Via PRChicago Artists Coalition (CAC) announces today&nbsp;a total of 30 SPARK Grant awardees&nbsp;who will&nbsp;each receive $2,000 in unrestricted funds during the 2021 grant cycle. In its third year, the SPARK Grant program continues to expand the number of awards, in the effort&nbsp;to support more Chicago artists.The SPARK Grant&nbsp;began in 2019 as an annual, unrestricted award opportunity for Chicago-based visual artists who identify as ALAANA (Asian, Latinx, Arab, African diaspora, Native), an artist with a demonstrated need, an artist with a disability, or as a self-taught or informally trained artist who is striving to make their art practice a primary vocation.In its first year, the SPARK Grant was awarded to&nbsp;15 artists and in the subsequent year&nbsp;to 25 artists.&nbsp;Each year there is a continuous increase of SPARK applications indicative of the need within the artists community.&nbsp;With the generous support of the Joyce Foundation and an anonymous donor, the SPARK&nbsp;Grant&nbsp;this year expanded to 30 unrestricted awards of $2,000 each.Celebrating its 47th&nbsp;anniversary this year, CAC has a strong recent&nbsp;history of supporting emerging Chicago-based visual artists through unrestricted grant funds, and has administered&nbsp;a total of $140,000 in unrestricted SPARK Grants to 70 artists in three years.Congratulations SPARK Grant Recipients!SPARK GRANTS&nbsp;2021&nbsp;- $2,000 per artistA.Martinez Ariella Granados Cherrie Yu Cristian Roldan darien R Wendell Deborah Awwad Elnaz Javani Hankyeol Song Jada-Amina Jade WongJanelle Miller Jennifer Villanueva Jiayi Chen Jon Veal Jory Drew Joshua Jackson Kris Casey Mercedes Cardenas Miao Wang Qais AssaliSasha Phyars-Burgess Shirien Damra Sky Cubacub SUNGJAE LEE Sydnie Jimenez Tariyawn Knighten Tattiana Howard Youree Kim Yuge Zhou zakkiyyah najeebah dumas-o'neal&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chicago Artists Coalition Announces Awardees for Spark Grant 2021

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417658/uatdzqaynkxt7w8p4ga2.png"><figcaption>via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/corbettvsdempsey/">Corbett vs Dempsey</a></figcaption></figure>&nbsp;By GINNY VAN ALYEACorbett vs Dempsey, the gallery that has represented Karl Wirsum, an internationally known artist and co-founder of the Hairy Who, announced Thursday via Instagram that the artist has died at age 81.&nbsp;They shared, "We are mourning the loss of one of Chicago's true originals. [We] celebrate Karl Wirsum's joyful life and work and his profound generosity as a teacher and colleague. We are so proud to have known him and to represent his rich legacy."&nbsp;Wirsum passed away early in the morning of May 6th after a long illness.*Edited from Artic.edu:Wirsum, raised on the South Side of Chicago, was a member of Chicago’s Hairy Who, a group magically organized by a handful of artists in the 1960s and borne of a shared vision and electrified, figurative artistic style that is still highly recognizable today and forever associated with Chicago itself.Even as a child Wirsum was drawn to rhythm and blues music and the Maxwell Street Market, an open-air flea market. Inspired by his visual and sonic experiences and memories, drawing poured out of Wirsum in much the same way as sound does from an improvising musician. And like improvised music, his direct drawings rarely show correction or revision. He often depicted musicians in his artwork and took inspiration from source material he scavenged at the flea market.Wirsum enrolled at the School of the Art Institute in 1957 and was the first of the Hairy Who artists to graduate. It was through Wirsum’s friendship with Don Baum, the exhibition chairman of the Hyde Park Art Center, that he became part of the Hairy Who. Baum recommended that Wirsum be included in the small group exhibition that Jim Falconer and Jim Nutt proposed to him, and it was Wirsum who unintentionally coined the name Hairy Who. Over a period of four years the six artists of the Hairy Who—<a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/110896/james-falconer">Jim Falconer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/34732">Art Green</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/36022">Gladys Nilsson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/36059">Jim Nutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.artic.edu/artists/36413/suellen-rocca">Suellen Rocca</a>, and&nbsp;Karl Wirsum—exhibited their work together, and as a group they began mounting unconventional displays of bright, bold graphic work in the mid-1960s, transforming the art landscape of Chicago, injecting&nbsp;their new and unique voices into the city’s rising national and international profile.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417659/c3inr5ydncqhijmohj2t.jpg"><figcaption>Karl Wirsum, Courtesy of Madison Museum of Contemporary Art</figcaption></figure>*The Art Institute of Chicago mounted the exhibition, Hairy Who? 1966–1969, in 2018, the first-ever major survey dedicated solely to the Hairy Who.When interviewed in 2018 about AIC's exhibition, Wirsum's Hairy Who colleague Suellen Rocca said of her relationships with the group, "Don Baum...had a series of thematic shows called Animal, Vegetable and Mineral. Each show had a wide variety of work with only a single piece by each artist. Jim Nutt and Jim Falconer went to Don with a proposal to have a show composed of Falconer, Nutt, Art Green, Gladys Nilsson, and me. Don thought it would be good to add Karl Wirsum. We all were in school together but we didn’t know Karl. Our work was very compatible, and showing as a group gave us each the opportunity to show more work."Rocca credited the link with Wirsum and his work at the time as pivotal for her artistic future.&nbsp;"As a young artist getting to see my work alongside my peers’ work that I was excited and enthusiastic about was so important at that stage of my development. Then, of course, planning and installing the shows was a very creative experience. Together we made a comic book and poster for each of the shows."For decades after the friends remained in touch with each other, and, as Rocca who passed away in 2020 said, they continued to support one another by going to each other’s exhibitions, truly because of their shared interest in the work, not just out of good will. They were really interested in each other as artists.*&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417660/cbkfivta4qvylnc7bcxc.png"><figcaption>Karl Wirsum at the Art Institute of Chicago, via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zackwirsum/">@zackwirsum</a></figcaption></figure>Wirsum <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2011/1/artist-insights-karl-wirsum">shared with CGN in 2011</a> that it was a 1-month stay in the hospital, when he was a young boy, that first connected him to the wonder and escape drawing could offer. It was a love that would last his whole life. A few weeks ago I was scrolling through Instagram and came across some photos from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGuIVYFEwd/">Zack Wirsum</a>, Karl's son, who is also an artist in Chicago. Zack and his dad had come back to visit the Art Institute of Chicago when it reopened and were able to get a tour of Bisa Butler: Portraits."Thank you James Rondeau and the entire @artinstitutechi extended family for arranging for Karl and the Wirsums to see the stunning Bisa Butler: Portraits exhibit today with ease and grace. We are all extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to enjoy this extraordinarily meaningful family experience at our home away from home and collective happy place. Thank you @litemootz for astutely recognizing that Karl would connect with Bisa’s creations, the parallels in sensibilities and for being instrumental in getting him in front of the wonderful work. Thank you @connoisseurofcomfort for taking the time to walk us through the exhibit and for providing insightful context to the incredible visuals. Appropriately, given their shared interest in the figure, color, shape and pattern, one of Karl’s favorite works was the 2019 cotton, wool and chiffon, quilted and appliquéd assemblage, Kindred. The artist suggested accompanying track of Sly and the Family Stone’s Family Affair also seemed poetically fitting. Karl told me during his second intense exploration of the work that the striped background and palette reminded him of his printed fabric inspired mid 60s Awning series and mused that using the actual eye catching textiles to construct the composition could be “a better way to do it”.&nbsp;Today was truly the kind of magic that can only happen at a museum and I am so happy this magic happened at our home museum."Wirsum will be greatly missed but his legacy is sure to continue on.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2011/1/artist-insights-karl-wirsum">Read CGN's 2011 interview with Wirsum HERE</a>&nbsp;Top thumbnail via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/corbettvsdempsey/">Corbett vs Dempsey</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Karl Wirsum Has Died at Age 81

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418894/icidnpwsni8ianry0y4b.jpg"><figcaption>Frida Kahlo, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;By CGN Staff via PRThe City of Chicago keeps rolling through its cultural to-do list this week. This latest update brings together Art on theMART, Cleve Carney Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Art on theMART announced in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, two major new additions to its summer program: The Obama Portraits (debuting June 17) and Frida Kahlo (starting July 5). All projections will be shown nightly at 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. The Obama Portraits, (June 17 – September 16) You thought the former President and First Lady hailing from Chicago were already larger than life?&nbsp;In conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago’s presentation of The Obama Portraits, Art on theMART will present a dynamically animated projection of the portraits of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively. Former Chicago residents, the Obamas have a unique connection to the city. Wiley painted President Obama against greenery, with chrysanthemums; the flowers have symbolic meaning as the official flower of Chicago. Amy Sherald captured the former first lady against light-blue ground, sitting and gazing directly at the viewer. Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald are the first African American artists commissioned to paint portraits for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery's collection of a former President and First Lady. &nbsp;A musical score will accompany the piece.&nbsp;The paintings can be viewed at the Art Institute of Chicago June 18-August 15. Frida Kahlo, (July 5 – September 16) Frida Kahlo: Timeless, was originally planned for summer 2020. A lot of things were. However, its now back on for this June, and the downtime allowed for some extra collaborative plans.&nbsp;On July 5, the eve of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s birthday, a new piece celebrating her work will be unveiled. On the occasion of the Frida Kahlo: Timeless exhibition at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage (June 5 – Sept. 6, 2021), the piece will feature several of Kahlo’s most recognizable works including Self Portrait with Small Monkey (1945) and Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress (1926). Accompanied by an orchestral score from Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, recorded by New Philharmonic, the projection commemorates Kahlo’s artistic legacy, which will be further explored in Frida Kahlo: Timeless, the most comprehensive presentation of Kahlo’s work displayed in the Chicago area in over 40 years. About Art on theMARTArt on theMART can best be experienced for free from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street, where accompanying audio is also available. Current social distancing practices, based on recommendations from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, must be observed by all Art on theMART visitors. For more information, visit <a href="http://artonthemart.com/">artonthemart.com</a>. Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART. This expansive permanent piece of public art continues Chicago’s legacy of providing both residents and visitors with exceptional art that is both free and accessible to all. Projections are visible to the public from Wacker Drive and along the Chicago Riverwalk. The program content rotates seasonally and is selected with the assistance and expertise of the Curatorial Advisory Board. The City of Chicago and theMART work in partnership to manage and curate the projected artwork over the course of a 30-year agreement. Privately funded by Vornado Realty Trust, owner of theMART, Art on theMART marks the first time a projection of its size and scope is completely dedicated to digital art with no branding, sponsorship credits or messaging. The permanent projection system illuminates theMART with 34 state-of-the-art projectors totaling almost one million lumens.&nbsp;For more information, visit <a href="http://www.artonthemart.com/">www.artonthemart.com</a>.&nbsp;Thumbnail, from spring 2021: The Adler Planetarium, Astrographics 04. Photography courtesy of Art on theMART&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Preview of Summer's Art onTheMART: Frida Kahlo + The Obamas

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418894/rclduqx5yysvy9a6buzi.png"></figure>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oldtownartfair.org">New this year, pre-registration will be required for entry to the Fair and will open Saturday, May 8 at&nbsp;10 AM.</a>&nbsp;CGN Staff via PRWe just heard today that the Old Town Art Fair and its sponsoring organization, the Old Town Triangle Association, plan to host an in-person event this coming June after cancelling the 2020 edition due to COVID-19, the first time the fair had to miss a year in 70 years.&nbsp;Last spring the fair and association looked ahead to an unpredictable summer and opted to return booth fees to the 250 participating artists and automatically invite all 2020 jury-selected artists to take part, they hoped, in the 2021 fair. As a result no new applications were accepted for this year.Now those plans for a re-do are happening. Organizers celebrated the announcement from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and DCASE that OTAF will return during the second weekend in June. The announcement recognized “the thoughtful application and adherence to city and state guidelines for re-opening.” Art Fair Chair Anne Giffels noted that more than 200 artists have confirmed their participation and are looking forward to returning to Old Town. Numerous visitors are also making plans to visit, after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 shutdown. “We are thrilled to share this great news with the many neighbors and visitors who have contacted us about planning their trip to Chicago. We receive messages daily, asking us if the Fair is a certainty and wondering when they can pre-register and make plans for the Art Fair. The Old Town Art Fair is a destination for the people of Chicago as well as out-of-town visitors and we are happy to welcome them.” Safety measures for the 2021 Art Fair include a larger footprint for adequate room to move around as well as to accommodate spaced artist booths, plus &nbsp;other measures that are standard practice by now. There will also be additional space for food vendors. The OTAF suggests a $12 donation to allow the Old Town Triangle to continue funding for multiple organizations throughout Chicago. Proceeds from the Art Fair are given to the community through grants to schools, charities, and other non-profit organizations. The OTAF is juried by local art professionals, curators, gallery owners, and artists and is offered by the Old Town Triangle Association, a 501(c)(3) Illinois corporation. First mounted in 1949 as the Old Town Holiday Arts &amp; Crafts Fair, the OTAF brings fine art to the tree-covered streets of Chicago’s Old Town Triangle neighborhood. Until 2020, it had been held continuously since its first offerings (on the fences of homes).&nbsp;In-person fairs have yet to make a solid return to Chicago yet, but this week has brought news from City Hall about attempts at loosening regulations and opening up the city in time for summer. The Hyde-Park based 57th Street Art Fair, the city's oldest, announced that it will be virtual now through May 2022. Other neighborhood fairs in the city and suburbs are bound to make a reentry plan in 2021.&nbsp;International expositions like Intersect Chicago (formerly SOFA) and EXPO CHICAGO plan to return in late 2021 (Intersect) and spring 2022 (EXPO).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Old Town Art Fair Will Return for 2021 on June 12

