Artists Anne Hayden Stevens, Derek Haverland, and James Jankowiak bravely agreed to participate in a public critique of their works and works-in-progress.

Lori writes:

“Forget the stereotype of the lone genius artist who toils away in complete isolation in his drafty garret for years only finally to be discovered, exhibited and celebrated. It didn’t work that way a hundred years ago, it doesn’t work that way today, and it’s never going to work that way.

Or does it? Scrap the drama from this romantic cliche and at least one truth emerges: Most artists work in relative solitude, practicing their craft in spare bedrooms, basements and studios with few opportunities to share their art with others.

Sure, some artists exhibit their work in galleries, and some even get a review, and once in a while that review turns out to contain a nugget of insight. But such are the exceptions. Most artists, said local painter Kate Friedman, “hunger for serious dialogue about art.” So she and dozens of others have started participating in a free experimental program taking place every few months at the Hyde Park Art Center called Open Crits…”

You can read the full article here

That’s what it said below our picture on a New York Times newsstand I found in a downtown Starbucks.

As some of you may know, the famed New York paper has begun a new locally focused news coverage, including expanded coverage of the Chicago art scene. Naturally, they chose an image of the Hyde Park Art Center as a symbol of our fair city’s creative community. Or, perhaps it was the fact we have the word “art” written two stories high across the south side of our building. Either, or.

If you spot any of these stands with the Hyde Park Art Center’s image, let us know. Email them to me at cpernell[at]hydeparkart.org and you may get a mention in our weekly email newsletter.

While the good of the world is turned on it back and all hope is lost, from the clouds falls a gleeful caped figure oblivious of the duties around him. With his limbs loose, eyes shut and smirk locked in, no woe or foe stands a chance.

Call it giving up, retiring, showing off, testing his new gear, being a sucker, a fallen hero, branching out and discovering new abilities, being humble, stepping down to join the civilians, rebellion, manic-depression, having a good time, or simply loosing a battle to gravity; If he hasn’t heard it he has assumed it’s been said. Plus, never in history has a cause been faithful to only one effect so he’s collecting extra credit on his way down.

ChokingOnTheMagicWord

Witnessing potential sparks endearment. Anticipating that potential manifest or fail sparks a flurry of emotions. When you see someone on the brink and in mid performance it is likely that they can’t see you, for they are alone with the matter at hand. It’s entertaining…harsh, inspiring, comedic, disappointing, fetishized, relieving, sad… …and entertaining.

When you can feel your potential everything regarding it is optional. To keep what you have is not selfish but riveting,and perhaps perplexing. A certain loss of innocence takes place when you share your “magic.” It’s almost worth it to fake it and keep up the show, right?

For more information on Stan Chisholm visit his web page at www.18andcounting.com

What is the thought behind the exhibition? What does it entail? What can people expect to see?
One of the biggest things with this show that’s pretty well known in my work I don’t think is well known as far as my exhibitions go is sticking to strict line work. I’ll do relief sculptures or murals, but they usually start off as graphic line drawings. But this one I want to be strictly that. I want this show to be just a really solid step by step read, because it’s in a hallway and you expect it to be in a certain order, and you expect to be in a cold, almost comic strip (way). You expect to read it as that. I mean it’s not going to be one solid story, so a non-linear narrative, but it’s just on a linear format.

At this month’s Cocktails and Clay on December 11 we are taking a similar look at the tradition of body art. How do your tattoos reflect your politics? Age? Occupation?

Here are the photos of the tattoos from December’s Cocktails and Clay! Take a look and see what you think these photos say about each person!

It was the last thing anyone expected to happen at a Hyde Park Art Center exhibition opening. For no good reason at all (or so it seemed) people were made to queue single file and subjected to stern questioning before being granted entry. Unbeknownst to these faithful art lovers that their bemusement, frustration or unfazed acceptance of authority were actually art in the making. More precisely they were participants in a performance by artist Tania Bruguera which was designed to simulate how bureaucratic power interferes with societal belonging.

Bruguera’s performance is one of nine artists projects that have been commissioned by the Hyde Park Art Center as part of the Close Encounters exhibition. The performance was brilliantly performed by Cecilia Vargas (the role of desk officer), and also Sam Goodman and Clare Britt (who acted as provocateurs within the queue). Also, special thanks to Hannah Verrill who documented the performance.

If you waited in line please contact us or comment on this blog. We would love to hear your stories.