[Decompressing from Centerline] An Internship Update

Centerline, it was the big exhibit that I started working on from day one of my internship. The annual exhibit that showcased 50+ artists from the Zhou B Art Center and 4Art was finally happening. But Centerline wasn't the only event happening that weekend. In conjunction with Chicago Artist Month, Bridgeport Art Walk was going on as well. Plus on top of those events, 4Art was celebrating its' 10 year anniversary and Zhou B was a location for Open House Chicago.

To the say the least the weekend had its fill of butterflies and stimulation! Right after my core classes on Friday, I took the orange line straight to my internship. There I was quickly given a list of last minute preparations before the crowd came in for the opening night of Centerline. There was a lull for a short minute after I finished the my tasks where I was able to catch up with my thoughts. "Is this really what I want to be doing...?" I thought to myself.  The exhaustion of the day was catching up to me. But I had to quickly throw those thoughts to the side and greet the guests.

Saturday and Sunday came to be more relaxed then Friday night. But that is the fun in opening nights! As I said before, Zhou B Art Center was a location for Open House Chicago. A two day event held by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Where historical buildings and locations are open and free to the public all around the city. A steady flow of people filled the building and gallery. I was able to talk about the show and the artists featured to the guests. This was what I loved most of all. As I move forward in my internship, I am building bond with each of the artists. By the end of the weekend the butterflies that I had once felt Friday night were gone. To where I felt I was in my element.

At the end of the weekend when I had another lull to sit and think. I wasn't thinking "Is this really what I want to be doing.." anymore. But I was filled with excitement and happiness of what was next for me.

Till next time,
Vaughn

Some snapshots from the weekend! 

Five on Friday by Vaughn

As the Chicago Program group headed into our 8th week here in the Windy City. Its feel like everyone is starting to get comfortable with the role they play in the city during their time here. Our core class teachers, Robyn Hart and Miss Dorothy have worked had to get us involved in the communities surrounding us. Here is another overview of my week here in Chicago! 

WINTER IS UPON US!! 

Now, this may not be my favorite thing about this week. But it has been one of the overall theme of the week... Unfortunately. The weather this week has been almost been unbearable to this Southern native. We were blessed though to have some really gorgeous days this week though. I guess thats a theme in the Midwest.. when talking about weather be prepared for anything.

        

ESS : Experimental Sound Studio

For Art Seminar earlier in the week, we traveled to the far north side of town to Edgewater. Here we went the experiment sound studio also known as ESS. We were given a tour of the place and listened to a curator talk about a current exhibit being shown there. For anyone interested in sound or music... This is place that you really need to check out in Chicago! When our teacher had told us about ESS, the  whole name threw me off. I was expecting to go in and have a bunch of robotic noises being thrown at me. However, there is a lot more to the space! 

Woodlawn Tap in Hyde Park

If you end up living in Hyde Park during you time in the Chicago Program.. Be sure to head over to Woodlawn tap near the University of Chicago! A group of us went over there this week to grab some food and drinks. Little did we know, but the place was packed with undergrad and graduate students from the university. I think it will become a place that we will go to 

ISP Workshops 

This week we had a workshop for our ISPs. A writer from the Chicago Reader came in to talk about interview tips. During our the process of putting together our ISP this workshop was really helpful. Even though we are required to have one expert interview, we will conduct many interviews. 

Open House Chicago! 

This past weekend was Open House Chicago.. the slogan 150 locations 48 hours. This event was hosted by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Each student was assigned a location in their neighborhoods (Uptown and Hyde Park)! 

(A Late) Five on Friday

So last week kind of got away from me... So this Five on Friday post from last week is being posted now. Since I've finished it you might understand why I got behind and am posting it now. 

I can officially say that I can start on my ISP. I wrote earlier this week about turning in the proposal. Well I passed the first stage! Que. the jumping up and down. But its an up hill battle from here. I figured out we only have 8 weeks till the final presentation. Time to get a move on... 

The Apple Computer at the ACM Office

This picture might sum it all up for me... 

But mainly because I've been playing on this gem all week. Mainly in Adobe Illustrator for my ISP. 

ACM really does hook up its students. 