<html><head></head><body>By GINNY VAN ALYEAWhen we shared an update about the upcoming 5th edition of <a href="https://www.sculpturemilwaukee.com">Sculpture Milwaukee</a> back in February, plans were just beginning to be shared with the public. Now as summer feels like it's almost here – we're ready for anything happening outdoors not to mention as much public art as we can handle – the annual outdoor exhibition of public sculpture in the city's downtown has shared the roster of artists who are going to make it happen as well as an exhibition title chosen by co-curators Theaster Gates and Michelle Grabner.&nbsp;Sculpture Milwaukee launches next month and has an extended run this time, concluding in fall 2022. The exhibition has become one of the largest annual outdoor exhibitions to focus on​ ​contemporary sculpture and public art practices.&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417624/ycfki1ci36fphmbyswxe.webp"></figure>there is this We, the title chosen by guest curators Gates and Grabner, refers to what perhaps can happen through collective creativity after a year largely spent apart, particularly at a time when artists are looking to the future and expressing their visions for change. The exhibition features exhibiting artists Kevin Beasley, Betty Gold, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, Allison Janae Hamilton, Kara Hamilton, Brad Kahlhamer, Deborah Kass, Thaddeus Mosley, Matthias Neumann, Virginia Overton, Dan Peterman, Jason Pickleman, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, John Riepenhoff, Christine Tarkowski, and Lauren Yeager.The exhibition will feature newly fabricated works by eight artists, including those by SMKE’s inaugural Guest Artist Lauren Yeager, the first large-scale sculpture by Jason Pickleman, and the debut of a new cast bronze work by Thaddeus Mosley.Of the exhibition, Grabner says:“The poetics of perseverance and determination vibrate in the art that Theaster and I have selected. There are exciting and palpable energies at work in these sculptures; we feel it in the sonic reverberations of Kevin Beasley's acoustic mirrors, in the foliage quietly growing in the bed of Virginia Overton's pick-up truck, and in the rattling cry of the tambourines that comprise Allison Janae Hamilton's tower. The exhibition's title reflects the collective power of the works included in the 2021 exhibition, and honors a belief in social change through the provocations of the artistic imagination."Sculpture Milwaukee has also rolled out a membership program. They state on their website that in order to bring an exhibition of world class art to Milwaukee each year, they rely on public support. Sculpture MKE memberships support the exhibitions, programming, and community engagement in place while also offering subscribers new opportunities to discover and experience Milwaukee. Individual memberships cost $29 and include sculpture tours with SMKE's expert team, partners, and artists, discounts on Sculpture MKE Merchandise, special offers from partners, and a digital exhibition catalogue. Business memberships start at $2,500.&nbsp;Illinois has classified Wisconsin as a 'yellow state' as far as COVID statistics are concerned, the city's downtown hotels have reopened, and a day or weekend trip to Milwaukee in the coming months is an ideal chance to see new public art outside of Chicago by artists known around the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417625/zauqgnqkk7yrpbtp4tex.png"><figcaption>Tony Tasset | Blob Monster | 2010, fiberglass | 96 x 96 x 96 inches. Courtesy of the artist and Kavi Gupta Gallery, Chicago. Part of Sculpture Milwaukee 2020</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;Guest CuratorsTheaster Gates is a Chicago-based artist and curator whose practice encompasses sculpture, performance, and land development-based projects. His work has been widely exhibited in museums, galleries, and biennials nationally and internationally, including recent solo exhibitions at Richard Gray Gallery, Chicago and Gagosian Gallery, New York.Michelle Grabner is a Wisconsin-based artist, writer, and curator. She co-curated the 2014 Whitney Biennial and was named a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow. Her work has been the subject of several national museum surveys. She is presently represented by James Cohan, New York and Green Gallery, Milwaukee.Sculpture MilwaukeeSculpture Milwaukee is an annual outdoor exhibition of public sculpture in downtown Milwaukee that serves as a catalyst for community engagement, economic development, and creative placemaking. Sculpture Milwaukee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded through private grants, in-kind donations, and sponsorships. ​All of the artworks are available for purchase.<a href="https://www.sculpturemilwaukee.com">sculpturemilwaukee.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Sculpture Milwaukee Announces 2021 Participating Artists Ahead of Next Month's Opening

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418232/bm4bo3rx2dvacmbdnfv7.png"><figcaption>The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE) accounted they are beginning a one year renovation of the Chicago Cultural Center's Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Memorial Hall and Rotunda. (Provided by DCASE)</figcaption></figure>Via PRCHICAGO, IL — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the historic restoration of the landmark Chicago Cultural Center to reclaim two lost interiors decorated by the celebrated Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company: the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R) Memorial Hall and Rotunda. The museum-quality restoration of the art glass dome and decorative finishes is made possible by a generous grant of services valued at $15,425,000 to the City of Chicago. (The Chicago Cultural Center is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes; the restoration of the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall was completed in 2008.) The celebrated “People’s Palace” will reopen to the public on June 2, 2021, after closing its doors last March — with new health and safety protocols to be announced soon, new art exhibitions and new visitor amenities. Restoration work will continue until early 2022.“Throughout the pandemic, our residents and partners in the public and private sector have remained generous supporters of our cultural institutions,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Thanks to their support and this incredible grant, we will be able to restore and revitalize our landmark Cultural Center — which remains critical to our tourism and recovery efforts and our ability to bring our creative community together.”The grant (the largest private donation given to DCASE) provides access to a highly specialized team that are uniquely qualified to undertake the restoration. An intricate process will expose the original 1890s surfaces by methodically separating layers of paint. The project also includes the conservation of a 40-foot diameter, 62,000-piece, art glass dome that will return natural light that has been blocked since a renovation in the 1930s. Long-lost lighting fixtures that were custom designed for the rooms will be recreated using early photographs and original architectural drawings.“With its sparkling mosaics and hovering art glass dome, the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall has been a must-see attraction for decades. But it’s about to get some stiff competition when restoration of the G.A.R. rooms is completed next year,” said Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago.“This project reminds me of hunting for buried treasure. Instead of being buried under the ground, it’s a treasure of Tiffany coloration buried beneath layers of paint — and just waiting to be revealed in all its 1890s glory. This is no ordinary preservation project. It’s an undertaking beyond belief, assembling the absolute top talents in historic restoration to revive one of the great lost treasures of decorative arts.”When completed next year, the rooms will reflect their historic appearance, but also more ably facilitate a wider range of free and diverse cultural programming. This includes upgraded lighting, electrical, Wi-Fi and more as well as opportunities for artists and organizations to activate the space through a variety of performances and exhibitions.This project is part of Culture in My Neighborhood, a new collaborative initiative that supports cultural programming at the Chicago Cultural Center, 18 Chicago Park District neighborhood cultural centers, and the Chicago Public Library regional libraries — through grants and commission opportunities for artists and organizations. It seeks to expand access and participation in South and West Side neighborhoods that have lacked traditional cultural infrastructure such as museums and theaters. This program complements an over $40 million capital investment that will break ground in 2021 in the City’s network of cultural centers to upgrade theater, music, dance, and visual art presentation capabilities at these facilities. Artists and organizations will receive financial support — including those who were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic — and community residents will enjoy free and affordable, high-quality cultural experiences in their own neighborhoods. Culture in My Neighborhood is part of Arts 77, a citywide arts recovery and reopening plan for all of Chicago’s 77 community areas.“I am thrilled to see the magnificent restoration of the G.A.R. rooms come to fruition. The work will not only improve the building and physical structures, it will enhance the public programming in the building,” said Mark Kelly, DCASE Commissioner. “With this restoration, we also herald a new mission for the Chicago Cultural Center as we link our efforts with the 18 Chicago Park District neighborhood cultural centers and the Chicago Public Library’s regional libraries. We no longer stand alone, but instead are part of a citywide cultural center ecosystem, bringing cultural vitality to all of our citizens.”&nbsp;The Chicago Cultural Center will reopen to the public on June 2, 2021, with the exhibitions “Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford: League of Nations” and “what flies but never lands.” Soon after, “Chicago: Where Comics Came to Life, 1880–1960” will open on June 19. Visitors will also be greeted with new visitor amenities including a reimagined Welcome Center and Learning Lab — and Buddy, a new shop created with the Public Media Institute (online for now at <a href="http://hi-buddy.org/">hi-buddy.org</a>) to give Chicago's artists and small manufacturers a place to showcase and sell their goods and artwork. Visit <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=Fx6ZlfogyykExOP4a2vWQ9uoiykuNvHH2UN6PS6y-2BNyfiuFdSrabk1CvrywjEZUL6GXW_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361QxVkZz8qTDmYI6mxUWhXz7Djal7qPD-2FaqDUTz-2FnSmI7J3mtB6UmcHjOGnPC9RkxqH6VkPN2frzk9GGSpsBJv9jEZvP16-2BoNx3SoOrsKUmAoWcbiEjpeTApfrOCNaBCZ0uGYsBR7g5UUUv6Tx6MYTjaOQUJ1m7n7-2B3jwq6C94p3Ng0Me0H8cnhdDP0pGSiwhrtnBwQ1lF88jHTCFttbA-2Bz-2F6UJWpTiSl9UxW70h-2FbIUWJlqSSuKs37OqhOB15zPZwoJpGoOm9bORIYQqG-2FJJN6A-3D-3D">chicagoculturalcenter.org</a> closer to the reopening for updated visitor information including reduced schedule.The Chicago Cultural Center restoration, which began in February following an intensive year-long study, will take approximately 12 months to complete. The G.A.R. rooms will remain closed to the public during this time. The project is being executed by Harboe Architects and a team of highly specialized preservation experts and artisans, in partnership with the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS) in consultation with conservators and Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago. The Landmarks Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the project and will provide additional oversight.About the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Hall and G.A.R. Rotunda Dedicated in 1898, the rooms were created as a place of gathering for Union Civil War veterans and their families, and a place of memory honoring those who died. Reliefs in decorative plaster reflect iconography of war through the ages, richly finished in silver leaf shaded with layers of translucent color. The overall design was a collaborative effort of architect Charles A. Coolidge, partner in the Boston-based firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, and the New York studio of Louis Comfort Tiffany — a respected and influential American master of color and decorative design.&nbsp; Local artisans executed the work under the supervision of Coolidge and Tiffany’s project manager J.A. Holzer, a notable participant being the Chicago art glass and decorating firm of Healy &amp; Millet who fabricated the 62,000 piece art glass dome. Healy &amp; Millet’s other notable work in Chicago included collaborating with architect Louis H. Sullivan in creating the art glass and painted decorations for the Auditorium Theatre and the trading room of the Chicago Stock Exchange — now reconstructed at the Art Institute of Chicago.The decorated plaster surfaces were created to meld with lower walls of rich natural marbles — a green-tinted Vermont marble in Memorial Hall and gray Tennessee marble in the Rotunda. All marble is to be cleaned and returned to their original polished finish&nbsp; Also restored will be massive richly-grained mahogany doors.Dark tinted exterior window glass installed during the 1970s will be replaced with protective filtered clear glass, allowing views of the room to be obtained from the outside.&nbsp; When illuminated at night by re-created period lighting fixtures, the G.A.R will be a highly visible attraction seen both from streets and sidewalks, as well as from Millennium Park.</body></html>

