Category Archives: Visual Arts

September 30, 2009

Arts and Activism: Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis

By ayanacontreras

pickets

art, above: from “Public Address”, an art installment/retail concept curated by Ellen Rothberg. Chicago, 2008.

Thursday, October 1st at Bronzeville’s Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center, there will be a panel discussion focusing on the Arts scenes in these three cities (and the intersection of art and community activism).  Panelists and other participants will be in attendance at Little Black Pearl, Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit, and The Luminary Center for the Arts in Saint Louis and will be connected via skype.  Chicago Panelists include Lindsay Obermeyer, Jennifer Karmin, and friends of Darkjive: Dan Godston, Theaster Gates, and Carol Ng-He.

The event is Free and Open to the Public

Thursday, October 1st

Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center

1060 E. 47th St., Chicago

7-9pm

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July 31, 2009

Printers’ Ball Tonite!

By ayanacontreras

printersball2009

Chicago is a hotbed for so many fields of creative art: among them printed arts.  From edgy magazines (Alarm, Stop Smiling, et al), to indie book publishers, comics, literary journals, and newspapers, there’s myriad ways to get high on ink!

Celebrate our collective literary history at the Printers’ Ball, organized by Poetry Magazine (an iconic magazine in its own right). 

Thanks to poetryfoundation.org for the info. 

Fifth Annual Printers’ Ball

Ludington Building
1104 South Wabash Avenue
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Admission to the Printers’ Ball is free and open to all ages.

 

Sneak previews of Printers’ Ball publications, preparations, and secret invitations are available at the official Printers’ Ball blog, Chicago Poetry Calendar: http://chicagopoetrycalendar.blogspot.com.

Special Attractions:

• Free ink on paper, including magazines, books, broadsides, and more
• Hidden treasures
• Printers’ Ball Library, hosted by the Alternative Press Center and the Chicago Underground Library, which invites you to spend quality time with quality print. Visit the library to browse all publications; learn more about your discoveries, what you might have missed, and where to find it; and connect directly with publishers and organizations through our one-stop mailing list and subscription kiosks.
• Busy Beaver ButtonOmatic
• Papermaking and book-binding demonstrations
• Letterpress, offset, and rubber stamp printing demonstrations
• Silkscreen demonstrations by Anchor Graphics
• Minibook-making lessons from Featherproof Books
• Ratso from Chic-A-Go-Go
• Live interviews by Chicago Subtext’s Amy Guth
• Elevated Diction, presented by Silver Tongue

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Books, Chicago Cultural History, Events, Magazines, Performance, Printed Matters, Visual Arts

July 29, 2009

Movies in The Park: Fireflies and Stars

By ayanacontreras

to-sir-with-love (“To Sir with Love, 1967)

According to the Chicago Park District, 170 current and classic movies will be shown in neighborhood parks throughout the city, through September.  I know many of us have missed the first program offerings, but here’s a list of recommendations for the final month of movies.  Lots to choose from…  Bring popcorn, a blanket, and may I suggest a basket of goodies? NOTE: Click the names of the parks below for their locations.

Highlights and Recommendations…

07/29/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – To Sir, With Love (NR) * Hamilton Park free

A 1967 British film in which Sidney Poitier stars as an idealist engineer-turned-teacher tries to turn around a rough inner city school.

08/10/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – The World of Nat King Cole (NR) Tuley Park free
A truly great 2006 Documentary abouth the Chicago-bred icon.  Featuring (among others) his lovely wife.  If you missed this on PBS, catch it in the park.
 
 
08/11/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – The Sting (PG) * Lake Shore Park free
1973 film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford in crime-ridden 1930s Chicago.
   
08/12/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – Uptown Saturday Night (PG) South Shore Cultural Center free
Directed by Sidney Poitier, and starring Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, and Harry Belafonte.  Steve and Wardell track across the city when they discover Steve’s won the lottery (but the ticket is in his stolen wallet).  The pair meet a truckload of hustlers, crooked politicians, and otherwise colorful folk in the hunt. 
   
08/15/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – Calle 54 (G) Humboldt Park free
A 2000 film featuring an abundance of Latin Jazz legends performing on stage.  
 
08/18/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – The Blackboard Jungle (NR) * West Pullman Park free
In this 1955 film, an English teacher wages a war to get through to his students at a violent inner city school, even though many of his colleagues refuse to pick up arms. An early performance by Sidney Poitier is not to be missed.
   
08/29/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – Sparkle (PG) * Washington Park free
Check out the Darkjive review of Sparkle here.
   
08/30/09 8:30 PM Movies in the Park Movies in the Park – Akeelah and the Bee (PG) * Unity Playlot Park (c/o Kosciuszko Park) free
A new classic featuring Keke Palmer, with Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett.  A young girl tries to make it (against the odds) to the National Spelling Bee.
 
