Winter Feature: The Bridgeport Art Center Chicago’s Most Dramatic New Arts Destination Bridgeport Art Center (BAC) is fast becoming the focal point of the emerging art scene in the Bridgeport neighborhood. The 500,000 sq. ft. warehouse has an illustrious history, beginning in 1911, when its early tenants were meat packers for the nearby Chicago Stockyards, and later home to the printing, storage and distribution of the famous Spiegel Catalogue. Today the Bridgeport Art Center is home to more than 50 artists who call themselves Artists of EastBank, a collaborative group that meets monthly, holds regular themed exhibits, and shares a common goal of creating a community through the arts. After a decade-long renovation, many of the building’s original features, such as the skylights, wood plank flooring, and timber wood posts and beams, have been salvaged, preserving the art center’s historic industrial integrity. A unique opportunity will soon be available for Chicago artists. As more artists continue to move in to the art center, construction is underway to provide a significant number of artist live/work spaces. The center will also offer studio space and amenities for fashion designers and ceramicists, as well as a sculpture garden, and access to the Chicago River for kayaking and other water related activities. The crown jewel of BAC is its newly opened, 5th floor 18,000 sq. ft. event space. Among the first to host visitors in the space were: Friends of the River, Renaissance Society, Italian Chamber of Commerce, Groupon and weddings of all sizes. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the city skyline and the south branch of the Chicago River, and coupled with an expansive ceiling of skylights, this space is Chicago’s newest treasure for events of all sizes and functions. Come see for yourself! Many events take place in BAC’s 18,000 sq. ft event space Bridgeport Art Center 1200 W. 35th (60609) Tel 773-247-3000 • 312-560-2180 M-Sa 8-6; Su by appt. Contact: Gary Link Hal@halldoorwoodworking.com

Our latest art profile series kicks off 2012 with an interview with artist Riva Lehrer, art collector Deone Jackman, and dealer Israel Hernandez of Pilsen’s Prospectus Gallery. Writer and art critic Kevin Nance tries to get Chicago collectors thinking about Chicago art. New contributor Mary DeYoe got warm and fuzzy with Chicago’s alternative spaces. We hope will help you enjoy a busy winter full of gallery hopping and art. See you in the galleries!

• ARTIST INSIGHTS


Artist Riva Lehrer

• 15 MINUTES WITH A DEALER


Prospectus Art Gallery , remains at the heart of Chicago’s Mexican Renaissance in its original location on 18th Street in Pilsen, where the gallery opened twenty years ago. CGN’s Laura Miller met with director Israel Hernandez and learned about the gallery’s history, its strong family ties, and its mission to support contemporary and Latin American art. Click HERE to download a PDF of the print article.

• DO CHICAGO COLLECTORS OVERLOOK CHICAGO ART? - by Kevin Nance


A Chicago art collector was chatting with painter Wesley Kimler not long ago, proudly describing some of his recent acquisitions—none of which, as it happened, were by artists based in the Windy City. Was the collector, Kimler wanted to know, familiar with the local art scene? Did he purchase work by artists from Chicago as well as from elsewhere? “Well,” the collector said, “I’m not into Roger Brown.” Kimler then reminded the collector that Brown had been dead for quite a number of years, which brought the conversation to a quick conclusion… Read on to get into Kevin Nance’s discussion between Chicago collectors and artists about collecting in Chicago. Click HERE to download a PDF of the feature.

• INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE BOONE


In May 2011 Michelle T. Boone was named Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), succeeding Lois Weisberg, Chicago’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs who retired in early 2011. Now overseeing the 3rd largest creative economy in the United States, one of Boone’s first undertakings as commissioner is a major one – relaunching a new Cultural Plan for Chicago. CGN spoke with Boone about the City’s commitment to artists, her hopes for the new plan, and her favorite public art. Click HERE to download a PDF of the interview.

• ASK NATALIE


Natalie van Straaten walks readers through the hunt for a unique, arty venue for a private event, such as a wedding or fundraiser. There are many dramatic spaces around the city that might just be your perfect artistic setting. Click HERE to download a PDF of Natalie’s column. Click HERE to download a list of spaces available for rent.

