer than a few blocks. This Saturday, we’ll be visiting Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Ken Saunders Gallery, ArchiTech Gallery, and Echt Gallery. No reservations are necessary. Visit www.chicagogallerynews.com for up-to-date tour schedules, gallery information, maps + much more.
>>LACUNA ARTIST LOFTS + STUDIOS’ OPENING
Opening and Lacuna Artist Lofts + Studios this weekend, Chicago’s finest artists collaborate on an exhibition mixing sculpture and painting. Collaborative Connections Part II will have a reception 12-6pm on Saturday where you’ll be able to view the show, look around the 150+ lofts, and explore the 6,000 sqft. rooftop deck. Visit lacuna2150.com for more information.
>>SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE STUDENT EXHIBITS
Two student exhibits will be closing this weekend at the Art Institute. T-E-L-E-V-I-S-I-O-N, a Design Thesis show, will feature work by graduating students in architecture, interior architecture, designed objects, and fashion. Innovations in material, technology, fashion and form are explored.
Also celebrating the end of their degrees, the Post-Baccalaureate Studio Exhibition features work of more than 20 artists completing their post-baccalaureate certificates at SAIC. With a little bit of everything, the PBSE highlights the experimental and brave nature of SAIC students.
Visit both shows at the SAIC’s Sullivan Galleries at 33. State St., 7th Floor.
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