 

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July 2, 2009

Marion Perkins: Sculpted a Better Chicago, a Better World

By ayanacontreras

schulman_f1

Woodson Regional is a gem of the South Side.  I’ve always believed that.  One of my favorite locations of the Chicago Public Library, bar none.  The library, located at 95th and Halsted, boasts the Vivian Harsh Research Collection (all manner of Black Ephemera) and a really strong overall collection.  1 of only two regional libraries in the city (the others, save Harold Washington downtown are all “branches”), Woodson is stocked with literature and art from a good number of local sociologists, artists, and writers.  Case in point,  the temporary exhibit celebrating the Art (and activism) of sculptor Marion Perkins. 

Born in 1908, he moved to Chicago as a small child.  He worked as a dishwasher, freight handler, and postal clerk in his lifetime, and though in his artistic career he was lauded with awards (among them the Guggenheim Fellowship) he was never able to devote full time to his art.  Perkins was not only an artist, he was an activist for social change, fighting for both Ethiopian freedom and civil rights in his own backyard.

Visit Woodson for Woodson’s sake, but don’t forget to carve out time to see the temporary exhibit: “To See Reality in a New Light: the Art and Activism of Marion Perkins”, at Woodson until December 31, 2009.

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Art, Arts & Culture, Chicago Cultural History, Events, High Culture, Visual Arts

June 26, 2009

“The Exchange” of Color and Sound at HPAC

By ayanacontreras

custom_1240480333401_Art_Center

Thanks to Tricia Hersey-Patrick for the heads-up on this one…

www.trescolony.com

“The Exchange”
Curated by Tres & Kevin Coval
@ Hyde Park Art Center
5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60615
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
@ 6pm

Featuring artwork and performances by…
Amanda Williams / Clifton Henri / Avery R. Young / Kevin Coval /
Kid Jungle / Sandra Ivelisse Antongiorgi / Sharrieff Muhammad / Lea Pinsky
Lady Terror / Erin Teegarden / Marta Garcia / Krista Franklin /
Parneshia Jones / Tyrue “Slang” Jones / Cecil McDonald, Jr. / Dustin Harris

Hyde Park Art Center
and the “70 Days for 70 Years” Series presents “The Exchange”, a collaborative event in which writers, dancers and performance artists are paired together with visual artists to respond to one another’s creations.  For instance, a spoken word artist may write a piece in response to a clay sculpture.  The event was curated by Tres Colony and Kevin Coval.

If you wind up East-of-the-Viaduct in Hyde Park Art Center country, don’t forget to pick-up some on-point gelato at Istria Cafe (adjacent to HPAC).  My favorite (today) is half pistachio/half marscapone cherry.  Mmmmm.

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June 12, 2009

Mookie & Poonie: Cohorts or Coincidence?

By ayanacontreras

Tonight, Join my buddy Chris Hales (aka Tapedek) at the Chicago Art Department for an Art Opening (also featuring my guy Sean Alvarez on the Wheels of Steel).mook

Chris’s first solo show as a member of The Chicago Art Department showed an artist who knew what he wanted to do, yet was slightly unsure of his abilities. Though the show was pulled off with mild success, the thing that was missing was the attitude that personifies Chris Hales not only as an artist, but as a person.

This time around that mistake won’t be made again! “Mookie” has planned his revenge and has enlisted the help of others to pull off his second solo show at CAD. This one with little to no compromise. Come with no expectations and leave happy!

Mookie’s Revenge

@ the Chicago Art Department

1837 S Halsted

Chicago, IL

(6-10pm)

chris_n

Happening on Monday at Links Hall (for the SAUCY in you) is Poonie’s Cabaret:

poonie

The quarterly Cabaret features artists working in many different creative realms – dance, music, contact improvisation, performance art, voguing, drag, burlesque, cheerleading, etc. Proceeds go to the Duncan Erley memorial Coming Out of the Closet Fund for artists whose work explores healing, gay activism, and spiritual and sexual transformation.

Monday, June 15, 8:00 pm
$5 suggested donation
tickets available at door or over the phone

Location:
Links Hall
Street:
3435 N. Sheffield
City/Town:
Chicago, IL

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May 20, 2009

A.R.O.M.A. of Summer

By ayanacontreras

street lady Looking for some way to take full advantage of this amazing (if fleeting) weather? Anika Ellison of A.R.O.M.A. says: “Tonight’s the night, lovely people! Fashion, art, tasty global rhythms and YOU. It’s only $5, so ladies breakout those short shorts you’ve been dying to wear, fellas take some time to stretch, ’cause we’re DANCING TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A.R.O.M.A. @ Sonotheque  (1444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago)

“A Rhythmic Organic Musical Affair” Hosted by Anika Tene

DJ’s: Shannon Harris & Joe Bryl

Live percussion by Jim Bruno

Fashion show directed by Agnieszka Kulon featuring STRUT CHICAGO’s men’s collection

Digital photography exhibit featuring Robin Rios and Seth Kammueller

Video DJ performance by MFChicago

Doors open 9pm – 2am $5 Cover (Free before 11PM with RSVP) EARLY ARRIVAL IS SUGGESTED Call: (312)409-2657 or email: aroma2009@gmail.com for RSVP.

