The Age Demanded

The West Loop's Golden Age has a multimedia show opening tonight by Jon Rafman featuring photography, video, and painting.

Jon Rafman: The Age Demanded
at Golden Age
119 N Peoria
Chicago, IL

Opening Friday, October 29, 2010
6 to 9 pm
On view through December 10, 2010

Dirty Eyes

The Hills Esthetic Center on the West Side is presenting a show by two artists from Le Dernier Cri tonight.  Le Dernier Cri is a French printmaking collective from Marseilles that specializes in comics, books, and screen prints.  Check out their insane looking site here.

Dirty Eyes
Le Dernier Cri
at The Hills Esthetic Center
128 N Campbell (2nd floor)
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 29. 2010
8 to 11 pm
On view through November 20, 2010

It's Your Funeral

The Chicago Tattoo Factory in Uptown has a group show opening tonight titled, "It's Your Funeral" including the painting above by Mitch O'Connell.

It's Your Funeral
at the Chicago Tattoo Factory
4443 N Broadway
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 29, 2010
6 to 11 pm

Community Day of the Dead Ofrenda

Pilsen's Chicago Urban Art Society will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos installation with altars honoring different people and groups.  Among them will be one dedicated to graffiti and street artists who have died as well as one featuring ghost bikes.  Ghost bikes is a movement honoring people who have died in bicycle accidents.  Bicycles are painted white and chained to a post at the site where the person died.  Information on that person is posted on the bike to both remember them and to create awareness of bicycists on the streets.

Fujifilm instant photograph by Oscar Arriola

Community Day of the Dead Ofrenda
at the Chicago Urban Art Society
2229 S Halsted
Chicago, IL
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 29-31, 2010
6 to 9 pm

Chicago Critical Mass: Halloween Edition

Rene Magritte painting personified, photo by Oscar Arriola

This Friday is the October edition of Critical Mass, the monthly mass bike ride which begins at Daley Plaza each 4th Friday of the month. I've always enjoyed checking out the October ride because that's when everyone comes out in costume.  The riders usually come up with some great ones beyond the typical sexy stewardress or sexy hobo (or whatever) :-) that usually pops up at the Halloween bar scene.

Chicago Critical Mass Ride
*Free*
Starts at 5:30 pm
Friday, October 29, 2010
at Daley Plaza (Washington & Dearborn)
Chicago, IL

Karl Wirsum talk at the Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Imagist artist, Karl Wirsum, will be speaking at the Chicago Cultural Center tomorrow night, Thursday.  This will be part of a panel discussion featuring Karl with James Yood of the Art Institute of Chicago, Russell Bowman of Russell Bowman Art Advisory, collector Barbara Klawans, Imagist artist Gladys Nilsson, and artist Darrell Roberts.  In addition to talking about his work, Karl will also receive the 2010 Ruth Horwich Award to a Famous Chicago Artist from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  The Department created this award last year as a tongue-in-cheek reference to honor Chicago artists who've done well.  The award is named after the seminal, "Don Baum Sez 'Chicago Needs Famous Artists'" art show curated by art critic Don Baum in 1969 and presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art at the time.

I've enjoyed viewing Karl's work over the years.  From his "Plug Bug" mural that was viewable at Block 37 for many years (and honored in this posting here on Architecture Chicago Plus) to his painting of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, which Hawkins liked enough to feature on one of his album covers, Karl's work has always taken drawing to electrifying heights.  His colors and designs radiate a fun energy.  His "Armpits" painting made me laugh when I first viewed it with its fur glued to the woman's armpits.

Karl continues to produce new work including shows at Jean Albano Gallery and a commission at Midway Airport honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.  He also just had a show of early drawings at Derek Eller Gallery in New York this past month.

