50 Alderman / 50 Artists

This group show is a great concept.  I'm looking forward to see what the portraits look like.  Info from the Johalla Projects site...

How many Chicagoans know what their alderman looks like? How many Chicagoans can tell you who their alderman is, and what he or she has been doing lately? We’re not pollsters, so we don’t have any hard data to provide answers to these questions — but we are artists, and we’re interested in using art as a vehicle in depicting and learning more about the aldermen who represent us at City Hall. To this end, we have invited other Chicago artists to join us in producing 50 ALDERMEN/50 ARTISTS: A group exhibition of portraits that will enable people to learn more about the 50 aldermen who make up the Chicago City Council, and raise awareness of local government. On Friday, March 19, 2010 from 7-11pm, Old Style and Hum proudly presents 50 ALDERMEN/50 ARTISTS at the Johalla Projects Gallery, 1561 N. Milwaukee.
For the exhibit, 50 artists from across Chicago were invited to choose one alderman to feature in a 16″x22″ portrait, using their media of choice. Participating artists were required to interview or attempt to interview the alderman they are depicting. All 50 aldermen have been invited to the opening, which will include biographical information and a voter registration table. In addition to the show, we hope to feature the 50 alderman portraits — as well as portraits of Richard M. Daley and Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger — in an “alternative voting guide.”
Aldermen serve four-year terms, during which they vote on regulations and rules that affect all of us. And sometimes they participate in the notorious Chicago political machine: Since 1974, 30 aldermen have been convicted of federal crimes ranging from tax evasion to bribery. (A couple of others died before going to trial.) Whether ethical or corrupt, aldermen make our city what it is, and make Chicago’s history. 50 ALDERMEN/50 ARTISTS hopes to acknowledge this fact, as well as celebrate the richness of our local political culture.

50 Aldermen/50 Artists curated by Jeremy Scheuch and Lauri Apple

Exhibition runs Friday, March 19 – April 2, 2010

Press Preview 6-7 pm

Opening Reception 7-11pm

Closing Reception April 2, 7-11pm

Gallery hours are on Saturdays from 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 

50 Alderman / 50 Artists

Opening Friday, March 19, 2010

7 - 11 pm

Johalla Projects

1561 N Milwaukee Ave

Chicago, IL