City to Begin 12-Month Restoration of the Chicago Cultural Center

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418222/l3phi91cay1iokm5lzkh.jpg"></figure>CGN Staff via PRMayor Lightfoot and DCASE are banking on art. Eager to put the city back on track following a terribly challenging year, they've announced plans to invest in the arts to help bring people and businesses back via a program they're calling “Arts 77” —&nbsp;a citywide arts recovery and reopening plan&nbsp;for all of Chicago’s 77 community areas, representing an initial investment of&nbsp;over $60 million to support local artists and organizations. Additional&nbsp;updates regarding&nbsp;financial&nbsp;grants&nbsp;and programs to&nbsp;support&nbsp;arts&nbsp;recovery&nbsp;will follow&nbsp;in the upcoming weeks.There's even talk of a multi-million dollar, 30 Chicago-area artist public art plan as part of the Terminal 5 expansion project at O’Hare&nbsp;International Airport that would make art one of the biggest first impressions &nbsp;international visitors have of our city.&nbsp;"Before the pandemic struck, our arts and culture sector was a significant employer and economic driver that generated thousands of jobs and billions of dollars for our city," said Mayor Lightfoot. "With this incredible program, we will not only be able to revitalize this critical sector and provide support to&nbsp;our artists, creative workers and organizations, but also place the arts at the center of our city’s recovery efforts.”“Arts 77”&nbsp;signals&nbsp;a new direction&nbsp;for&nbsp;Chicago’s cultural policy,&nbsp;in which the arts are&nbsp;embedded in initiatives&nbsp;and strategies&nbsp;across&nbsp;City government.&nbsp;This&nbsp;plan seeks to expand access and participation in the arts citywide, prioritize employment of creative workers through City programs and services, and deepen public sector investment in the creative sector though financial support and cultural&nbsp;policy. Today’s&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;launches&nbsp;new and expanded programs including&nbsp;the&nbsp;Neighborhood Access Program, the&nbsp;Chicago Band Roster and Chicago Presents grant programs, Culture in My Neighborhood (a $40 million collaboration by DCASE, the Chicago Park District,&nbsp;and Chicago Public Library),&nbsp;Individual Artists Program&nbsp;grants,&nbsp;Artist Response Program&nbsp;grants, and $18.5 million in art&nbsp;and&nbsp;infrastructure investments.&nbsp;“Chicago’s arts sector has been decimated by the global pandemic. We have assembled an unprecedented array of resources to bolster our vital arts sector, and today's announcement is the first of several to follow,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly.&nbsp;“These new programs will strengthen the arts and culture landscape, support the City’s reopening, and advance Chicago’s economic recovery. DCASE will lead these comprehensive citywide efforts as we animate our neighborhoods with cultural life and position the arts as central to Chicago’s future.”“The arts are uniquely&nbsp;positioned&nbsp;to aid in&nbsp;Chicago’s&nbsp;recovery efforts, and&nbsp;creative&nbsp;workers stand ready,” said Amina J. Dickerson and Alison Cuddy, Cultural Advisory Council Chair and Vice Chair. “To thrive post-pandemic, the City&nbsp;must leverage the power of its arts and culture sector, putting&nbsp;artists&nbsp;to work rebuilding, reimagining, unifying, and healing&nbsp;our&nbsp;neighborhoods.”For details&nbsp;and upcoming Arts 77 webinars for the cultural community, visit <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=Fx6ZlfogyykExOP4a2vWQ4TXG4aEpmBXWyior40nHaWAo1VE03LSQKj1M6FDUhuWuWJ9_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361JczapSvf6rbhPl3ofH-2F0oe7S01YlpSH23Pryiy4gAY8fw38eIs9J-2FbJWHRTvmSCMnvVd1mQZ2CICfFLzJBY5eoKuGOjLY7fqz4d4EE7SRvj0v-2Bq-2BvJLFN3pMpEo3Uu4qdxY-2BZn5isqNnFzRlPp186tcyURXdTVTCQGbVU0VcHfZPmDgXwc8hdYYPCMa-2BaEGoYvjaGBuylnfYtss-2Bd1ZFrXIkXfGMSkKqd30G1iWd2YYwLvk7jXxGifYEdUKn0QcvBBtXIi3nRHcckvTUvEqXbw-3D-3D">Chicago.gov/Arts77</a>.&nbsp;Expanding&nbsp;Access and Participation in the ArtsBeginning this summer, the City will&nbsp;rollout&nbsp;new guidelines, funding&nbsp;opportunities, and programs to increase access and reopen&nbsp;the cultural sector.&nbsp;DCASE&nbsp;is currently accepting&nbsp;idea&nbsp;submissions for its new&nbsp;Neighborhood Access Program, representing&nbsp;$1 million in financial grants (up to 40 grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000) designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. The program was created to support the&nbsp;cultural vitality in neighborhoods with a focus on those that have traditionally not&nbsp;received funding through&nbsp;the&nbsp;City’s&nbsp;Cultural Grants Program —and to collaborate with other City departments&nbsp;to make a collective impact in&nbsp;INVEST South/West communities. The application opens April 20&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=Fx6ZlfogyykExOP4a2vWQ-2FOfdVALjpYZsEGm6zCd-2Bgd4qbfTXA6h20a3N6YR0-2FVRPXdV_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361JczapSvf6rbhPl3ofH-2F0oe7S01YlpSH23Pryiy4gAY8fw38eIs9J-2FbJWHRTvmSCMnvVd1mQZ2CICfFLzJBY5eoKuGOjLY7fqz4d4EE7SRvhQmhR2vn8lMEFF8g0u7j4K1f-2BvcI0KBN-2F5p2km9aHtrRrRY0WQH2p8tkYziPS3GILk2ZQRB48rvUOdfrL7dNwFQOLgnocVY655Q5WEMO5NJ9iSQEBbw1EhHYL3xxy3WxglCOnCKLXMHPCSKnla1hrkVrwIx307-2F93DX15WvNOuVw-3D-3D">ChicagoCulturalGrants.org</a>.&nbsp;Through&nbsp;Chicago Presents, DCASE will provide&nbsp;up to 100 grants&nbsp;(ranging from $5,000&nbsp;–&nbsp;$30,000)&nbsp;to activate&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;programs&nbsp;that comply with public health guidelines&nbsp;in neighborhoods&nbsp;throughout Chicago in Summer 2021.&nbsp;Emerging and established cultural presenters are invited to submit proposals for free live, in-person concerts and events, spanning&nbsp;all music genres, performance,&nbsp;and dance that activate Chicago’s streets, plazas,&nbsp;and parks. Additionally, presenters may select up to&nbsp;two&nbsp;solo musicians and/or bands from the&nbsp;Chicago Band Roster&nbsp;to play at their event. The&nbsp;Band Roster is a new&nbsp;resource listing&nbsp;over&nbsp;200 Chicago-based musicians of all genres&nbsp;— created as part of the 2021 Year of Chicago Music.&nbsp;Application opens April&nbsp;20&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=Fx6ZlfogyykExOP4a2vWQ1JPtLnvcS2xUVsnlfkRMPHl2Bj2LDJ48-2Bx11LK-2FpTV-2BFLWC_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361JczapSvf6rbhPl3ofH-2F0oe7S01YlpSH23Pryiy4gAY8fw38eIs9J-2FbJWHRTvmSCMnvVd1mQZ2CICfFLzJBY5eoKuGOjLY7fqz4d4EE7SRvjqo6FZFqehQUjdkYTcpsoxTYhhGuaetBQp8S1kZSwtkj1a6vym92sesXIoONzeVI1j-2FhiGW-2B9y9bMa2BdiJmvynOuIam5YaWFg3QvqoE5KeGHpetDIS268hhP0OH3sAvg2Veupv650vSwmNh3T9dwVfOvys9dxz92Y3GDzVuYmlA-3D-3D">chicago.gov/music</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Culture&nbsp;in My&nbsp;Neighborhood&nbsp;is a new&nbsp;collaborative&nbsp;initiative&nbsp;that&nbsp;supports&nbsp;cultural programming at the Chicago Cultural Center,&nbsp;18&nbsp;Chicago&nbsp;Park District&nbsp;neighborhood cultural centers,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Chicago Public Library&nbsp;regional libraries —&nbsp;through grants and commission opportunities&nbsp;for artists and organizations. It seeks to expand access and participation in South and West Side neighborhoods that have lacked traditional cultural infrastructure&nbsp;such as&nbsp;museums and theaters. This&nbsp;program&nbsp;complements&nbsp;an over $40 million capital investment&nbsp;that will break ground in 2021&nbsp;in the City’s network of cultural centers&nbsp;to upgrade&nbsp;theater, music, dance,&nbsp;and visual art presentation capabilities at these facilities.&nbsp;Artists and organizations will receive&nbsp;financial support — including those who were&nbsp;displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic&nbsp;—&nbsp;and&nbsp;community residents will enjoy free and affordable, high-quality cultural experiences in their own neighborhoods.“Chicago parks have long provided affordable access to the arts,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly. “We are excited to partner with our sister agencies to expand existing resources. Culture&nbsp;in My Neighborhood and the broader Arts 77 plan will celebrate Chicago’s vibrant culture while fueling public engagement in our communities. From Austin to West Pullman, our 18 neighborhood cultural centers will continue to serve as important cultural assets for years to come.”Supporting&nbsp;Artists and Creative WorkersRecognizing that artists have always played an important role in advancing the causes of justice and racial equity, DCASE will support artists in developing projects that engage the public in a constructive, civic dialogue that will propel our collective action, facilitate progress, and make Chicago a model city for the nation as it faces the difficult work ahead.Through its new&nbsp;Artist Response Program, DCASE has awarded five artists and artist teams $100,000 grants. Artist awardees announced today are:&nbsp;Tonika&nbsp;Lewis Johnson; Santiago X; Kirsten&nbsp;Leenaars&nbsp;with Circles and Ciphers; Pilsen Housing Cooperative with Hector Duarte, Nicole&nbsp;Marroquin, and Gabriel Villa; and an artist team with Aquil&nbsp;Charlton, William Estrada, Andrés&nbsp;Lemus-Spont, and&nbsp;Marya&nbsp;Spont-Lemus. In addition to individual artist grants, seven arts organizations will receive grants ranging from $50,000 – $100,000 to re-grant funds to approximately 60 artists. Re-granting partners announced today are:&nbsp;ConTextos, Folded Map Project/Englewood Arts Collective, Full Spectrum Features, Greater Southwest Development Corporation, Jazz Institute of Chicago,&nbsp;Kartemquin&nbsp;Films, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. The Artist Response Program represents a $1.2 million investment, including&nbsp;over&nbsp;$600,000 in support available soon through re-granting partners.&nbsp;DCASE is also pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of its annual&nbsp;Individual Artists Program&nbsp;grants,&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago. This year, 162&nbsp;project-based grants between $800 to $5,000 will be awarded to resident Chicago artists over the age of 18 across all artistic disciplines including film &amp; media arts, literary arts, performing arts (theatre/dance), music and visual arts/design.&nbsp;In addition to the Individual Artists Program&nbsp;project&nbsp;grants, 13 high-qualified artists will receive the Esteemed&nbsp;Artist Award, a special $10,000 grant for expenses associated with an artist’s practice within the 2021&nbsp;grant period, including studio rental, supplies, travel and equipment. In celebration of 2021&nbsp;as the Year of Chicago Music, half of the Esteemed Artist Awards are going to local musicians –&nbsp;Afinca’o,&nbsp;Jeff Baraka,&nbsp;Billy Branch,&nbsp;Joelle&nbsp;Lamarre,&nbsp;Vivian McConnell,&nbsp;Matt&nbsp;Ulery, and&nbsp;Wanees&nbsp;Zarour. Award recipients in other disciplines are&nbsp;Colette&nbsp;Ghunim (Film &amp; Media Arts),&nbsp;Anuradha Rana&nbsp;(Film &amp; Media Arts),&nbsp;Natasha&nbsp;Tarpley (Literary Arts),&nbsp;Cat Mahari (Performing Arts),&nbsp;Daris Jasper&nbsp;(Visual Art &amp; Design) and&nbsp;Anke&nbsp;Loh&nbsp;(Visual Art &amp; Design).Investing in Arts&nbsp;and InfrastructureThe following programs recognize the talents of artists as creative problem solvers&nbsp;who&nbsp;can help inform, enhance, and support the work of City departments. They will also be significant jobs generators.&nbsp;Under the leadership of Mayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Department of Assets, Information,&nbsp;and Services,&nbsp;the&nbsp;new multi-year, needs-based Capital Plan&nbsp;will not only leverage capital improvements to spur local economic development and job creation,&nbsp;but also mark a major advancement&nbsp;in&nbsp;the standard of public asset maintenance, and,&nbsp;consequently, the quality of life and livability of all Chicago communities.Public art will be integrated into the Capital Plan to turn the everyday into the extraordinary, physically,&nbsp;and symbolically communicating connections between neighborhoods, histories, people, and futures. Public art projects will become major destinations and cultural landmarks, contributing to the&nbsp;city’s economic development.&nbsp;For the first time, the&nbsp;City&nbsp;incorporated public art into the Capital Plan,&nbsp;investing&nbsp;at least&nbsp;$15 million in public art over the next&nbsp;five years.Additionally,&nbsp;DCASE and the&nbsp;Chicago&nbsp;Department of Aviation today announced a $3.5 million public art plan as part of the Terminal 5 expansion project at O’Hare&nbsp;International Airport. The project presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the work of Chicagoland artists&nbsp;through large-scale commissions&nbsp;and acquisitions,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to provide international visitors a dynamic and welcoming first impression of our city. Up to 30 Chicago-area artists will&nbsp;participate in&nbsp;this program&nbsp;— the&nbsp;largest single acquisition of works by Chicago artists&nbsp;by the&nbsp;City&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;last 30 years.&nbsp;In the coming weeks, the City will launch more&nbsp;programs&nbsp;to aid Chicago’s creative recovery, including&nbsp;a new&nbsp;program to support arts education&nbsp;providers and students;&nbsp;additional grant programs&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase&nbsp;arts&nbsp;access&nbsp;for&nbsp;people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and people living in institutions; workforce&nbsp;development&nbsp;programs&nbsp;to help stabilize and grow Chicago’s&nbsp;creative economy, including recommendations outlined in the report produced by the Chicago COVID-19 Recovery Task Force to support employment in the film industry; additional direct financial relief&nbsp;programs for individuals and organizations; artist engagement in We Will Chicago —&nbsp;the first citywide plan where artists will play a central role&nbsp;in creating public policy; and a public awareness and advocacy campaign reiterating the importance of the local arts sector, developed with global communications agency FleishmanHillard&nbsp;and the Cultural Advisory Council.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</body></html>

We Built This City On... The Arts. City of Chicago Pledges $60 million for Recovery and Reopening

<html><head></head><body>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418881/l5rmboirddwvgl3hp38x.png"></figure>By CGN Staff via PRAfter wrapping up its first entirely online-only edition this week – EXPO CHGO Online – EXPO CHICAGO today announced the dates for its next in-person edition at Navy Pier for April 7 – 10, 2022. April will host the fair for the foreseeable future as well, returning to a time of year that hosted international art exhibitions like Art Chicago for decades.&nbsp;Last May Tony Karman announced the fair, planned for September 2020, <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2020/5/expo-chicago-to-move-from-september-to-april-8-11-2021">would move to April 2021</a>. Then plans were adjusted once again to <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2021/1/expo-chicago-to-go-virtual-for-spring-2021-dates">move the fair online</a>. Moving forward, the exposition will be presented annually in April. Dates beyond 2022 include April&nbsp;13 – 16, 2023 and April&nbsp;11 – 14, 2024 for the 10th and 11th editions at Navy Pier.&nbsp;EXPO CHICAGO will continue to develop and present year-round programming initiatives leading up to its ninth edition, to be announced.“We feel strongly that focusing on presenting the next edition of EXPO CHICAGO in April of 2022 respects both the current global recovery process and provides sufficient time for galleries, curators, and collectors to fully ramp back up for in-person presentations in their galleries and at fairs," said Tony Karman, President | Director. "I'd like to express my deepest appreciation for the sound advice and continued support we've received from our Selection Committee, key institutional stakeholders, leading galleries, Navy Pier and Chicago’s civic leaders. I am confident that our new dates will enable us to welcome friends and exhibitors from around the world back to Chicago."&nbsp;EXPO CHICAGO’s commitment to rigorous programming, critically acclaimed curatorial initiatives, institutional partnerships, and VIP events remain core to the exposition. Furthermore, the exposition will continue its partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, co-presenting the Vernissage opening night benefit, with proceeds supporting the institution. The previously announced program curators for IN/SITU Marcella Beccaria – Contemporary art historian and Chief Curator and Curator of Collections at Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea (Turin) – and Humberto Moro – Deputy Director and Senior Curator at Museo Tamayo (Mexico City) – for the EXPOSURE section will be joining as planned for the ninth edition.“A treasured annual tradition at Navy Pier for nearly a decade, EXPO CHICAGO is one of our most highly anticipated events each year, and we are thrilled to officially welcome it back to Chicago’s lakefront in 2022 and beyond,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “The exposition’s return next spring will surely signal a renewed sense of hope and optimism as we make strides toward a full recovery from the pandemic and once again host guests from around the globe for this important and unique art experience.”We have missed attending EXPO this past year but are grateful for their efforts to continue offering programming all year and to bring collectors, artists and dealers together virtually. We can now look forward to spring 2022. – GV&nbsp;Want to go back in time? Read CGN's posts from 2012 about EXPO before it even began.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2012/2/mmpi-cancels-art-chicago-after-30-year-run-chicago-looks-to-fall-art-fair-on-the-horizon">February 2012: MMPI Cancels Art Chicago after 30-year run... Chicago Looks to Fall Art Fair on the Horizon</a><a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2012/9/expo-chicago-to-revive-windy-city-s-glorious-art-fair-legacy">September 2012: Expo Chicago to revive Windy City’s glorious art-fair legacy</a>&nbsp;</body></html>