Karl Wirsum Panel Discussion
at the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
5th floor
Chicago, IL

Thursday, October 28, 2010
6pm
*Free*

Heavy Metal Harvest

Bucktown's Revolution Tattoo and Gallery will have a heavy metal art blowout this Saturday night.  They'll feature artwork by over 30 artists, as well as a costume contest, "heavy metal baked goods", and beer courtesy of Three Floyds.  There will also be a black T-shirt swap where for $5 you can exchange up to 3 band shirts you no longer want for other shirts.  Revolution Tattoo always puts on great shows, it should be a fun night.

Heavy Metal Harvest
Revolution Tattoo and Gallery
2221 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL

Saturday, October 23, 2010
8pm to midnight
This show will be on view through November 27, 2010

Pop Station

Chicago artist, Erik "RISK" Debat, will have a pop-up gallery opening tomorrow night Friday in East Garfield Park.  Staged as part of the City of Chicago's Chicago Artist Month event, and presented by Phantom Galleries, this show will feature paintings and installations by Erik in a beautiful terra cotta showroom setting...

Erik Debat: Pop Station
2620 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 22, 2010
4 to 8 pm
This show will also be on view Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 10 am to 2 pm and
Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 4 to 8 pm

Forever Rotten

Photograph by Josh Kurpius

Wicker Park's Johalla Projects presents a show on motorcycle culture and the riders who live life on two wheels.  There'll be artwork, video, and photographs by Adam Wright, Alex Gvojic, Brian Harlow, Chris Lindig, Chris “Turbo” Goff, Harlan Thompson, Josh Kurpius, Joe Suta, Jeff Wright, Ken Nagahara, Max Schaaf, Mitch Cotie, Slippery Pete, Tim O’Keefe, and Tim Remis.

Forever Rotten

Johalla Projects

1561 N Milwaukee Ave (2nd floor)

Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 22, 2010

7 to 11 pm

Also on view 7 to 11 pm on Saturday, October 23, 2010

The Level Eater

Bridgeport's Co-Prosperity Sphere and Pentagon Gallery present a huge Dungeon's and Dragons event beginning Friday night.  They will offer players the chance to play in games lasting several days involving 5 or 6 huge artist-built environments paired with original games designed by Dungeon Masters.  You can come and play or just view the installations in the space.  There will also be nearly a dozen fantasy films screened during the duration of the weekend.  Full schedule, list of participating artists, and info posted here.

The Level Eater

at the Co-Prosperity Sphere

3219 S Morgan St

Chicago, IL

Opening ceremony, Friday, October 22, 2010

*Free* from 8 to 9 pm

$5 after 9 pm

Live performance by Sunsplitter

Also open noon to 2am Saturday, October 23, 2010

and noon to midnight Sunday, October 24, 2010

Amelia Winger-Bearskin: Transformation Opera

Pilsen's Antena Gallery is presenting a sound and video art installation by performer/artist Amelia Winger-Bearskin Friday night.  Her work will combine footage of herself, as well as of public figures, "during moments of transformation", which will be slowed down and paired with sound and music from various sources like operas, ballads, and television shows.

There will also be work by J. Thomas Pallas on the Project Wall Space.

Amelia Winger-Bearskin: Transformation Opera

Opening Friday, October 22, 2010

6 to 10 pm

Antena Gallery

1765 S Laflin (just north of 18th. St)

Chicago, IL

*Free*

This show will be on view by appointment through November 20, 2010

Weirdness and Awesomeness presented by Bookworks Chicago

Lakeview neighborhood bookstore, Bookworks Chicago, has a new blog devoted to unusual books (as well as interesting things found tucked within the pages of books) from the shelves of their store. Edited by Lilli Carre, I'm really digging images like these...

Pitseolak: Pictures Out of My Life

Psychic Dominance 

Kittens on the Keys

Swimming Scientifically Taught

and a book on knitting sweaters titled, Beastly Knits.

Check out many more books and images from their store here. Or you can check it all out in person at 

Bookworks Chicago

3444 N Clark St

Chicago, IL

Lilli Carre at Saturday Cinema

Chicago cartoonist extraordinaire Lilli Carre, has had her animated work projected every Saturday night on the 2nd floor window of Saturday Cinema in West Town for the past month.  Check out her film, "The Jitters" as it loops for a couple hours beginning at sundown.