NOTE: The folks at A.R.O.M.A. want you to know…. In Cameroon, the National Day is May 20th, and it indicates honor and pride. Complete Independence was not granted to a largely colonized Cameroon till 1972. The wonderful sounds of Makossa are most popular in the urban areas of Cameroon. It’s origins are from a type of Duala dance called kossa, with significant influences from jazz, ambasse bey, Latin music, highlife and rumba. While the makossa style began in the 1950′s, the first recordings were not seen until a decade later. Artists such as Eboa Lotin, Misse Ngoh and especially Manu Dibango popularized the style outside of Cameroon in the later 1960s. This month we will celebrate Cameroon Independence Day with Makossa and its other worldly influences. ctc_01_img0204 Cameroonian dancers from the Mabeas tribe

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May 1, 2009

Art Comes Alive Tonight in Chicago

By ayanacontreras

mca-crowd-300x225

First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art

(Tonight,  Fri. May 1st)

Happy hour takes on a new meaning with First Fridays at the MCA. Cash bar featuring specialty drinks and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers. Enjoy live music from local DJs, the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar, creation stations, and more. Each month features an up-and-coming Chicago artist in a preview of the latest UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition.

First Fridays tickets, which include museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres, are $15 ($7 for MCA members). Advance tickets are available for $10 ($7 MCA members). Order your tickets online, or call the MCA box office at 312.397.4010. Doors are open from 6 to 10 pm with a cash bar until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.280.2660

for the after-set:

twilite80′S BABIES PRESENT FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE W/SPECIAL GUEST DJ THE TWILITE TONE
LIVE PERFORMANCE BY PETER HADAR
@ THE FUNKY BUDDHA LOUNGE TONITE

9PM-2AM (at 728 W. GRAND IN CHICAGO)

Artsy-ass electro-soulster (in the BEST way) Peter Hadar ends his epic invasion of Chicago with a BANG!  And bless my man Twilite Tone.  Good time to be had, but I bet they’re both tired…

and don’t forget:

Art Chicago 2009 is ongoing (till May 4th) at the Merchandise Mart

Art Chicago® 2009, the annual international fair of contemporary and modern art, brings together the world’s leading emerging and established galleries. Art Chicago offers curators, collectors, artists and art enthusiasts a comprehensive survey of current and historic work, from cutting-edge to modern masters in a wide variety of media including: painting, photography, drawings, prints, sculpture, video and special installations.  There’s also a panel discussion series called Art Chicago Speaks, featuring curators and artists alike.

General Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased onsite and and will be available online.
Adults:  $20 daily or $25 multi-day pass
Seniors, Students or Groups: $15 multi-day pass
Children 12 and under are free

holzer_m-mart_jf_72

Projection For Chicago, 2008 / Merchandise Mart
© 2008Jenny Holzer, member Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.
Text (pictured): “The Joy of Writing” from View with a Grain of Sand, copyright © 1993 by Wisława Szymborska
Photo: John Faier

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Art, Arts & Culture, Events, High Culture, Live Music, Music, Visual Arts

April 16, 2009

Looking for Art and Soul this Saturday Night?

By ayanacontreras

1946443

Food from South Loop’s Cuatro (which I dig), DJs (whom I dig), art (I’m looking forward to getting to know better….All going down this Saturday night.

Art & Soul at The Chicago Art Department (1837 S. Halsted) will feature
the Art of Jen Rosenthal and
the Soul of Swank Society Radio DJ’s:

Duane Powell (Dr. Wax Records)
Kwest_On
DJ Tapedek
Sean Alvarez

Also featured will be  Live Percussionist J. Bruno

There will be Complimentary Food from Cuatro
and Complimentary Drinks

The donation is just $15 and proceeds go to benefit the Chicago Art Department

For Advance Tickets to attend Art & Soul
You can purchase them at:
Dr. Wax- 5225 S. Harper
Casa De Soul- 1919 W. Division
The Silver Room- 1442 N. Milwaukee

or Purchase online at:
www.artsoul.eventbrite.com

Tickets may be available at the door but Advance Ticket Purchase is Strongly Recommended

For more info contact:
sean@swanksociety.com

wheres-the-exit-no-1“Where’s the Exit? no. 1″ by Jen Rosenthal, featured artist at Art & Soul.

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April 2, 2009

pARTy like an art star….

By ayanacontreras

10102007-chicago-mcaFirst Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art

(Tomorrow,  Fri. April 3rd)

Happy hour takes on a new meaning with First Fridays at the MCA. Cash bar featuring specialty drinks and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers. Enjoy live music from local DJs, the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar, creation stations, and more. Each month features an up-and-coming Chicago artist in a preview of the latest UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition.

First Fridays tickets, which include museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres, are $15 ($7 for MCA members). Advance tickets are available for $10 ($7 MCA members). Order your tickets online, or call the MCA box office at 312.397.4010. Doors are open from 6 to 10 pm with a cash bar until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.280.2660

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