EXPO CHICAGO Announces Return to Spring Time Slot After a Decade As a Fall Mainstay

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418870/mxqcecktlcw3zv4fwrqf.png"></figure> &nbsp;By CGN StaffWith the news that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration is planning to move to the long-awaited fifth phase of reopening in the not so distant future, we have already been thinking about art fairs like EXPO Chicago and when and how they will return to business. Phase five promises “all sectors of the economy reopen” and “conventions, festivals, and large events can take place.”Coming up sooner is EXPO's online, five day slate of public panels and events, featuring 80+ local and international galleries, plus some starry artist, musician and performance names (Jeff Tweedy and Theaster Gates). We can't help but think that were this event to have taken place in person (as sort of planned as the first plan B when EXPO 2020 was postponed) these people would not have actually come together in the same way, making this seem like a glass half-full alternative opportunity we are grateful for after a year of closures and suspensions.&nbsp;EXPO CHGO ONLINE&nbsp;runs April 8–12, 2021 and is a curated digital exposition of contemporary and modern art complemented by five days of virtual programming. EXPO CHGO ONLINE will feature 81 galleries in a focused online presentation, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA). The site will include a “Dealer’s Choice” feature, inviting exhibitors to select one artwork on view from an artist outside of their roster, emulating casual recommendations made at a physical fair. Additionally, notable international curators, museum directors, and critics including Renaud Proch (Independent Curators International), Humberto Moro (Museo Tamayo), Marcella Beccaria (Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea) and Eric Shiner (Pioneer Works) will curate a selection of works from EXPO CHICAGO ONLINE, to be featured on the exposition homepage (<a href="https://hookart.com/expo-chgo">hook.art/expo</a>).Each gallery will also be invited to present one artwork that contributes to a broad rethinking of the environment, to be exhibited within a focused programming section. Accompanied by a curatorial statement from Katie Pfohl (Curator, New Orleans Museum of Art), the exposition’s Environmental Curator, this section is conceptually linked to the fair’s recent symposium Alternate Assembly: Environmental Impact in the Era of Pandemic, and will connect to a virtual panel organized by Pfohl as part of EXPO CHGO ONLINE’s program.“With EXPO CHGO ONLINE we welcome the world to explore the artwork offered by our participating exhibitors, and to utilize the numerous features included in our virtual programming we’ve built to encourage the interplay between galleries, collectors, curators and patrons like one might experience at an in-person fair,” said Tony Karman, President | Director of EXPO CHICAGO. “We are deeply grateful to our exhibitors and for our partnership with Hook to present this unique platform. We pledge to continue to enhance our virtual offerings to better serve our participants and patrons,” he added. “In addition to maintaining our longstanding Curatorial Forum initiatives and our commitment to supporting local and international art institutions and partners, I am also proud that EXPO CHGO ONLINE will introduce a series of performances and talks that further highlights Chicago’s rich cultural community.”&nbsp;Alongside the virtual exposition, EXPO CHGO ONLINE will offer a series of dynamic discussions, film screenings, exhibition tours, music and dance performances reflecting Chicago’s interdisciplinary arts scene.&nbsp;Programs taking place during EXPO CHGO ONLINE will be free and open to the public via <a href="http://program.expochicago.com/">program.expochicago.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schedule highlights include:THURSDAY, APRIL 8&nbsp; &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; The Curatorial Forum brings together curators from across the US with two main goals—promoting collaborations and knowledge-sharing across the country, and advancing civic-minded practice among curators and in the institutions they work for. For the last four years, convenings have addressed issues of racial inequities in the museum and curatorial fields, a topic which will remain at the center of this special interim session of the Forum.&nbsp;12 p.m. CST: ICI |&nbsp;Race and Representation in Museums&nbsp;(virtual, Closed Door Session).&nbsp;Presented in partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI)&nbsp;&nbsp;o &nbsp;Framing the Moment: On Music, Architecture and Improvisation.&nbsp;Featuring David Brown (Artistic Director, Chicago Architecture Biennial), Ken Vandermark (Musician), Rosa Barba (Artist), and moderated by John Corbett (Gallerist, Corbett vs. Dempsey), this panel convenes thought leaders from visual art, jazz, and architectural backgrounds to discuss the ways improvisational techniques influence their diverse practices in the creation of visual, sonic, and constructed spaces. Panelists will explore how improvisational methods impact both collaboration and community.&nbsp; 5 p.m. CST: EXPO CHGO Kick-Off Program.&nbsp;Presented in partnership with Chicago Architecture Biennial&nbsp;FRIDAY, APRIL 9o&nbsp;&nbsp; Attend&nbsp;a&nbsp;Curator-Led Digital Tour with&nbsp;Humberto Moro, deputy director and senior curator at the Museo Tamayo and EXPO CHICAGO’s EXPOSURE curator, for a tour&nbsp;of EXPO CHGO ONLINE. Since 2016, Moro has been an adjunct curator at the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah, Georgia and has previously held curatorial positions at the Park Avenue Armory in New York and Museo Jumex in Mexico City. In this program, Moro will present a selection of works by emerging artists from a range of galleries featured in the EXPOSURE section of the digital exposition, in addition to key pieces from emerging artists throughout the exposition.&nbsp;11 a.m. CSTo &nbsp;Enjoy&nbsp;An Evening with Theaster Gates,&nbsp;a program led by artist, and Founder and Executive Director of Rebuild Foundation, Theaster Gates.&nbsp;6:30 p.m. CST Program&nbsp;SATURDAY, APRIL 10o&nbsp;&nbsp; Featuring the premiere of a new film and other new works, Jill Magid's Tender: Balance at the Renaissance Society thinks about the circulation of currency and measures of absence and loss, with dimensions that are both intimate and attuned to larger systems. This exhibition is the second manifestation of a larger unfolding project by the artist, set against the backdrop of the pandemic. While developing new threads, Tender: Balance parallels Magid's monumental but nearly-invisible public artwork, Tender, produced by Creative Time in New York last fall, for which Magid engraved the edges of 120,000 new US pennies with the words ‘THE BODY WAS ALREADY SO FRAGILE' and quietly put them into everyday circulation. On the exhibition's opening day at the Renaissance Society, artist Jill Magid joins curator Karsten Lund to discuss the project and its various manifestations, in Chicago and beyond.&nbsp;6 p.m. CST: Artist Talk&nbsp;&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; Tune in for a special live performance of solo sets by&nbsp;Jeff Tweedy, Glenn Kotche and Nels Cline&nbsp;at&nbsp;7 p.m. CST: Performance.&nbsp;Presented in partnership with Corbett vs. Dempsey’s Sequesterfest 5, part of the Experimental Sound Studio’s The Quarantine Concert series&nbsp;&nbsp;SUNDAY, APRIL 11&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp; With The Arts Club of Chicago in a pandemic-induced hibernation during the cold winter months, three polymath artists explore the club’s rooms and think experimentally about how to perform in an empty institution.&nbsp;Tiny Performances in Empty Rooms features musical artist Angel Bat Dawid collaborating with composer and multi-instrumentalist Isaiah Collier, dance-maker/performer/choreographer Jasmine Mendoza collaborating with filmmaker Keaton Fox, and theatre artist/performer Kurt Chiang collaborating with performer Livia Chesley.&nbsp;5 p.m. CST: Performance.&nbsp;Join for an in-depth follow-up with the artists on Monday, April 12 at 11:30 a.m. CST on the EXPO CHICAGO microsite.&nbsp;Presented in partnership with The Arts Club of ChicagoAlso: EXPO CHGO ONLINE will be complemented by a thematic selection of short films on the environment by emerging contemporary artists, curated in partnership with&nbsp;Daata (daata.art). The works will be screened together as a compilation on Sunday, April 11, and will be available to view throughout the weekend on a dedicated page on the EXPO CHICAGO microsite.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;MONDAY, APRIL 12o&nbsp;&nbsp; In his first solo museum exhibition, artist and musician Omar Velázquez (Puerto Rican, b. 1984) presents recent paintings and sculptures that address the intersection of painting, music, and folklore at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Velázquez speaks with Carla Acevedo-Yates, Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator, from his studio, giving a peek into his painting and instrument-building practice and inspirations including Puerto Rican painter Francisco Oller. &nbsp;2:30 p.m. CST: Artist Studio Visit |&nbsp;Music and Art with Omar Velázquez.&nbsp;Presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago&nbsp;The Online Dispatch will be presented daily to relay the program offerings. Subscribe to The Online Dispatch <a href="https://www.expochicago.com/online-dispatch">here</a>.A full schedule of EXPO CHGO ONLINE programming and events including dates, times and streaming links will be available on March 22 via <a href="http://www.program.expochicago.com/">www.program.expochicago.com</a>.&nbsp;</body></html>

EXPO CHGO ONLINE Programming Announced; Online Fair Runs April 8-12

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418870/iur5lj1wzqwcepsw7sh6.jpg"><figcaption>Richard H. Driehaus. Courtesy Richard Driehaus Museum</figcaption></figure>By GINNY VAN ALYEARichard H. Driehaus, Chicago investment titan, philanthropist, and party planner extraordinaire, has died. He was 78.&nbsp;Driehaus was a rescuer of historic and beautiful treasures. He even made a sort of time–travel possible for many when his namesake museum opened more than 12 years ago, with a mission to explore&nbsp;the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a focus on the Gilded Age. The Museum, located within the meticulously restored 1883 Nickerson Mansion, was Gilded Age Chicago’s “Marble Palace.” Period pieces from the Driehaus Collection, rotating exhibitions&nbsp;and cultural programs further illuminate the era.&nbsp;When the museum first opened its doors – following a <a href="https://driehausmuseum.org/about/restoration">top to bottom rescue</a> from 2003–2008 to make up for decades of grime and neglect – the Driehaus quickly established itself as a unique addition to Chicago's cultural community. What at first was a restored jewel box that made the case for historic preservation in the heart of one of the world's centers for modern architecture, eventually matured into an immersive visual time machine.Visitors to the museum,&nbsp;hidden&nbsp;just off of the city's busiest tourist highway, the Magnificent Mile, are able to experience another era as soon as they climb the museum's limestone steps and enter its stained glass doors. As they climb three levels of carpeted stairs and wander&nbsp;room to room they behold countless prime examples of furniture and decoration from the 19th century. Today the Driehaus's line up of period-relevant exhibitions provides additional context as well as opportunities to visit again and again.Driehaus began collecting decorative arts in the 1970, and his personal collections ranged from American masters like Tiffany and the Herter Brothers; to Hector Guimard and Alfonse Mucha, at the pinnacle of French art nouveau; to Weiner Werkstatte’s Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser….and to classic American automobiles. Among his greatest pleasures was sharing his collections with the public. He is also a philanthropist who supported historic preservation, modern classical architecture, arts, culture, democracy and economic opportunity through the Richard H. Driehaus FoundationThis past fall, in advance of the opening of <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2020/9/a-tale-of-today-connecting-past-present">A Tale of Today: Nate Young and Mika Horibuchi</a>, a contemporary exhibition at the museum featuring site-specific works by Chicago artists Nate Young and Mika Horibuchi, Mr. Driehaus shared with us that he hoped to reach new audiences by giving them a chance to view the Gilded Age’s legacy through new perspectives and connect the abundant history of the Nickerson Mansion with our current times. He said the new series could “demonstrate the importance of architecture and sense of place from the incomparable vantage point of the Nickerson Mansion, while also showcasing new artists in this historical setting.”Outside of business, Driehaus focused his attention and energy on a variety of philanthropic and community service-oriented projects, individually and through the efforts of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Trusts.The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards also celebrate the best of the best in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and the re-imagining of historic buildings for the future. They are a part of the National Preservation Awards, which are presented annually at the PastForward conference. The coveted Driehaus Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to communities by preserving their architectural and cultural heritage. The Driehaus Awards recognize efforts such as citizens saving and maintaining important landmarks, companies and craftsmen restoring the richness of the past, public officials supporting preservation projects and legislation in their communities, and educators and journalists helping Americans understand the value of preservation.Mr. Driehaus used his eye and passion to carefully and respectfully ensure that objects and buildings from the past may continue to be appreciated in the future. What he sought to collect and preserve will undoubtedly be enjoyed for generations to come.&nbsp;</body></html>