Lilli has published several beautifully drawn books in the past few years including "The Lagoon" and "Tales of Woodsman Pete".  She also has work featured in the just published 2010 editions of "The Best American Comics" and "The Best American Non-Required Reading".

Lilli Carre's "The Jitters"
projected from the 2nd floor window of Saturday Cinema
1369 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL
*Free*

Saturday, October 23, 2010
at sundown
There will also be a closing reception indoors on the following Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 8 to 11pm

Luftwerk: Projecting Modern

Luftwerk (artists Sean Gallero & Petra Bachmaier) will have a light and sound installation located on the 3rd floor of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Hyde Park this Saturday night.  This is a great opportunity to check out this magnificent house as well as see it changed with projected images and audio recordings.

You can make a night of it with a stop at Powell's Bookstore a few blocks east of there and pizza at Medici nearby.

Luftwerk: Projecting Modern
at the Robie House
5757 S Woodlawn Ave
Chicago, IL

*Free*
R.S.V.P. at photo@gowright.org
Saturday, October 23, 2010
6 to 10 pm

Lumpen Magazine release party

Lumpen Magazine is having a release party for issue 115 tonight at the Co-Prosperity Sphere in Bridgeport.  There will be a performance by Sound of My Voice, "anti-comedy" by Nick Bahr's Blue Comedy Explosion, and a secret surprise special band.  There'll also be many free copies of back issues of the magazine.  More info listed here.

Lumpen Magazine #115 Release Party

Saturday, October 16, 2010

8:30 pm to 1 am

$7

at the Co-Prosperity Sphere

3221 S Morgan St (in Bridgeport)

Chicago, IL

18th St Pilsen Open Studios

This coming weekend is the 8th annual 18th St Pilsen Open Studio walk.  Featuring work by well over 100 artists at more than 50 locations throughout Pilsen, this walk is always fun to attend.  There's a lot of great old buildings in the neighborhood with interesting spaces to check out.  And there's always a wide variety of artwork to see.  Here's a list of the artists scheduled to show work at studios, apartments, cafes, galleries, and other spaces in the area bounded by Western & Halsted and in between 16th St & Cermak Rd.  

There will be free shuttle buses connecting the locations.  Artist Jose Guerrero will lead a neighborhood mural walk on Sunday with times TBA.

This weekend would also be a great opportunity to visit the National Museum of Mexican Art's Day of the Dead exhibition.  They're located at 1852 W 19th St. The museum is free and open 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

8th Annual 18th St Pilsen Open Studios

Saturday & Sunday October 16 & 17, 2010

12 noon to 8 pm

Carlos Ramos & Mark Brown shows at Rotofugi

There'll be two shows of new work opening this Friday evening at Rotofugi.  Los Angeles artist Carlos Ramos will unveil a series of paintings based on David Bowie's many personas over the years.

Artist Mark Brown's show conjures up a darker atmosphere and will feature work like this painting...

Carlos Ramos: Bowie

and Mark Brown: Then Came the Shadows

at Rotofugi Gallery

2780 N Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL

Opening reception Friday, October 15, 2010

7 to 10 pm

with DJ Genghis Won and both artists present

Both shows will be on view through November 7, 2010

Panel discussion & closing party for Sixty Inches From Center

Tonight Thursday is the closing reception for Sixty Inches from Center: Contemporary Graffiti, a show featuring work by street artists and others working in the public realm.  Curated by Nicolette Caldwell and Casey Champion, tonight's reception will also feature a panel discussion moderated by Nicolette and Casey.  The panelists include: Brooks Golden, Hebru Brantley, Zoe McCloskey, Abraham Ritchie from Art Slant, and Fruzina Eordogh of Chicago Art Magazine.


Here's a video highlighting some of the work and artists in the show...



