This past weekend I had a chance to check out Andrew Rafacz Gallery’s current group show Lake Effect/ Nor’easter: Part I in the West Loop. An exhibition of two parts collaboration with LAMONTAGNE, a gallery located in Boston. Each gallery will feature works represented by the other. Part II will take place at LAMONTAGNE opening in Boston on December 15. Featured artists in Part I include: Tory Fair, Jeff Perrott, Daniela Rivera and Joe Wardwell.
 
The aim of the show is to give Chicago a unique glimpse of the vitality of the work created by artists working and living in the Bay State.
 
I enjoy the idea of a two part collaborative show in different cities, functioning as a sort of artist swap, giving the other city a friendly glimpse of different work. The works themselves were lighthearted. Tory Fair’s cast resin sculptures Sculpture From Above and Pink Crate Sculpture struck me as innovative and a little strange, in an unexpected way. Fair’s palette utilizes a soft pink - a color I’m not typically drawn to - in a satisfying manner along with bright yellow and metallic silver. The way the sculptures are positioned casually on the hardwood floor instead of formally on a pedestal, adds to their contemporary air. These sculptures have a presence of being honest, and give off the idea of hope that art can connect to the viewer without being too serious.
 
Daniela Rivera’s oil paintings are arranged with some hung on the wall in a grid, and others trailing off into two stacks onto the floor. All twelve canvases are painted varying shades of green, reminiscent of summertime grass. Rivera’s paintings are easy to relate to, giving an intriguing mix of nostalgia and that refreshing, forbidden feeling of not wearing sandals in the summer while sipping on homemade lemonade.
 
Fair’s sculptures and Rivera’s paintings stood out to me in the group show. Jeff Perrott’s abstract large paintings and Joe Wardwell’s graphic paintings were both interesting, unfortunately I didn’t relate to them as much as I would have liked. Overall, the show was refreshing, contemporary, and the works were playful.
 
Be sure to check out the exhibition for yourself - the show runs until Saturday, December 22. Andrew Rafacz Gallery is located at 835 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago.

Tory Fair, Sculpture From Above, cast resin, 18” x 14” x 12”, 2012 and Tory Fair, Pink Crated Sculpture, cast aluminum and resin, 15” x 15” x 14”, photographer: Erin McGuire

Daniela Rivera, Growth, oil on canvas on panel, 24” x 24” x 2 ½ ”, 2011, photographer: Erin McGuire

Daniela Rivera, Growth, oil on canvas on panel, 24” x 24” x 2 ½ ”, 2011, photographer: Erin McGuire

MDW Fair 2012 is back and happening all weekend starting off with the Vernissage Opening Party tonight, Friday November 9 from 7pm-12am.

MDW Fair first debuted in spring 2011 as a gathering of independent art initiatives, spaces, galleries and artist groups from the Chicago area.  This year’s fair is a collaborative project between the Public Media Institute, Document, Roots & Culture, and threewalls featuring more than 75 exhibitors, publishers, and performers. MDW Fair highlights artist-run activities as well as grassroots and independent culture.

The Friday Vernissage Event invites the public to join in celebrating with food, drinks and music. From 7– 8:30pm tonight the Propellor Fund Award Ceremony is honoring the 15 winners of the 2012 Propeller Funds award. Propeller Fund is a grant for self-organized, public, and collaborative projects and is administered by threewalls and Gallery 400 at UIC. Also from 7pm until midnight tonight on the second floor of Mana Contemporary Chicago will be opening night festivities, including performance programs and libations.

For a detailed list of performances, events, and a complete list of participants throughout the weekend please check out MDW Fair 2012’s website.

When:

Saturday, November 10: 12-6pm

Sunday, November 11: 12-6pm

Where:

Mana Contemporary

2233 South Throop Street, Chicago

October is here, and that means it’s time for the 17^th annual Chicago Artists Month!  This year’s theme is “Art Block By Block,” celebrating the widespread impact of artists in each unique neighborhood throughout Chicago.  “Block By Block” highlights the synergistic relationship between an artist and his/her community; the selected artists all find inspiration from their surroundings, and—this month—the community will reap the reward of seeing these local artists’ cultural reflections.