• ALTERNATIVE SPACES


On one of the first truly cold days of what had been a mild fall, as people rushed to end their work days and the last daylight in the loop was fading, I was confused about where I was and certain I had the address completely wrong. Finally I noticed Tricia Van Eck sitting at a colorful desk behind a street level window at 23 E. Madison. Her gallery, I soon learned, was previously a Halloween party store. That explained the white paneled walls designed for instant shelving. When I walked inside, I saw that the perimeter of the room was lined with tap shoes, and Tricia, wearing a pair herself, invited me to put some on. Moments later, I had shed my jacket, gloves, hat and boots and was click-click-clicking across the tile floor. This was going to be fun. Click HERE to download a PDF of the article.

• GET CREATIVE THIS WINTER


Take a class. Visit a museum late-night. Go on an artistic date. Learn to be a nature photographer. There is a lot to do this winter, so instead of wishing you could escape to somewhere warm, embrace our area’s busy seasonal calendar. What else is there to do until April besides get creative? A full list of artist talks, walks + auctions is also online. Click HERE to download a PDF of our winter highlights.

• PUBLISHER'S LETTER


Chicago has a unique reputation in the world, but does its art community need to figure out how to emulate scenes that are receiving more praise these days? Among the news I followed in 2011, I noticed an increase in attention on two other art-aligned cities, Los Angeles and Miami – destinations with sunshine and celebrities on their side, which seem to be having their art world moments. So, with other cities in mind, for this issue I wanted to come up with positive reasons that set us apart rather than rank us behind, and I wanted to appreciate the many assets Chicago’s cultural scene already has. Click HERE to download a PDF of the most recent letter.

• A PASSION FOR COLLECTING


Many art collectors, artists and dealers in Chicago know William Lieberman, director at Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, as an art dealer and passionate advocate for his artists. We found out only recently that he also has his own very personal passion for art collecting. Lieberman’s unique story is one that involves many people, places, times, as well as setbacks. Through it all he maintained his curiosity and enthusiasm. Click HERE to download a PDF of the story.

CHICAGO ART WORLD NEWS

• Moves and Updates

Linda Warren Projects has a slightly new name and has moved around the corner to a larger space in the West Loop, at 327 N. Aberdeen. Kamp Gallery is still in Winnetka but now open at 996 Green Bay Road. They will be hosting a public grand opening on January 14. Hildt Galleries is now on Walton in the Drake Hotel arcade. The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University in Evanston has a new director, Lisa Graziose Corrin, a former director of the Williams College Museum of Art.


Kamp Gallery's new location in Winnetka

• CGN Welcomes

We welcome several new galleries and museums to our pages for 2012. The Brauer Museum at Valparaiso University offers dynamic exhibitions in Valparaiso, IN. Artist Josh Moulton has opened Josh Moulton Fine Art Gallery , in Lincoln Park. The Polish Museum of America , on Milwaukee Ave., announces The Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, presenting a permanent exhibition of Interwar Period art. Bridgeport Art Center is busy and happening at 35th and Racine, with lots of events from the Artists of East Bank, as well as event space that is open to the public. You can read the On the Cover feature on BAC HERE . Studiofront comes to us from 3013 W. Armitage, featuring the paintings of Dennis Johnson. Brigitte Wolf Studio / Gallery is open, joining the crowd in the Zhou B. Art Center and participating in monthly 3rd Friday events. The Pritzker Military Library has opened its new facility across from the Art Institute; the library is launching a program offering archival reproductions of historic military posters.

Mid 20th C. military poster at the Pritzker Military Library.

Some area businesses new to CGN offer a range of helpful art services and resources. Robert John Anderson specializes in real estate, from an artistic perspective. JK Imaging & Craft can help with reproduction of fine art, and they also offer retail and online sales of custom handcrafted items.

• (ART) FAIR GAME:

One show has a new name, and another will debut at a storied Chicago art venue this fall. There’s been a lot of talk, and there still will be many surprises this year. What does 2012 have in store for our art fairs? You can read some of our past art fair blog entries here.

The team behind expoChicago, led by Tony Karman and debuting September 20-23 at Navy Pier, unveiled a heavy-hitting list of announcements this past November:

• Vernissage... The arty party to benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art was once in demand, and now the party days are back. Start figuring out a way to get an invitation.

• International art world players have already gotten on board: David Zwirner, Richard Gray, Galerie Karsten Greve, the Mayor Gallery, and Rhona Hoffman (one of 3 super powers on the selection committee) • Good looks, great food: Chicago 'Starchitect' Jeanne Gang (of the famous Aqua Tower) will design the fair environment and experience. MK chef Michael Kornick will oversee the fair’s menu offerings.