Sixty Inches from Center: Contemporary Graffiti
C33 Gallery
33 E Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL


Thursday, October 14, 2010
Closing Reception 
5 to 8pm
with a Panel Discussion
from 6:30 to 8pm

Art openings at the Chicago Cultural Center

There are some good shows opening tonight at the Chicago Cultural Center.  Muralist Jeff Zimmerman will be publicly painting one of his trademark murals, photographer Sandro Miller will have photographs shot in Cuba, and artist KS Rives will have a show of collages titled, "Exit Interview".

Jeff Zimmerman: The God Particle
A mural painted on site during the month of October

KS Rives: Exit Interview
and
Sandro Miller: Imagine Cuba
at the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 8, 2010
5:30 to 7:30 pm

Chicago Printer's Guild at CUAS

The Chicago Printer's Guild will present a group show by an excellent group of artists beginning tonight Friday at the Chicago Urban Art Society.  Featuring work by an array of artists and collectives including The Bird Machine, Dan Grzeca, Chad Kouri, Screwball Press, Diana Sudyka, Delicious Design League, and Sonnenzimmer.

Chicago Printer's Guild at
Chicago Urban Art Society (CUAS)
2229 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 8, 2010
6 to 11 pm with DJ Solson

The show will also be on view
Sat, October 9 from 1 to 5pm
Sun, October 10 from 1 to 5pm
Thurs, October 14 from 6 to 9pm

and for the 18th St Pilsen Art Walk weekend
Fri, October 15 from noon to 8pm
Sat, October 16 from noon to 5pm
and Sun, October 17 from noon to 8pm

More is More

Chicago painter, Nancy Rosen, has a show of new work opening tonight at the Post Family in West Town.  This will be the final show for the year at the Post Family so that's also a great reason to come out.  They always have interesting shows up.

Nancy Rosen:  More is More
at The Post Family
1821 W Hubbard St
2nd floor
Chicago, IL

Opening party, Friday, October 8, 2010
6pm to midnight
Food and drinks will be available

Other viewing hours by appointment

CUAS Pop-Up Project: Love Flows Both Ways

The Chicago Urban Art Society, in conjunction with Maxwell Colette Gallery, is presenting their first pop-up gallery tonight in Chicago's Loop.  Curated by Oliver Hild, and featuring an array of both local and international artists, it's shaping up to be a wide-ranging fun show. 

Check out more installation pictures here.

Love Flows Both Ways
A Pop-Up Gallery in Chicago's Loop
presented by the Chicago Urban Art Society
& Maxwell Colette Gallery at
205 S State St (at Adams)
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Thursday, October 7, 2010
5:30 to 10 pm
This show will be on view through December 4, 2010

HOTBOX: The Corner Store

Roving truck/art gallery, HOTBOX, will have its final show of the year on display this weekend beginning tomorrow Friday.  This edition of the gallery is titled, "The Corner Store", and will feature work by street artists The Grocer, Nice One, Joey D, and SWIV.  The outside of the truck will also feature lettering by designer Tara Lynch, and there'll be performances by Sidewalk Chalk.

The truck will be parked in 3 different neighborhoods over the next three nights.  Pilsen tomorrow Friday,  in the West Loop Saturday night, and a place to be announced for Sunday.  Hours and locations listed below.

HOTBOX: The Corner Store
SWIV, Nice One, Joey D, and The Grocer

Friday, October 8, 2010
7 to 11pm
at the corner of 18th. & Peoria in Pilsen

Saturday, October 9, 2010
7 to 11pm
at the corner of Randolph & Peoria in the West Loop

Sunday, October 10, 2010
place and time TBA soon

Stickers: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art

I was happy to hear that Kosbe, a friend of mine in New York by way of Chicago, is one of the artists featured in this new 300 page compendium of over 3,000 different stickers.  Featuring work seen on the streets of New York and from private collections, this book will be hard to beat.

There's an interview with author DB Burkeman here.  He and designer Monica LoCascio put this book together over the last several years.

This video features a sampling of what's inside...

And here are a couple of pages courtesy of Tough Love NYC ...

