We are extremely honored to have been invited to participate in this upcoming Artists at Work Forum alongside the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) here in Chicago as well as a select handful of experts and motivators to discuss the importance of alternative public art initiatives and the development of projects such as Pawn Works Outdoors, which focuses on the facilitation of large scale contemporary murals. Below is the information for the event which takes place on November 19, 2012 at The Chicago Cultural Center in the Claudia Cassidy Theater. Come out, show your support and be a part of the conversation!

“Chicago Artists Resource reports….”Several Chicago alderman are looking at public art as an opportunity to engage their communities and transform neglected and inactive spaces.  Hear from representatives from 25th Ward’s Alderman Danny Solis’ Art in Public Places Initiative about its recent addition of 24 murals to the Pilsen community profile, as well as 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore’s Participatory Budgeting process that has resulted in over 30 murals planned or completed since 2010. Also, the Rogers Park Business Alliance’s Mile of Murals Project which produces several blocks of murals along embankments and underpasses for the past 4 years.”

Artists at Work Forum

November 19, 2012

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Alternative Public Art Initiatives

Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater

Admission FREE

Panelists:

• Lauren Pacheco, Special Assistant to Alderman Daniel Solis of the 25th Ward
• Nick Marzullo and Seth Mooney of Pawn Works
• Cecilia Salinas, Coordinator of Participatory Budgeting for the 49th Ward;
• Ana Bermudez, Special Service Area Manager, Rogers Park Business Alliance;
• Nathan Mason, Curator of Exhibits and Public Art/Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Moderator:  Barbara Koenen, Chicago Dept of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Gaia was in town again this summer to work on a few murals and certainly left his mark in some of Chicago’s most violent neighborhood’s during, arguably, the most violent summer on record. Its no surprise for Gaia works to be found in neighborhoods like that of Chicago’s Englewood, Austin and East Garfield Park neighborhoods.Not far behind Gaia were OverUnder and Montreal’s Labrona, both of whom we have brought in to Chicago to work on some murals as well as on a new,  yet to be announced project on Chicago’s Northside. Both OverUnder and Labrona got quite a bit of  coverage all over Chicago, beautifying derelict abandoned buildings from East Garfield Park to West Humboldt Park and Bridgeport.As Chicagoan’s and active members in the street art community we are very pleased to learn of this and of course influence it where possible. If you get the nerve to travel to more of Chicago’s ‘out the way’ neighborhoods in the coming days, weeks, years, it can only help the city grow, get out there and buy gas in a different neighborhood if you have too. Buy your Sour Patch Kids and Gatorade’s at a different corner store from time to time and you’ll be likely to see a lot more on your way too and from.