The (Con)Temporary Art Space

The folks behind Lumpen and Proximity magazines have been given the opportunity to open an art space in downtown Chicago. The Chicago Loop Alliance has a new program called Pop-Up Art Loop where they're working with artists to utilize empty storefronts. Proximity has been given the old Ritz Camera space on Wabash and Adams. I think it's awesome that the old neon camera signs are still installed in the store as seen at the top of the flier above.

I'm happy by what they plan to offer in the space. Info from their site...

The former retail space will be used as a working studio by cultural workers, producers, artists and designers for projects they are working on collectively and individually. The Public will be able to absorb these presentations as well as share their ideas about contemporary art. The (Con)Temporary Art Space will function as a information center and a place to learn about Chicago’s diverse art ecology.
Read more about the space’s mission here.

We are opening up a shop to sell what we think are the best artist publications around. There is also a co-working space/studio, a reading lounge, and the (An)Other Chicago Mapping project. Every Thursday night we will feature a new exhibition and opening showing work by various groups, spaces and individuals that represent the variety of Chicago’s art worlds.

Why don’t you join us Thursday, February 18 4:30pm to 8:30pm for our grand opening and inaugural exhibition showing work by the founding members? Stop by and find out how you can have a show in our Display Case Gallery or participate in the space, or help us create a collaborative map of the city’s Other Culture. If you put out a publication or zine, bring that to us for us to consign and sell!

The (Con)Temporary Art Space
Opening reception, Thursday, February 18, 2010
4:30 to 8:30 pm
208 S Wabash (Under the Pink, Brown, Orange, and Green Line Adams/Wabash CTA station)
Chicago, IL

The space will be open 11:30 - 5:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday and later on Thursday nights.