Richard Driehaus Has Died at Age 78

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418862/d9l4uqryd1dmn4xmuodt.png"><figcaption>CAC will honor Nick Cave and Bob Faust this Summer</figcaption></figure>Chicago Artist Coalition's Work In Progress Benefit is Set for June 2021CAC announced&nbsp;this week they have set a new date for WORK IN PROGRESS 2021: Wednesday, June 9. The event is central to sustaining&nbsp;CAC's mission,&nbsp;and this year (after 2020 was cancelled) it will honor&nbsp;the illustrious work of Nick Cave and Bob Faust and recognize&nbsp;the exceptional contributions by&nbsp;Jeff Shapack to CAC's development. <a href="https://chicagoartistscoalition.org">More details to come.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418863/lzo6jc8gbwysggvi7snf.jpg"></figure><a href="https://www.colum.edu/news-and-events/articles/2021/a-hidden-gem?fbclid=IwAR0QJvcpF1YnrpGI4Lhw-1BIdfjhziX1Y7nrfKpAJIUK0afXD5JGTRCFxGY#.YEEZAC1h2iv">MoCP is Turning 45</a>In the world of contemporary art museums,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mocp.org/">The Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP)</a>&nbsp;at Columbia College Chicago is a rarity. Nestled in the shadow of Chicago’s most iconic buildings sits a pride of the city— the only museum in the Midwest dedicated to the art of photography. Now celebrating its 45th&nbsp;year of operation, the MoCP has distinguished itself as a tri-level museum with an outsized reputation for living at the cutting edge of art and innovation.While the pandemic has created uncertainty for many industries, including museums, it has also opened windows of opportunities. For the past 45 years, the MoCP has been confined to its physical space on Columbia’s campus at 600 South Michigan Ave. Now, its exhibits and events can now be experienced virtually by visitors from around the globe.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418864/o3s2zlydzj9evu1cxpq2.jpg"><figcaption>Aron Gent of DOCUMENT</figcaption></figure><a href="http://newartdealers.org">NADA Announces New Board Members – 1 From Chicago</a>NADA is pleased to announce new board members Danny Baez of <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=6d0766f68c&amp;e=a3f64d3727">Regular Normal</a>, Joeonna Bellorado-Samuels of <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=ddcfb5fb49&amp;e=a3f64d3727">We Buy Gold</a> and <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=a0597595c8&amp;e=a3f64d3727">Jack Shainman Gallery</a>, and Aron Gent of <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=dbe4bd80f6&amp;e=a3f64d3727">Document</a>, and welcome 24 new Gallery Members, hailing from 12 cities in 7 countries, to its international community of art galleries, non-profits, and artist run spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418865/kbzp1wnubypzexr0va9p.png"><figcaption>Ceramicist Natalie Steinmetz at work in her studio</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.artencounter.org/night-visions">Art Encounter Announces New Night Visions Series</a>Night Visions returns this spring with after-hours visits to exceptional artists’ studios, all in real-time via Zoom! Grab a glass of wine, get comfortable, and join Sarah Packer and Leslie Luning online as they host local artists in lively group conversations about their work and artistic journeys.&nbsp;Additionally, each artist will&nbsp;do live demonstrations&nbsp;of&nbsp;their chosen medium.This season includes virtual visits to the studios of seven Evanston artists: Karen Ross, Socorro Muciño, Candice Johnson, Bryana Bibbs, ﻿Pat Gordon, and Natalie Steinmetz.&nbsp;Prices start at $25.&nbsp;</body></html>

CGN Art World Recap: 3/5/21

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418858/kscuqwggsekfrbay2rel.png"></figure>By CGN Staff via PRChicago has long been known for its unparalleled collection of public art. That collection is receiving new, thoughtful attention now as The City of Chicago, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Chicago Park District (Parks) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), launches the Chicago Monuments Project website <a href="http://chicagomonuments.org/">chicagomonuments.org</a>, kicking off the public engagement phase of the Chicago Monuments Project that will conclude in April 2021.The new website identifies monumental sculptures, artworks and commemorative plaques on the public way and in Chicago parks selected by the Chicago Monuments Project Advisory Committee for further review. Chicagoans are encouraged to join the conversation by submitting feedback through the website, virtual events and one-on-one conversations."This project is a powerful opportunity for us to come together as a city to assess the many monuments and memorials across our neighborhoods and communities—to face our history and what and how we memorialize that history," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Given the past year and in particular the past summer that made clear history isn’t past, it is essential that residents are a part of this conversation. This project is about more than a single statue or mural, it’s about channeling our city's dynamic civic energy to permanently memorialize our shared values, history and heritage as Chicagoans in an open and democratic way."The Chicago Monuments Project is the City’s first effort to grapple with the often unacknowledged – or forgotten – history associated with the City’s various municipal art collections and provides a vehicle to address the hard truths of Chicago’s racial history, confront the ways in which that history has and has not been memorialized and develop a framework for marking public space that elevates new ways to memorialize Chicago’s true and complete history.Using feedback collected through the upcoming public art and engagement efforts, the City, along with various stakeholder groups, will create a plan to erect a series of new monuments that equitably acknowledge Chicago’s shared history.The Chicago Monuments Project also seeks project ideas from individual artists and/or community groups for the development of new monuments that rethink the place, purpose and permanence of monuments in our public spaces. Deadline for submissions is April 1, 2021.*Leading this review of monuments is the Chicago Monuments Project Advisory Committee, a group of community leaders, artists, architects, scholars, curators and city officials who have dedicated their time, experience and expertise.&nbsp; The committee, announced in August 2020, is co-chaired by Mark Kelly, Commissioner of DCASE, Bonnie McDonald, President &amp; CEO of Landmarks Illinois and Jennifer Scott, Director/Chief Curator of Jane Addams Hull-House Museum."The Chicago Monuments Project <a href="https://chicagomonuments.org/committee">Advisory Committee</a> – a group of community leaders, artists, architects, scholars, curators, and city officials, who are dedicating their time, experience, and expertise to lead this effort – has considered hundreds of the city’s sculptures and plaques in this critically important process,” said DCASE Commissioner and Advisory Committee Co-Chair Mark Kelly. “The City’s public art collection is a defining characteristic of Chicago and it should reflect and respect all Chicagoans. The public’s input will now help us evaluate the collection and to commission new works.”Several local artists and cultural leaders serving on the committee include: Faheem Majeed, Amanda Williams, Teresa Silva, Michelle Boone, Michael Rakowitz, and others.*&nbsp;Out of a collection of over 500 monumental sculptures, commemorative plaques and artworks on the public way and in Chicago parks, 41 listed online have been identified for public discussion.The project states that everyone is welcome and encouraged to share feedback on specific monuments, monuments in general or what monuments might look like in the future. The website is currently <a href="https://chicagomonuments.org/participate">accepting public feedback</a> and Chicagoans are also invited to pre-register to participate in discussions with Chicago Monuments Project Advisory Committee Members, where they can ask questions, share their thoughts and learn more about the Chicago Monuments Project. Space will be limited to 20 community members per drop-in session.The Chicago Monuments Project also seeks proposals from community partners to host and facilitate public conversations about the city’s monuments. Programs can address a specific artwork(s) identified by the Chicago Monuments Advisory Committee and/or present open platforms for a constructive dialogue about previously untold, erased or obscured narratives in the telling of Chicago’s history and the development of new monuments. Program proposals will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee, and a select number of proposals will be identified to receive a $1,500 stipend toward program production.Additional public program details will be updated in the upcoming weeks.The Chicago Park District is excited to help launch and facilitate the Chicago Monuments Project," said General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly. "We urge residents and groups to share their perspectives, in a thoughtful and respectful manner. Public participation is critical to our success, not only in examining Chicago's public art collection but also healing our city."CPS will lead a separate, but aligned, process to review their extensive collection of artworks. CPS is currently in the final stages of creating a Works of Art Steering Committee that will meet quarterly to review concerns about specific works of art raised by members of the CPS community. The committee will work with students, teachers, school leaders and advocacy groups to recommend and advise school communities on actions related to the collection."Chicago Public Schools is committed to ensuring works of art in our schools represent the diversity, history and heritage of the communities we serve," said CPS Chief Education Officer, LaTanya McDade. "CPS is proud to participate in this joint effort to better reflect and honor the diversity of our city through public art."*The first drop-in Zoom discussion takes place next week, February 23 from 10–11am, with Commissioner Mark Kelly &amp; Jon Pounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/141329437151">REGISTER</a> &nbsp;</body></html>

City of Chicago Launches The Chicago Monuments Project, Led By Several Local Artists

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418858/hrm6wsk5o56snbngmxv6.png"></figure>&nbsp;By CGN Staff via PRSculpture Milwaukee,​ an annual outdoor exhibition of public sculpture in the city's downtown, has announced that its 2021 exhibition will be co-curated by artists Theaster Gates and Michelle Grabner. Launching in June 2021 and running through November, the exhibition is now in its fifth year and has become one of the largest annual outdoor exhibitions to focus on​ ​contemporary sculpture and public art practices. Sculpture Milwaukee serves as a catalyst for community engagement, economic development, and creative placemaking. ​The exhibit creates a free, open-air art gallery, which captivates residents, tourists, downtown employees, students, and art lovers alike.&nbsp;<a href="www.sculpturemilwaukee.com">Sculpture Milwaukee</a> is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded through private grants, in-kind donations, and sponsorships. ​All of the artworks are available for purchase.Michelle Grabner, whose ​Untitled ​sculpture appeared in Sculpture Milwaukee’s inaugural​ ​exhibition in 2017 stated, "It is exhilarating to co-curate Sculpture Milwaukee with​ ​Theaster, knowing that the process will result in wholehearted and attentive conversations between two artists who are deeply invested in sculptural form, materiality, and the urgent political and aesthetic issues embedded in a large-scale public exhibition.”The organization will continue​ ​with virtual artist talks, and, if conditions improve around the ongoing pandemic,​ ​in-person programming may resume. ​Sculpture Milwaukee will continue to celebrate sculpture​ ​by knitting together an offering of artwork that imparts artistic perspectives, material​ ​imagination, and creative expressions within a city-landscape that foregrounds civic​ ​engagement and diverse cultural histories.Past participating artists have included Jim Dine, Tony Tasset, Julian Opie, William Kentridge, Paula Crown and many others. A complete list of artists and artworks that will be part of the <a href="https://www.sculpturemilwaukee.com/2021">2021 exhibition</a> will be released this coming Spring.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418858/r0pq8h4qhe5se7r0jw96.png"></figure>&nbsp;ABOUT THE CURATORS<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418859/p5hyp7hfkc0352klwvp1.jpg"></figure>Theaster Gates ​is a ​Chicago-based artist and curator whose practice encompasses sculpture, performance, and land development-based projects.​ His work contends with the notion of Black space as a formal exercise – one defined by collective desire, artistic agency, and the tactics of a pragmatist. Drawing on his training in urban planning and preservation, Gates is known for investing in the revitalization of urban spaces. In 2010, he advanced this aspect of his practice by establishing ​Rebuild Foundation, a nonprofit platform that provides free arts programming and cultural amenities to communities on Chicago’s South Side.Gates is ​a professor at the University of Chicago in the Department of Visual Arts and at the Harris School of Public Policy, and is Distinguished Visiting Artist and Director of Artist Initiatives at the Lunder Institute for American Art at Colby College. ​His work has been widely exhibited in museums, galleries, and biennials nationally and internationally, including recent solo exhibitions at Richard Gray Gallery, Chicago and Gagosian Gallery, New York.Read CGN's 2018 interview with Gates <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2018/8/the-evolution-of-a-vision-what-s-next-for-the-stony-island-arts-bank">here</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418860/v0vi29osrpcauf5ruqo7.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;Michelle Grabner​ is a ​Wisconsin-based artist, writer, and curator. She co-curated the 2014 Whitney Biennial ​and was the Artistic Director for the inaugural 2018 FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art. Her practice spans a variety of media including drawing, painting, and sculpture, and finds a creative center in operating across platforms and towards community. ​Her work has been the subject of several national museum surveys. She is presently represented by James Cohan, New York and Green Gallery, Milwaukee, among others.Grabner is the Crown Family Professor of Art and the Senior Chair of the Painting and Drawing Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she has taught since 1996. She has also held teaching appointments at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cranbrook Academy of Art; Milton Avery Graduate School of Arts—Bard College; Yale University School of Art; and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Maine.&nbsp;</body></html>

Theaster Gates and Michelle Grabner to Curate 2021 Edition of Sculpture Milwaukee 

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418194/xuoytdbvf4tmwlexezoc.jpg"></figure>-- Via PR&nbsp;The New Art Dealers Alliance and Printed Matter are pleased to present a new limited-edition artwork produced by artist Karl Wirsum. The fundraising edition will debut as part of <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=919743ea02&amp;e=c90a0cc501">Printed Matter’s Virtual Art Book Fair</a>, to take place February 24–28, 2021.The 9-color screen print borrows an outlandish and provocative character from a recent series of drawings by the artist, depicting a grinning but friendly figure that is both animal and human, composed from bright block colors and abstract shapes.&nbsp;Karl Wirsum, “The Gift Horse’s Mouth,” 2021, 9-color screen print, 24 x 20 inches, Edition of 100Numbered and embossed with the artist’s signature. Tiered pricing starting at $500. Printed by <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=f05001e4c6&amp;e=c90a0cc501">POP!NK Editions</a><a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=6fe94993e4&amp;e=c90a0cc501">BUY NOW</a>&nbsp;About​ Karl​ WirsumKarl Wirsum is one of the original Chicago Imagists known as the Hairy Who, a group of six artists who decided to join forces and exhibit together in the mid-1960’s. Wirsum is a Chicago native, creating paintings, drawings, and sculptures, that are broadly influenced by his interest in comics, his time spent living in the southwest, urban environment, and decorative forms. His work was featured prominently in a major survey of the Hairy Who at the Art Institute of Chicago, in 2019. His works are in numerous public collections such as the Whitney Museum, Museum of Modern Art, High Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and RISD Art Museum. Karl Wirsum is represented by <a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=c6d0b99ecc&amp;e=c90a0cc501">Derek Eller Gallery</a> in New York.<a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=bd04b49c3a&amp;e=c90a0cc501">About​ Printed​ Matter’s​ Virtual​ Art​ Book​ Fair</a><a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=ad488ecea8&amp;e=c90a0cc501">Printed Matter’s Virtual Art Book Fair (PMVABF)</a> takes place from February 25–28, 2021, with an Opening on Wednesday, February 24.Since 2005, Printed Matter’s Art Book Fairs have hosted international exhibitors featuring a wide variety of works—from zines and artists’ books to rare and out of print publications, and contemporary art editions. This new Fair expands upon the rich tradition of our longrunning and beloved NY and LA Art Book Fairs, including over 400 exhibitors from 43 countries, with online programs, performances, games, and more.<a href="https://newartdealers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3493a38a571991d5c278569e7&amp;id=7ab9fcbe41&amp;e=c90a0cc501">Printed Matter, Inc.</a> is an independent 501©(3) non-profit organization founded in 1976 by artists and art workers with the mission to foster the distribution, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books and related artists’ publications.&nbsp;About​ NADAFounded in 2002, New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) is a not-for-profit 501c(6) collective of professionals working with contemporary art. Its mission is to create an open flow of information, support, and collaboration within the arts field and to develop a stronger sense of community among its constituency. Through support and encouragement, NADA facilitates strong and meaningful relationships between its members working with new contemporary and emerging art. In 2020, NADA hosted the New York Gallery Open, FAIR, the Chicago Gallery Open, and NADA Miami.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