There's a release party for the book tonight in New York at Le Poisson Rouge sponsored by the authors, Anonymous Gallery, and Rizzoli, the publisher.  

Stickers: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art

Book release party at Le Poisson Rouge

158 Bleeker St

New York, NY

Thursday, October 7, 2010

9pm

Books will be available for purchase and signing

RSVP to lpr@anonymousgallery.com

There will also be a sticker show, based on the book, touring the country in 2011.  You can find some info on that here.

Roger Brown: Calif USA

Today, Sunday, is the last day for this exhibition of Roger Brown's work at the Hyde Park Art Center.  Centered on a series of paintings he created that were paired with and inspired by items from his collections, this series was titled, Virtual Still Life.  It's the first time this segment of his work has been studied and shown as a group.  The paintings on view were constructed with additional shelves to display ceramics and other items that together complete the work.  

Show curator, Nicholas Lowe, will talk about how he sorted through and put together this exhibition of both Roger's paintings and collections today at 3 pm.  More info on the show as well as installation photos available here.

Roger Brown: Calif USA

Hyde Park Art Center

5020 S Cornell

Chicago, IL

Free Admission

Today, Sunday, October 3, 2010 is the last day for this show.

Open today from noon to 5 pm.

Feel Good Time

Yollocalli Arts Reach has a 2-part fundraiser going on tonight Friday and tomorrow Saturday.  The first part is going on tonight at Nike's and St. Alfred's Six Points.  For a $5 donation you can hear Jesse de la Pena, CZR, and DJ Intel spin as well as pick up some shirts by Kane One.  All ages, and drinks for 21+

The second fundraiser will be held at Pilsen's Chicago Urban Art Society and will feature performances by Ghetto Division, DJ Mode, and DJ Merok.  There will also be a raffle for a 2-hr tattoo session by Chucho of Ace of 4 Hearts Tattoo.

Yollocalli Arts Reach is a youth arts initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Feel Good Time: A benefit for Yollocalli Arts Reach

Friday, October 1, 2010 7 to 10 pm 

at Six Points 

1529 N Milwaukee Ave

Chicago, IL

& 

Saturday, October 2, 2010  7 to 11 pm

at Chicago Urban Arts Society

2229 S. Halsted St

Chicago, IL

Monsters vs. Robots

Wicker Park's OhNo!Doom Gallery has a show opening tomorrow night Saturday, titled, "Monsters vs. Robots".  Featuring work by an array of artists settling the question, "Who is mightier?  Robot or Monster?"  More info here.

Monsters vs. Robots
OhNo!Doom Gallery
1800 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Saturday, October 2, 2010

Wild Card

Tonight's opening at Wicker Park's Johalla Projects is titled, Wild Card.  Featuring work inspired by Tarot Cards, these pieces are done in a variety of media and styles including painting, collage, drawing, paper cutting, and tattoo flash.  I got to preview some of the pieces during the installation and really got a kick out of printmaker Ryan Duggan's gluttony themed piece.  There's a lot of great work in this show and will be well worth checking out.

Wild Card

Johalla Projects

1561 N Milwaukee Ave

2nd floor (above Earwax)

Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 1, 2010
7 to 11 pm
On view through October 31, 2010

Milk Tooth

There's a group show opening tonight at Milk Tooth Gallery on Lake St.  Curated by Corinne Webb and featuring work by 20 artists including Carolina Reyes, Ray Noland, Likalee Tamay, Ray Arroyo Di Vicino, and more.

Eat It Or Wear It group show
at Milk Tooth
657 W Lake St
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 1, 2010
8 pm to 1 am

James Jankowiak: Leap of Faith

Chicago artist, James Jankowiak, has a show of new work opening tonight at the Architrouve in West Town.  James always creates interesting work so this should definitely be worth checking out.

James Jankowiak: Leap of Faith
The Architrouve
1433 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL

Opening reception, Friday, October 1, 2010
6 to 9 pm
The show will be on view through November 15, 2010