This year’s featured artists include Andrew Arvanetes, Hebru Brantley, Brandy Barker, Mary Ellen Croteau, Jim Duignan, Ian Ferguson, Ben Foch + Chelsea Culp, Sergio Gomez, Seana Higgins, Regin Igloria, Preston Jackson, Jeremiah Lee, Victoria Martinez, Ann McNamee Dobrila Pintar, John Preus, Laura Shaeffer, and Selina Trepp.

This Friday on October 5, from 5 to 9 pm, Art Block By Block kicks off a full month of art activities by hosting a Bridgeport Block Party, with locations at the Bridgeport Art Center, Co-Prosperity Sphere, and Zhou B Art Center.  Party-goers will find an assortment of food, music, and—you guessed it—art! Bridgeport Art Center will be hosting the Will To Power exhibition, in which artists create art that embodies the words “will” and "power” by decaying a traditional gallery space.  Co-Prosperity Sphere will feature the opening of Flash Mobbed and Dolloped, an exhibition of old and new works by artist Ian Ferguson.  And at the Zhou B Art Center, there will be live art by artists Rhom, George Lindmark and Zore.

The remainder of the month is chock full of exhibitions, artist talks, art walks, and open houses.  So take the time to go out into your community this month and check out the distinctive artwork of your neighborhood.  For more information, dates, and times, visit chicagoartistsmonth.org

Bridgeport Art Center

Bedrooms of the Fallen, Ashley Gilbertson, Sgt. Thomas M. Gilbert. 

Collateral Damage: The Human Face of War is on view now at Stephen Daiter Gallery through October 27.  The group exhibition features powerful imagery that examines significant issues and effects of war including post-traumatic stress, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, gender issues, the impact of war on an individual and on a family, and much more.  The subject matter of the exhibition is centered around conflicts of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the issues examined strike a much deeper chord, recounting past wars and more universal themes.

Men with War, Samantha Appleton, Praying in an Al-Quada Safe House, Ramadi, Iraq

Four accomplished photographers - Samantha Appleton, Vincent Cianni, Ashley Gilbertson, and Stephanie  Sinclair - have six projects on display, in addition to other historic war photographs by Dmitri Baltermants, Robert Capa, Werner Bischof, Wayne Miller.

Join the gallery for a reception with some of the artists this Sunday, September 23 from 10am - 1pm.  Contact the gallery or visit stephendaitergallery.com for more information about the exhibition.

Proceeds from sales of prints in the exhibition will benefit post-traumatic stress support groups such as Wounded Warriors.  In the case of sales of prints from the Gays in the Military series, funds will be sent to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization that advocates for LGBT personnel.

Expo Chicago has finally arrived and we’re anxious to see the inaugural fair and all that comes with it.  Chicago’s gallery districts will welcome fair visitors and locals alike by extending business hours, hosting special events and receptions this week and weekend.  Take advantage of this exciting time in Chicago by visiting the new fair and the city’s galleries!

Complimentary shuttles will run Thursday, September 20 – Saturday, September 22 during Expo Chicago, making stops at Navy Pier, River North, West Loop and the MCA.  Shuttles will run continuously each day from 2-8pm; please anticipate some wait time at pickup locations.  Shuttles are sponsored by Expo Chicago, the MCA, participating galleries and Chicago Gallery News. 

Shuttle Stops:

• River North Gallery District  (Superior + Franklin: on the hour / half hour)
• West Loop Gallery District  (Fulton Market + Aberdeen;  Peoria + Washington:  15 minutes before  / after hour)
• Expo Chicago / Navy Pier  (Entrance 2: 15 minutes before / after)
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)  (220 E. Chicago: on the hour / half hour)     
  

Hours of Operation:

• Thursday, September 20:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Friday, September 21:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Saturday, September 22:  Expo Chicago 11am-7pm;  Shuttle 2-8pm
• Sunday, September 23: Expo Chicago 12-6pm;  (No shuttle on Sunday)

From 5-8pm on Saturday, September 22, check out the River North Gallery District for art, music, drinks & food in participating galleries and businesses.  Select galleries will also offer extended business hours during the fair.  See the postcard below and contact galleries for more details.

Gallery Weekend Chicago is back for its second year, running September 21-23, offering a range of events, talks and receptions.  Click here for more details and a list of upcoming events.

Within Expo Chicago, there will be a full schedule of programs and events taking place including panel discussions, conversations with leading artists, curators, designers and arts professionals.  Learn more about Expo’s programming here.