There's a new limited-edition artwork by Karl Wirsum starting at $500

<html><head></head><body>(February 1, 2021) <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/">Hyde Park Art Center</a>, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, announces the Artists Run Chicago Fund, a new regranting initiative providing more than half a million dollars ($560,000) to support Chicago’s artist community. Taking place in two phases, the first will immediately grant awards of $8,000 to each of the 50 independent&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;artist-run spaces that participated in the Art Center’s popular 2020 exhibition, <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/exhibition-archive/artists-run-chicago-2-0/">Artists Run Chicago 2.0 (ARC 2.0)</a>.&nbsp; Later this month, Chicago artist-run spaces that did not participate in ARC 2.0 are invited to apply for 20 additional grants of $8,000. The Artists Run Chicago Fund initiative is being funded by an anonymous donor and is being fully administered by Hyde Park Art Center.&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417773/jarrjdjzzw19ewnfdccb.png"></figure>Recipients of the first phase of the Artists Run Chicago Fund include 062, 4th Ward Project Space, 65Grand, ACRE Projects, Adds Donna, AMFM, Annas, Apparatus Projects, Bad At Sports, Blanc Gallery, boundary, Chicago Art Department, Chuquimarca, Cleaner Gallery + Projects, Clutch, Co-Prosperity Sphere/Public Media Institute, Comfort Station, Compound Yellow, D Gallery, Devening Projects, Document, Experimental Sound Studio, F4F, The Franklin, Heaven Gallery, Iceberg Projects, Ignition Project Space, Julius Caesar, Lawrence and Clark, LVL3, Mujeres Mutantes, Ohklahomo, The Nightingale Cinema, Practise, Prairie, Roman Susan, Roots &amp; Culture, Rootwork Gallery, The Silver Room, Slow, The Suburban, Sweet Water Foundation, table, Terrain Exhibitions, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Trunk Show, TRQPITECA, VGA Gallery, Wedge Projects, and Western Pole.“The Artists Run Chicago Fund presents a proud moment for Chicago,” said Allison Peters Quinn, Hyde Park Art Center Director of Exhibitions &amp; Residency.&nbsp; “In the city, artists freely share their resources, time, space, and ideas to create unforgettable experiences that unite people through art in their neighborhoods. This fund proves to artists that this city and its people value artists and the relentless work they do to make Chicago a place where art, experimentation, and community converge.”Added Mark Jeffrey, founder of Ohklahomo and Artist Run Chicago 2.0 participant, “This extraordinary donation for artist-run spaces here in Chicago is unbelievable. Artists and community need resources right now to continue and to begin again. And as we enter this new year, this fund gives light and hope and allows for artist run spaces to reimagine and to create new communities and a new sense of belonging, inclusion and being together. &nbsp;For this I am so grateful and so humbled.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721417774/a45oxalujaoxzv2h2xwp.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;The second phase of the Artists Run Chicago Fund program will award 20 unrestricted $8,000 grants to artist-run spaces, collectives, and platforms from the Chicagoland area that were not included in the ARC 2.0 exhibitionand founded before 2020. The second phase of the grant will support experimental artist-led spaces and platforms with a particular focus on those that are run by artists who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), women, queer and/or with disabilities. Phase two will also expand the network of support that makes artist-driven projects thrive in Chicago. Applications for Artists Run Chicago Fund grants will be available starting March 1, with a submission deadline of March 31, 2021; for more information, please visit <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/get-involved/artist-opportunities/artists-run-chicago-fund">https://www.hydeparkart.org/get-involved/artist-opportunities/artists-run-chicago-fund</a>&nbsp;About the Hyde Park Art CenterHyde Park Art Center, at 5020 South Cornell Avenue on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, is a hub for contemporary arts in Chicago, serving as a gathering and production space for artists and the broader community to cultivate ideas, impact social change, and connect with new networks. Since its inception in 1939, Hyde Park Art Center has grown from a small collective of quirky artists to establishing a strong legacy of innovative development and emerging as a unique Chicago arts institution with social impact. The Art Center functions as an amplifier for today and tomorrow’s creative voices, providing the space to cultivate and create new work and connections.&nbsp;For more information about Hyde Park Art Center and the Artists Run Chicago Fund, please visit&nbsp; <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/">https://www.hydeparkart.org/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Hyde Park Art Center Announces ‘Artists Run Chicago Fund’ to Award $560K to 70 Chicago Artist-Run Spaces

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418851/ui3grim80cou44q7cm6e.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;CGN Staff via PRWhen the pandemic hit nearly a year ago, arts organizations of all sizes and types, from galleries and museums to theaters and dance studios, were impacted. Nearly all had to work very quickly to shift to full-time online programming while the public was required to stay at home. What began as a temporary, survival-response has since become more sophisticated and far reaching. The programming and business impacts of such a shift also may be here for the long term.&nbsp;We recently learned that the Chicago-based Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation—an organization that offers unrestricted grants to 175 small arts organizations in Chicago with budgets under $1 million—recently surveyed 61 of its arts grantees to garner insights on 2020 virtual programming. An overwhelming number of arts leaders cited that the main benefit to producing events virtually was the ability to engage new, broader audiences well outside their usual geographic reach, thanks to the accessibility of the virtual format at a time when people across Chicago and the nation are seeking at-home entertainment options.Other significant findings include:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100% of the arts organizations surveyed presented virtual programming in 2020, ranging from socially distanced concerts and artist talks to livestreamed performances·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 70% of arts organizations said their virtual programming received far more engagement than anticipated·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 46% of arts organizations saw a boost in their social media and website traffic as a result of virtual programming&nbsp;Leaders from theatre, music, dance and visual arts organizations provided a wealth of insight regarding the specific programs that proved to be successful in a virtual format and shared how these successes have informed their plans for 2021.2nd Story, an organization that elevates storytellers to deliver literary-theatrical experiences, has also found the virtual shift to be a constructive alternative to their usual in-person performances, and over the course of the pandemic 2nd Story reached audiences in 110 Illinois zip codes, 36 states, and seven countries, with each virtual show exceeding revenue goals and setting revenue records that surpass their previous in-person programming. 2nd Story’s upcoming virtual events are listed online at <a href="http://www.2ndstory.com/upcoming">www.2ndstory.com/upcoming</a>.“One of the things that has made these virtual events successful is that we are not trying to mask the medium, we are embracing Zoom for its reach and functionality,” said Lauren Sivak, Managing Director of 2nd Story. “We cannot ignore the fact that virtual programming provides a certain level of accessibility that our in-person programming will never offer, especially now that we are in colder months. We will still see a demand for virtual programming even when things open back up.”Water People Theater (WPT), an organization dedicated to expanding the boundaries of Latin-theater, engaged a global audience of more than 7,000 people who virtually attended WPT productions in 2020. The virtual model has enhanced WPT’s artistic collaborations as well, as the organization featured 156 global theatre professionals on its virtual stage this past year. WPT’s International Festival of Latino Theater begins March 19, 2021. More information can be found<a href="http://www.waterpeople.org/">www.waterpeople.org</a>.&nbsp;“We have done several productions where all artists involved are in a different country and time zone!” said Rebeca Alemán, Founder and Executive Director of WPT. “We have featured artists from Los Angeles to Argentina, performing on the same ‘stage’ at the same time. It is humbling to see the Latino theater community’s commitment to take on challenges to continue transforming people through art and, by doing so, keeping live theater active.”&nbsp;In the summer of 2020, while several dance companies were rebroadcasting past works, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, a multicultural dance collective, was quickly creating new productions including Wilfredo Rivera’s Identity City, focused on themes of isolation and metamorphosis, and Rivera’s Mood Swing, a series of duets between musicians and dancers that responded to the pandemic and social justice movement. Due to popular demand, Cerqua’s 2021 season will include both virtual and in-person performances, including an evolved version of Mood Swing. Cerqua will announce its upcoming season in the next month via their website at <a href="http://www.cerquarivera.org/">www.cerquarivera.org</a>.The Neo-Futurists—a non-illusory theater company whose work is a combination of sport, poetry and living newspaper—moved their flagship late-night show to a digital platform the week after the pandemic started and have been presentingThe Infinite Wrench Goes Viral every week since. Welcoming digital subscribers on a Patreon platform, the company was making 100% of the show’s weekly pre-pandemic revenue as of the end of 2020, with hundreds of subscribers across the country and beyond. This support has enabled the company to broaden its overall offerings, from entirely original music albums to feature-length films to videogames. They will continue the show’s virtual format in 2021, and upcoming performances can be found at <a href="http://www.neofuturists.org/2020-2021-digital-season">www.neofuturists.org/2020-2021-digital-season</a>.Fifth House Ensemble, known to reach beyond the perceived limits of classical music, reimagined its annual “Fresh Inc. Festival” in 2020. The event was their farthest-reaching festival to-date, welcoming a global audience of over 5,300 participants, nearly five times the usual number. In 2021, Fifth House will continue their Deep Listening sessions every weekday at 10 a.m. via Facebook Live. Deep Listening is a creativity and mindfulness technique that teaches one how to listen in every dimension, and Fifth House’s daily virtual sessions have created a space for participants to deeply reflect on current events, reconnect to the playfulness of childhood, and remember loved ones who have passed. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.fifth-house.com/deep-listening">www.fifth-house.com/deep-listening</a>.“I have been really impressed by how meaningful Deep Listening has been,” said Melissa Ngan, Founder and CEO of Fifth House Ensemble. “The opportunity to build individual mindfulness and well-being via people’s computer screens, has really exceeded all of our expectations. It’s nice to see how something that we thought of as primarily an educational process is now infused throughout our educational, social, and performance work.”Silk Road Rising’s artistic output has included digital media, particularly video plays, for over ten years. This experience proved invaluable when the organization moved entirely to virtual programming over the last nine months and launched their newest project, Black Teen Lives Matter, in response to the pandemic and this era of racial awakening. The first of four acts debuted in November 2020 and the series will resume February 27, 2021. More information about the series can be found at <a href="http://www.silkroadrising.org./">www.silkroadrising.org.</a>Video Game Art (VGA) Gallery—an organization that seeks to increase cultural appreciation, education of video games and new media—released a new monthly digital publication in 2020, VGA Zine, comprised of interviews with staff, artists and community members, as well as discussions around media from the video games in VGA’s collection. After VGA Zine readership skyrocketed upon the creation of the publication, seeing 7,877 page views with the first five issues, the organization will launch VGA Fireside, an artist-speaker series beginning on January 27, 2021, with hopes that it can be a hybrid program, both in-person and virtual. VGA Zine can be accessed at <a href="http://www.videogameartgallery.com/vga-zine-home">www.videogameartgallery.com/vga-zine-home</a>.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418852/odkrzgmfsfornxmj7foo.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;Given the focus on digital entertainment, several organizations also made concerted efforts to develop strategies surrounding their social media pages and websites, resulting in an extreme increase in traffic.&nbsp;Experimental Sound Studio, an international hub for sonic experimentation, will be using data from their extensive 2020 engagement analysis to inform marketing decisions in 2021. In a year over year comparison between 2019 and 2020, ESS's YouTube channel saw a 668% increase in engagement, their website a 270% increase in traffic, and their Instagram a 135% increase in followers. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art compared 2020 website stats versus the year prior, and saw a 110% increase in searches, a 247% increase in social media referrals and a 380% increase in referrals from other sites. The week of their Candlelight Carols in December 2020, St. Charles Singers’ Facebook page saw a 1,035% increase in reach and 401% increase in engagement as compared to the week prior.In addition to revamping social channels, webpages, and online publications, multiple organizations explored the podcast world in 2020. Artemisia Theatre launched a female-driven podcast in 2020 entitled We Women that challenges audiences to see women in a new light. Thanks to the podcast’s rising listenership since its launch in May, Artemisia’s 2021 season will offer eight audio performances of classic and all-new feminist plays, streamed through We Women, featuring discussions with creative teams, intriguing social justice interviews with community leaders, and more. Information about We Women can be found at <a href="https://artemisiatheatre.org/podcast">artemisiatheatre.org/podcast</a>.The full list of the 61 organizations surveyed can be found at <a href="https://gddf.org/2020-virtual-success/">gddf.org/2020-virtual-success</a>.&nbsp;Emergency Funding During COVID-19 PandemicAcknowledging the cataclysmic financial situation which hundreds of beloved regional small arts faced in response to COVID-19 related shutdowns, the Board of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation met in March 2020 and unanimously voted to immediately put in place a series of funding mechanisms, including expediting a total of $2 million in general operating funds to its roster of 175 arts grantees in the Chicago region and 40 in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.&nbsp;In addition to expediting individual grants to existing Foundation grantees, the Foundation contributed $200,000 to the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund providing unrestricted grants from $6,000 to $30,000 for groups to be administered by the Arts Work Fund; created an initial $100,000 Lowcountry Arts Emergency Fund to be administered by the Foundation; and seeded a $200,000 relief fund for small collecting organizations in both regions, providing public access to regionally-focused collections.&nbsp; And looking ahead to grantees’ future financial needs, the Foundation will continue its ongoing Cash Reserve Challenge offering arts organizations in both regions the opportunity to receive up to $25,000 in matching funds to assist with maintaining a cash reserve.&nbsp;About Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley FoundationThe Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation supports land conservation, artistic vitality, and regional collections for the people of the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. GDDF awards $1.7 million annually to 175 creatively accomplished small arts organizations in the Chicago metro area. For more information visit <a href="http://www.gddf.org/">www.gddf.org</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundation supports its grantees with multi-year general operating grants ranging from $2,500 to $13,500 annually, plus an array of additional organizational development opportunities including one-on-one feedback from staff and consultants, reimbursements for trainings tailored to grantee needs, and a cash reserve program.&nbsp;</body></html>

What are The Benefits of Virtual Programming? New Survey Asked 61 Small Chicago Arts Groups