The art fair season kicks off sooner than you think – stay tuned this spring when you’ll encounter new changes over in the Merchandise Mart as well. Art Chicago and NEXT have merged and are now one fair known as Next Art Chicago (NAC). The fair will take place on a single floor in the Mart April 26-29. Staci Boris was named the new director in 2011; a former curator, she comes to the fair from Spertus Museum and the MCA. Speaking of which, the museum will be the fair’s opening night preview beneficiary.

NAC began efforts a few months ago to conduct arts programming all year long in an effort to engage local art collectors and supporters, they’re distributing a handy newsletter about art world goings-on and hosting programs such as the new Collectors’ Colloqium with CGN. Details may be found here

CGN believes the adage that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and we believe that to be the case here for collectors, galleries, our multiple art fairs, artists, and of course our civic pride. Certainly, the more, the merrier in Chicago!

• ARTIST AWARDS, COMMISSIONS & EXHIBITIONS ELSEWHERE

Deborah Maris Lader, Director of Chicago Printmakers Collaborative , won first prize for her etching On Thin Ice from the Great Lakes Forever/Diversity Project Art Competition sponsored by Budweiser. On Thin Ice also won a distinction award from the NY Society of Etchers International Print Competition.

ZIA|Gallery artist Matthew Schofield was a 2011 finalist for the BP Portrait Prize in London, UK. He is also a finalist for the Kingston Prize for Portraiture in Canada. One of artist Holly Farrell's Fire King series was purchased by BMO Financial Group.

From Zolla/Lieberman we hear that: Essence: The Horses of Deborah Butterfield will be exhibited at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI January 27-April 29. Susanne Doremus will be participating in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s faculty sabbatical exhibition at the Sullivan Gallery, 33 S. State St., January 26-February 18. A retrospective, Matter + Spirit: Stephen De Staebler, runs at San Francisco’s de Young Museum January 14-April 22. A major monograph will accompany the exhibition (UC Press, January 2012). Xiaoze Xie will be participating in Across the Divide, a traveling exhibition of contemporary Chinese artists currently working in academia across the US. The exhibit will be on view at The Visual Art Center at the University of Texas at Austin, February-March 2012. Rocio Rodriquez was recently awarded $15,000 from Artadia: The Fund for Art and Dialogue.

Catherine Edelman Gallery artist Kelli Connell's book Double Life was named one of The Best Photo Books of 2011 by American Photo magazine.

Artist Tony Fitzpatrick unveiled a large-scale installation at Keefer’s on Kinzie St. on November 1, 2011 in honor of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary. The Necklace of Stars was conceived by Fitzpatrick as a jewelry-like adornment to Keefer’s distinctive, circular dining room wall. Each star has meaning and a story uniquely related to Chicago.


Phyllis Bramson and Anne Wilson

Artists Phyllis Bramson and Anne Wilson will be inducted into the Union League Club of Chicago’s Distinguished Artists Program at the Club’s biennial Beaux-Arts Celebration on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 65 W. Jackson Blvd. Bramson and Wilson are being recognized for their contributions to Chicago’s culture and support of the arts.

**More news and feature articles are added to this page all season, so visit often! And congratulate our dealers and artists on their news!

• ONGOING TOURS, WALKS & EVENTS:

1st Fridays at the MCA
6-10pm • 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Visit website for ticket info
January 6, February 3, March 2

1st Fridays, Flat Iron Arts Building
6-10pm • 1579 N. Milwaukee
January 6, February 3, March 2

1st Fridays, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
5-7:30pm • Crystal Lake, IL
February 3, March 2

2nd Fridays, Chicago Arts District
6-10pm • Around 18th & Halsted
January 13, February 10, March 9

2nd Fridays, Fine Arts Building
4:30-9:30pm • 410 S. Michigan
January 13, February 10, March 9

2nd Fridays at Lacuna Artist Lofts
6-10pm • 2150 S. Canalport
Visit website for studio info
January 13, February 10, March 9

3rd Fridays / Bridgeport Art Walk
7pm • Zhou B Art Center
1029 W. 35th
January 20, February 17, March 16

3rd Fridays, Oak Park Arts District
6-9pm • Harrison St.
January 20, February 17, March 16

Free Weekly Gallery Tours of 4 Galleries
• River North: Every Saturday morning meet @
750 N. Franklin • 11am-12:30pm
• West Loop/Fulton Market: Every 6 weeks, 1:30-3pm on a Saturday afternoon.
Next up: West Loop tour on February 4, 2012 – see schedule for details!