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418851/uidguasxbu0iesyv85pv.jpg"><figcaption>Artworks from The Quarantine Times installed at the MCA as part of The Long Dream exhibition. Installation view, The Long Dream,MCA Chicago November 7, 2020–January 17, 2021. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago</figcaption></figure>Jan 22 updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/art-institute-of-chicago">The Art Institute of Chicago</a> will reopen to the public on Feb. 11; <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/museum-of-contemporary-art-chicago-mca">The MCA</a> will open March 11; <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/museum-of-contemporary-photography-mocp--2">Museum of Contemporary Photography</a> is now open; <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/international-museum-of-surgical-science">The Museum of Surgical Science</a> is now open; <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/field-museum-of-natural-history">Field Museum</a> opens to the public Jan 23; <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/organizations/shedd-aquarium">The Shedd Aquarium</a> opens to the public Jan 30;&nbsp;&nbsp;By Ginny Van AlyeaOn Monday, January 18, Chicago officially moved back (in a good way) to Tier 2 of the <a href="https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan">Illinois Resurgence Mitigation Plan</a> in response to the state metrics the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has used during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;What that means for art and culture fans is that under Tier 2 mitigations, Chicago's museums and arts centers – cultural institutions – are officially allowed to reopen to guests (typically at a reduced, 25% capacity.) Indoor gatherings of 10 or fewer people are also once again permitted.&nbsp;Though area museums are officially allowed to open to the public, many may opt to follow their own protocols for the immediate future while also being mindful of current staffing and budget limitations. Chicago is also technically under a stay-at-home advisory through Friday, January 22 (ie: don't leave home unless you need to _______: visit a museum, see art in person, remember why you live in Chicago!)CGN will share updates on chicagogallerynews.com as we have them and update individual hours in museum listings as they chance and become available.&nbsp;Here's to feeling hopeful about visiting area museums again soon!&nbsp;Top image: Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois in Champaign. The Museum says it will open soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

You Can Visit Illinois Museums Again! COVID-19 Tier 2 Updates

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418846/cwelmpdrnrspwyoxz7qr.jpg"><figcaption>Image of Yarn drawings, 2020. 7x10” each. Colored pencil and yarn on Japanese handmade paper. Photo by Pooja Pittie.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;Eleven Deaf and disabled Chicago-based artists are featured on a new online hub that launched today and includes video conversations, profiles, and resources to raise awareness in the field&nbsp;Via PRCHICAGO, IL – 3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grant-making organization, announced today the launch of the Disability Culture Leadership Initiative (DCLI), featuring a new online platform created to elevate Deaf and disabled artists and encourage the arts and culture sector to prioritize Disability Culture in programming and organizational efforts. DCLI features candid video conversations among eleven Chicago-based Deaf and disabled alumni of the 3Arts Residency Fellowships at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), as well as a report that chronicles the trajectory of the Fellowship and the city’s approach to creating and supporting the Disability Art and Culture movement. The DCLI videos and accompanying publication are now available at <a href="http://www.3arts.org/disability-culture">www.3arts.org/disability-culture</a>.The launch of DCLI stems from work that began six years ago, when 3Arts partnered with UIC’s Bodies of Work—an artist and organizational network that showcases and celebrates the disability experience—to establish the 3Arts Residency Fellowship. The Fellowship was designed to build audiences for disability art and strengthen the professional pipeline for artists in the Chicago metropolitan area. 3Arts has worked closely with UIC’s Bodies of Work to develop the Fellowship and to create this new Disability Culture Leadership Initiative. &nbsp;“With this new initiative, we are reaching beyond considerations of accessibility and ADA compliance, as important as those issues are,” said 3Arts Executive Director Esther Grisham Grimm. “We want to recognize the revolutionary and expansive nature of the Disability Culture movement and the important role that Chicago artists play in its development.”The goals of the DCLI are to document the experiences of alumni in the program, advocate for the artistic and economic mobility of Deaf and disabled artists, and highlight the potential for disability aesthetics to expand and enrich every artistic discipline. Representing leading artists in Chicago’s disability community, the eleven participants in the DCLI include: dancemakers Ginger Lane and Kris Lenzo; theater practitioners Michael Herzovi, Arlene Malinowski, and Robert Schleifer; sound artist Andy Slater; multidisciplinary artists Matt Bodett and Reveca Torres; and visual artists Riva Lehrer, Mariam Paré, and Pooja Pittie. Four video interviews, conducted by filmmaker and disability advocate Justin Cooper, assembled the artists in small groups around shared artistic disciplines.The new initiative is also informed by an online convening with the eleven artists that took place in November 2020, facilitated by Deaf theater artist and disability advocate Richard Costes. The accompanying report outlines key take-aways from the group’s conversation such as the importance of continued connection and movement-building within this cohort and future fellowship participants, as well as the desire for an archive and/or physical space to serve as a center for Chicago Deaf and Disability Culture.“We are activists every time we go out and try to make a theater or class space accessible,” said dance artist Ginger Lane at the convening. “We’re making a statement just by being there and by insisting that we have a seat at the table. We've seen the growth of this movement over the past 25 years, which has been terrific and helps us celebrate our resilience and our strength as artists and really what it means to be human.”Bodies of Work is directed by Carrie Sandahl, associate professor in UIC’s Disability &amp; Human Development department and head of the Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities.The DCLI is a program of 3Arts and supported with seed funding from The Joyce Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;About 3Arts3Arts is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Chicago’s women artists, artists of color, and artists with disabilities who work in the performing, teaching, and visual arts. By providing cash awards, project funding, residency fellowships, professional development, and promotion, 3Arts helps artists take risks, experiment, and build momentum in their careers.Since 2007, 3Arts has supported 1,100 artists—representing 70% women artists, 70% artists of color, and 10% artists with disabilities—and distributed $4.3 million through direct grants. By providing cash awards, project funding, residency fellowships, professional development, and promotion, 3Arts helps artists take risks, experiment, and build momentum in their careers.For more information about 3Arts, please visit <a href="http://www.3arts.org/">www.3arts.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

3Arts launches Disability Culture Leadership Initiative

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418846/rkrnp3ugked1y6m47nhw.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;By Ginny Van AlyeaLast spring, when the pandemic was just becoming real to most of us, <a href="https://www.expochicago.com">EXPO CHICAGO's</a> Tony Karman made the decision to postpone the upcoming September fair until April 2021. At the time, it seemed extremely cautious and prudent. And far away. Today EXPO has shared that it is opting to reschedule the upcoming in-person April dates at Navy Pier a second time and that it has secured a new series of flexible dates from July 2021 on–including its historic dates September 23 – 26–in order to ensure the safety of participating exhibitors and patrons of the ninth edition. It still plans to organize a virtual exposition during its previously scheduled in-person dates of April 8 – 11, 2021“We are grateful for our strong partnership with Navy Pier, our local institutions, and our deeply committed exhibitors in collaborating with us on finding the right time to mount the fair," said Tony Karman, President | Director. “With the advice and council of our Selection Committee, civic leaders, and dealers worldwide, we have decided to produce a digital experience this coming April, while simultaneously preparing for an in-person fair as soon as it is safe to do so," he added. “Fortunately, thanks to Navy Pier we have several options to consider, including our historic September dates, and rather than announce a set date at this time, we will carefully monitor the progress with vaccines and protocols in order to make the announcement with ample time for our participating galleries, patrons, and institutional partners to prepare."EXPO CHICAGO’s commitment to rigorous programming, institutional alignments, VIP events, and critically acclaimed curatorial initiatives remain core to the exposition. The previously announced program curators Marcella Beccaria – Chief Curator and Curator of Collections at Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea (Turin) – for IN/SITU and Humberto Moro – Deputy Director and Senior Curator at Museo Tamayo (Mexico City) – for the EXPOSURE section will be returning as planned for the ninth edition.&nbsp;“Navy Pier is proud to have been home to EXPO CHICAGO for nearly a decade, presenting exhibitors and welcoming guests from around the world with the annual opportunity to explore and enjoy this large-scale exposition of contemporary art and culture along Chicago’s lakefront,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “It has become a tradition that our guests have come to treasure and a partnership that our organization cherishes. We look forward to EXPO’s ninth edition as soon as we all can gather and enjoy the event safely and comfortably once again.”“We remain hopeful to be able to launch our ninth edition in 2021 as we deeply value our partnership with the local cultural community – galleries, artists, institutions, hotels, restaurants and collectors”, Karman said. “Over the next few months we will present some new initiatives that will amplify the great work being done in Chicago and by our many international partners, while simultaneously planning to play our role in supporting Chicago’s tourism re-emergence to once again welcome the world to our great city”, he added.So while we have to wait a little bit longer until we can attend EXPO CHICAGO in person, we can enjoy more virtual programs in the mean time and we look forward to a strong and safe return to the fair and Navy Pier this year. &nbsp;Details on EXPO's April programming will be shared at a later date.&nbsp;More info will be on <a href="https://www.expochicago.com">expochicago.com</a>&nbsp;</body></html>

EXPO CHICAGO to Go Virtual For Spring 2021 Dates

&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d4cc8a0a001/36d08b43-b5ce-40ca-9c27-4f549644c952.jpg" alt="calendar"></figure>&nbsp;You pretty much needed this YESTERDAY but you can certainly order one TODAY.&nbsp;Featuring the work of 12 CPC gallery artists, with a nifty cover photographed by Monica Kass Rogers, these are available both in person and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JiJBMh6WdST7rE3ic8hhED-VYr56Sh9sRdw8L63n1Bb4L5ARSdsmJbvCG5trqmp1lha6zmj_HxbNJklXa2XRoX4OaoDEL9gCU_Fsob9pzBgFfkxURKB8ezlj-seOWsuh0v4A18JA8g0pWZRX6tQWwIWWb3K0gVYRwbqTxYPmGIMuJXCfDbmiMgMyEk6lllTL4hBLJbsYXtpRUsgU0eEwfXhebpJV30Y8KEAdx2dgbF0YXxaEkD_CyioYRh7tyE3f&amp;c=kOaz8x4g3u6lU_20YBFi4IvjV-EIoRBKRYJdq1osqVfN2kpGUHAwHA==&amp;ch=urPBj25zN_sa62q85v2qLrCk0p5CxD5rAOFRsdHhHiUg2dtW9Ir62g==">online</a> for only $25. We weren't able to make our traditional hand made calendar this year due to the pandemic, but this one is pretty dang sweet. Artists who contributed work include Damon Kowarsky, Jaco Putker, Kim Laurel, Mirka Hokkanen, Karen Butler, Deborah Maris Lader, Coco Berkman, Sarah Smelser, Victoria Marie Barquin, Kouki Tsuritani, and Carrie Lingscheit.&nbsp;Here are the 12 (one per month) images:<figure class="image"><img src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d4cc8a0a001/16dc2c21-71c8-4319-903f-c389356d6ad7.jpg" alt="calendar 2020"></figure>

Art for Every Month of 2021: Chicago Printmakers Collaborative Calendars

<html><head></head><body>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418846/zv69abzfaz4r69w7bhqc.png"></figure>&nbsp;Via PRHindman Introduces New Online &amp; Mobile Bidding Platform to Elevate and Streamline Client ExperienceToday, Hindman announces the launch of the Digital Bid Room, a new dynamic online and mobile bidding platform fully integrated with the Hindman website. This platform is designed to create a more streamlined experience and will be directly synced with clients’ accounts. Clients will now be able to livestream auctions and place bids from anywhere in the world. The unveiling of this platform builds on Hindman’s growth strategy by expanding the auction house’s digital capabilities.“The introduction of the Digital Bid Room is a critical and exciting next step for Hindman as we work to provide our clients with an efficient and outstanding digital bidding experience,” said Maggie Porter, Hindman’s Vice President of Sales Strategy. “We continue to see increased online engagement in our auctions, and this new platform has been designed with the client experience top of mind.”As part of the Digital Bid Room launch, Hindman will also introduce an app for browsing auctions and bidding from mobile devices. The app, called “Hindman,” is compatible with iOS and Android, and can be downloaded from the <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=hnPLvXwoDtjwatEtUAiy3rhNiUBP86umFPvgJXSo4rTk7wMHqtAzN7EACYEZucdFl6NG63Vw4YIG4iaRNnDF1nT6hv6F4-2B2SzmMXqBL-2BKeI-3Dj4TG_kzh8i-2FfcPbPOdagm1-2Fy35neaDCMaEDxPM2uDKMUT7fadXn671nj0gMT9joLABE9-2BHqTdVLOlb6-2Ba8wTcs9Kb0KnPy8rRw-2BvJ-2BKuuGpInW3ThG9miDYpazYHYvfNkTB1KAykeWzOUyIwVqgRA7xeZKgTiHPogY5QCtuAt7sv3EQnA809vLHWFMpZNdOZWqAlSNcyoMFhSDIlx3VbEJH5t-2BpNay9kYZHTJw1Q4pQzVHP5C6CER29NC58dvXy25KZrchKwSOb1KpixBxZRQG8sX1ciFG0Ry5nAwb-2F8VDVNBwXGrwBWxcDZ6YvU22cUluzWpCe7kh1ocVI8l9ScpsIc5fCy3WeWa5C1lzy5sGxGVpkddsG91AwiPLN7hZVNkblcNSAOApUn4bJreyaKqD2NFaxOsisURPUE2U-2BvvxS4l4mk-3D">App Store</a> or <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=hnPLvXwoDtjwatEtUAiy3kqhXucg7aSdiFu4NJMGWZBA0fhfAxcTbxL2JeIzNatPNH2zMMDCsbRvGvyhGw9W9edsfEM4sTR2M-2Byq2pIvMSBkMm2GWGYeiVAdR0g4nnRQDOpqOJnaX-2BhuqD643DCt-2BQ-3D-3DUDsa_kzh8i-2FfcPbPOdagm1-2Fy35neaDCMaEDxPM2uDKMUT7fadXn671nj0gMT9joLABE9-2BHqTdVLOlb6-2Ba8wTcs9Kb0KnPy8rRw-2BvJ-2BKuuGpInW3ThG9miDYpazYHYvfNkTB1KAykeWzOUyIwVqgRA7xeZKgTiHPogY5QCtuAt7sv3EQnA809vLHWFMpZNdOZWqAlSNcyoMFhSDIlx3VbEJH5t-2BpNay9kYZHTJw1Q4pQzVHP7eUiGCi69nlDgXgLNvPU0iPsGNU5F4TQqdFRhtfPr7rk-2BteatV52a-2BR5B0wyxcsnaABea-2BCvGSMcLueawUCFhr2SGgaMMJ8dUKGYxb03rp4LC-2BEkcBTl4qnVpS-2BHMQazwChwcuqpAPirJp9LQl0kox8X0P2iHUyywDtoHFi9oqeLiCmQlbBxSYuun30tPUY-2BE-3D">Google Play</a>. Through the Hindman app, clients will be able to quickly register for upcoming auctions, track upcoming lots and receive push notifications, leave absentee bids for future auctions, and bid live using the simple “swipe to bid” interface. Additionally, clients can track bidding activity, watch sales in real time, and view the calendar of past and upcoming sales. To create a Hindman account and explore the Digital Bid Room, please visit <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=hnPLvXwoDtjwatEtUAiy3kbEarr97QLH7FctEJGC8n5O6Q14PTrp7we3QofnUkopmrfN_kzh8i-2FfcPbPOdagm1-2Fy35neaDCMaEDxPM2uDKMUT7fadXn671nj0gMT9joLABE9-2BHqTdVLOlb6-2Ba8wTcs9Kb0KnPy8rRw-2BvJ-2BKuuGpInW3ThG9miDYpazYHYvfNkTB1KAykeWzOUyIwVqgRA7xeZKgTiHPogY5QCtuAt7sv3EQnA809vLHWFMpZNdOZWqAlSNcyoMFhSDIlx3VbEJH5t-2BpNay9kYZHTJw1Q4pQzVHP68e5olTZlAq2QmaVqiIeB4EqpQm2-2BC1nuJmM7VickauKSxoSagBT3loGNXtB9QVUfYDrU-2BTBwPKDvyOsaXDv3HsKGyWSOgZswpBOd36DPY4gVvY9c4EKbsaxexv-2FSwRNFdYN7LXwe8W3IHfS2fLCFbly-2FqHeR9lAx-2FsLwq2roxob6U4RjzESR3UCejl5RfDLY-3D">HindmanAuctions.com</a>.&nbsp;About HindmanHindman is one of the nation’s leading fine art auction houses connecting cities nationwide to the global art market and providing expertise across all categories, sales channels and price points. Hindman operates more salerooms in the United States than any other auction house and conducts over 100 auctions a year in all major collecting categories. Hindman was formed through the acquisition of two premier auction houses, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (est.1982) and Cowan’s Auctions (est. 1995). Headquartered in Chicago, Hindman is home to 150 employees, with additional offices in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Milwaukee, Naples, Palm Beach, San Diego, Scottsdale, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Visit <a href="http://hindmanauctions.com/">hindmanauctions.com</a> for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Hindman Auctions Launches a Digital Bid Room

CAC looks forward&nbsp;to&nbsp;reopening to the public&nbsp;on January 6, 2021. Visits will be by appointment only,&nbsp;on Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, and Fridays, 3-7pm. We care deeply about and make the well-being of our visitors, staff, and residents&nbsp;a priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;Letter from the Executive and Artistic Director﻿In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, CAC closed all physical operations in March 2020 and looks forward to reopening to the public on January 6, 2021, by appointment only. Appointments will occur on Wednesday, 10am-2pm and Friday, 3-7pm. We care deeply about and make the well-being of our visitors, staff, and residents a priority. As COVID-19 evolves, so will CAC’s plan and security measures. Please check back to this page for new updates.&nbsp;Safety MeasuresA maximum of three visitors are allowed in the gallery at a time. Visitors are granted a 45-minute appointment by <a href="https://calendly.com/chicagoartistscoalition">signing up online</a>, at least one day in advance.&nbsp;COVID-19 visitor guidelines:<ul><li>Masks and social distancing are required at all times.</li><li>Use hand sanitizer upon entrance.</li><li>Temperature check before entry is required. Body temperatures at or above 100°F would prohibit entry.</li><li>If you experience any COVID-19 related symptoms, we kindly ask that you stay home and reschedule your visit.</li><li>If you have recently travelled from outside the State of Illinois, we ask that you quarantine for 14 days before visiting CAC.</li></ul>For any questions or concerns email us: cac@chicagoartistscoalition.org&nbsp;CAC is pleased to announce the 2021-22&nbsp;HATCH Artist Residents:<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="http://i2.cmail19.com/ei/i/AF/994/5AD/143852/csfinal/August2-4202010AMto5PM123AnywhereSt.AnyCity21-990000000003cf3c.png" alt="Grid image with profiles of the 12 HATCH artsits"></figure><a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-t/">Sirimas Benz Amatayakul</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-i/">Anwulika Anigbo</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-d/">Bryana Bibbs</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-h/">Gabriel Chalfin-Piney</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-k/">Jennifer Chen-su Huang</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-u/">Helen Lee</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-o/">Osée Obaonrin</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-b/">Nat Pyper</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-n/">Farah Salem</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-p/">Roderick Sawyer</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-x/">Jade Williams</a> <a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-m/">Nayeon Yang</a>HATCH is a juried program for emerging Chicago visual artists and curators. The residency offers the opportunity to produce collaborative exhibitions and&nbsp;nurtures an ecology of curatorial and artistic practice.Learn more about our new&nbsp;community of artists&nbsp;<a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-c/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;CAC is thrilled to announce a new,&nbsp;anonymous donation made to the SPARK Grant program.&nbsp;This funding will allow for five additional awards to be given this cycle. Last year SPARK awarded 25 grants to Chicago visual artists in its second&nbsp;cycle.&nbsp;With the addition of this anonymous funding, SPARK will award an incredible 30&nbsp;unrestricted grants&nbsp;of $2,000 to artists in 2021.&nbsp;SPARK Grant is an award opportunity for visual artists who identify as ALAANA (African diaspora, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American), an artist with acute financial need, an artist with a disability, or as a self-taught/non-formally trained artist.The&nbsp;program is generously support by the Joyce Foundation and&nbsp;anonymous donor.For more information, eligibility requirements,&nbsp;and application: click&nbsp;<a href="https://news.chicagoartistscoalition.org/t/i-l-mjhcit-dlvzir-q/">here</a>Important Dates:<ul><li>Application opens December 14, 2020</li><li>Application Closes February 16, 2021</li></ul>Additional Dates:<ul><li>Virtual Information Session #1 January 6, 4-5pm</li><li>Virtual Information Session #2&nbsp; February 3, 4-5pm</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chicago Artists Coalition Reopens January 2021

<html><head></head><body>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418835/drqrnratciakiy52jpu4.jpg"></figure>By Ginny Van AlyeaAs I shared in my <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2018/9/catherine-edelman-30-years-of-using-art-to-drive-change">2018 interview</a> with Catherine Edelman, Cathy was one of the very first art dealers I met when I started working for CGN's founding publisher in 2002. She has been a neighbor, trusted colleague, straight talker, and friend all these years and is widely known and respected in the local, as well as international, art and photography community. Edelman publicly announced today that due to the economic challenges wrought by the pandemic, she is taking her eponymous gallery private, entering a new professional phase after over three decades in business.&nbsp;The press release shared below is a message from Edelman. We wish her and her gallery staff the best as they navigate the changes ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp;December 1, 2020 marked the 33-year anniversary of Catherine Edelman Gallery, a venue in Chicago showcasing contemporary fine art photography. Since its founding in 1987, CEG has established itself as one of the leading galleries in the country devoted to the exhibition of prominent living photographers, alongside new &amp; rising talent, attracting both the seasoned collector and first-time buyer.After hosting 245 public exhibitions, featuring more than 200 artists, Catherine Edelman Gallery is closing its physical space, effective January 1, 2021, and will operate as a private dealer, continuing to represent several of its gallery artists. While Edelman believes wholeheartedly in the brick-and-mortar model, the pandemic, lack of foot traffic, and cancellation of art fairs created an unsustainable reality. Edelman looks forward to this new transition that will allow her to continue working with collectors, curators, designers, &amp; consultants; participate in art fairs when they resume; and present pop-up exhibitions when warranted. While CEG may no longer have a public space, the mission remains fully intact: to present living artists whose work expands the discourse of photography. ﻿Look for more information at the beginning of the year announcing the represented artists, as well as exciting new initiatives that support this transition. For further information please contact Catherine directly at <a href="mailto:catherine@edelmangallery.com">catherine@edelmangallery.com</a>&nbsp;To read CGN's 2018 interview with Catherine Edelman, please <a href="https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/news/2018/9/catherine-edelman-30-years-of-using-art-to-drive-change">click here</a>.&nbsp;Also, these are the final weeks to see scott b. davis: Place in the Sun. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-oXpr3lHN0KQpgZTB7JB_s21cNXak8FkniWlWc7FOotfsH-444jh8GNeJt6H1YeadXnubgYX7DGBUuXB90Xbm7IF9_sSICLWZ49BIRReo4Psgxu6gxOsSE_3hPhMeGEx31fVf-qsiZVruGCRSv8rDaLkBPOWY1rYr8opVWCsIjpJGr6JxQOF59i2KErDm0YVuxhQJDVttjbbCKfdo6aBietCStPDw4qfVIyKNz9LAtlZbuwiCTzpR8hMlVp314DxLY_GIWpGLajPgaqh-9qAclME1cSSgn9XvGseTfvceAk=&amp;c=V3FtYCtIgQX9f6g_50UEt3ttZQkYnq_I-BdcgR_DR2g5zoCUXt9V0w==&amp;ch=I-d4HBu-uAsY-Wt6O4spSbMB8Cx7_08Y1zIyC_AU3S9oMYxjPpLiwQ==">Click to see the exhibit</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://files.constantcontact.com/e9f32b8b001/76176039-fd22-4b99-a4d0-2c15faeb23cf.jpg" alt=""></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;</body></html>

Catherine Edelman Gallery Closing Public Space Jan 1 to Go Private

<html><head></head><body><figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721418829/q4pkilugpkglduyibelz.jpg"></figure>Via PRCHICAGO (November 12, 2020)— <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/">Hyde Park Art Center</a>, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, presents its annual Gala, held for the first time virtually, on Saturday, November 21, 2020, 3 - 4 p.m. and 6:30 - 9 p.m. with the Centerpiece program from 7 - 8 p.m, and afternoon and evening programming geared towards art lovers of all ages. With a reputation as one of the city’s most fun art parties, the Art Center’s Gala will be livestreamed this year free of charge on <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/gala/">hydeparkart.org/gala</a> to raise vital funds to deepen the impact of the Art Center’s programs for Chicago art and artists. The Gala Centerpiece program will feature conversations with internationally acclaimed artists Jeff Koons and Amanda Williams, led by members of the Art Center’s own Youth Board of Artists.Gala public programming starts at 3 p.m. with a unique hour-long Kids Gala featuring art-making and a puppet dance party for artmakers grades K-6, followed by a lively cocktail hour with DJ Sadie Woods for viewers to get settled and explore silent auction items from 6:30 - 7 p.m. Following the Centerpiece Gala program (7 - 8 p.m.), Interactive Artist Interventions take place via Zoom breakout rooms from 8 - 9 p.m. &nbsp;Throughout, an online auction will be held with items displayed on the Gala webpage and a live paddle raise during the Gala main program.Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy the Gala programs free of charge, and welcome to contribute what they can. Guests can RSVP and make donations at <a href="http://www.hydeparkart.org/gala">www.hydeparkart.org/gala</a>. With no mandatory dress codes, Gala guests are encouraged to dress as they please in festive outfits—a Gala gown, quirkiest pajamas, or anything in between.Interactive Artist Interventions have been one of the highlights of past Hyde Park Art Center Galas, where in previous years artists activated the entire Art Center space to engage Gala attendees in interactive ways including getting inked by a tattoo artist and eating cake off a wall. This year, the Interventions include an ‘existential aerobics class’, a coloring session, an augmented reality digital art piece for guests to experience at home, and more. The Interventions will take place via Zoom breakrooms with activations by the following artists: <a href="http://www.danielleandress.com/about">Danielle Andress</a>, <a href="http://jasondunda.com/">Jason Dunda</a>, <a href="https://amaykataria.com/#/">Amay Kataria</a>, <a href="http://www.adelheidmers.org/aweb/bio.htm">Adelheid Mers</a>, <a href="https://www.philipmulliken.com/about">Philip Mulliken</a>, <a href="https://www.kristinnason.com">Kristin Nason</a>, and <a href="https://www.juliannwang.com/about">Juliann Wang</a>.The Gala is co-chaired by Kate Groninger &amp; Molly Meyer, Linda &amp; Carleton Nolan, and Pooja Pittie &amp; Zulfiqar Ramzan. The Hyde Park Art Center Interactive Virtual Gala 2020 is presented by Lead Sponsor Omni Ecosystems.Sponsorships are available between $500 - $40,000 with private Zoom party rooms for “tables” of 10, wine or cocktail delivery, unique artist-made gifts, and/or other hospitality offerings depending on the sponsorship level. To discuss customized sponsorship packages for both individuals and businesses, or for more information about the Host Committee or sponsorship, please contact Maria Nelson at <a href="mailto:mnelson@hydeparkart.org">mnelson@hydeparkart.org</a> or 773-324-5520 x1014.&nbsp;About the Hyde Park Art CenterHyde Park Art Center, at 5020 South Cornell Avenue on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, is a hub for contemporary arts in Chicago, serving as a gathering and production space for artists and the broader community to cultivate ideas, impact social change, and connect with new networks. Since its inception in 1939, Hyde Park Art Center has grown from a small collective of quirky artists to establishing a strong legacy of innovative development and emerging as a unique Chicago arts institution with social impact. The Art Center functions as an amplifier for today and tomorrow’s creative voices, providing the space to cultivate and create new work and connections.&nbsp;For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.hydeparkart.org/">https://www.hydeparkart.org/</a>&nbsp;Image credit: Jeff Koons, © Jeff Koons, photo by Chris Fanning. Amanda Williams, photo by Tony Smith. Hyde Park Art Center previous gala, photo by Adrian S. Burrows Sr.&nbsp;</body></html>

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