Makerspace at Harold Washington 

Our ISP group came together to go to another makerspace in the city. Unlike Pumping Station One the Makerspace at Harold Washington Public Library was placed in a more educational setting. The space provides educational workshops on laser cutters and 3-d printers. 

We were taught how to use a free design software InkScape to alter text. Our ending product was a key chain! 

Jane Adams Hull House Soup Night

Hull House was a settlement house co-founded by Jane Adams in the late 1800s. It served as a pillar to Chicago during its operation. Today very little of the full settlement was is still in tacked today. However, the main house of the settlement (Hull House) has been turned into a museum. Parallel to the museum is a dining hall where the museum holds events on a regular schedule. 

As a group our Art Seminar class attended a soup night called "Re-Thinking Soup". Where we were provided soup while we listened to Susan Levine and Nadia Sulayman discuss the state of school lunches today. It was a really enlightening experience and discussion and I personally look forward to going to another event held there. 

Ann Hamilton at The Poetry Foundation

For those of you that do not know who Ann Hamilton is.. please go ahead and click here. The biography on the linked page can do more justice of explaining Ann than I can. Last thursday night my Art Seminar class made our way downtown. There at the Poetry Foundation we listened to Ann Hamilton, Jessica Stockholder and Srikanth Reddy.  The main event of the night was Ann Hamilton explaining the language and nature of her latest installment "The Event of a Thread". 

 Outside of the Poetry Foundation

Ann Hamilton speaking on Event of a Thread

*Photos taken by ACM Student Carly Ellefsen

Centerline 2013 at Zhou B Art Center  

The name of the exhibit almost says it all. Centerline, is the annual show showcasing the artists located in the Zhou B Art Center. The curator happened to be my internship supervisor, Robin Rios. As part of the Zhou B family 4Art artists were also in the show. 

Now, usually interns work mondays and wednesdays in the program. For me the internship days tend to be a little more vexed. Like most galleries around the city, 4Art is closed on Mondays. This detailed changed my internship days to Wednesday and Saturdays. 

This weekend however I was even busier, and worked all weekend. Friday through Sunday. 

Centerline was not the only event planned for the weekend at Zhou B. The center and the foundation gardens were both Open House Chicago locations. 

Okay I'm Back

So, I know it's been a while guys. I've been busy--promise I have metric ton of stuff to tell you about. Lucky for you guys, Vaughn's been keeping you nicely updated on most things.

I think I'll talk about my ISP a little first then we'll get around to my internship, because both things are getting really exciting right now. So, for my ISP, I'm really interested in cat-calling. Before I'd come to Chicago, I don't think I'd ever been cat-called (or as we say in my neck of the woods, "hollered at"). It's come as a real shock to me. So, for my ISP, I'm going to interview different women from around Chicago to talk about their experience. I'll not bore you with the details quite yet (actually I just don't want to make any promises about he end product), but it should be pretty cool. I'll at least learn some interesting stuff, for sure.

And my internship is starting to ramp up. I'll be working to network for the Peace Parks of North Lawndale project, involving transforming 10 vacant lots into park spaces for the community. I get to bump elbows with a lot of Lawndale's most important faces and learn about urban planning and arts as community connectors--that's right up my alley.

And, besides that, I've just been having an all around exciting time in Chi City. Like, look at this:

I got to meet Van Gogh at the Art Institute. Super fly. And for my internship we took a group of kids to the Field Museum and I got to meet Sue!

Wunderbar! (That means "wonderful" when English people say it. It's a German word. It actually means something else. At least, that's what my dad says.) I also took a random adventure to Wilmette, a Chicago 'burb, and saw the Bahai House of Worship. It's very impressive.

Also, I was just blown away by Wilmette. All the houses are so lovely and there's yards and trees and brick-paved roads and stuff. Very different from Uptown, where I live. It's crazy to think that just a half-hour on the train away that things are so different. It's enough to turn your brain to peanut butter.

And, here's a bonus pick, just to remind you all that sexism exists (and also to make you laugh because why is this real?).

(I'm talking about the "Men Only" hotel by the way)

Well, as Tigger used to say: TTFN.

(Ta Ta For Now) (Tigger was ahead of the times).

Yours,

Sara

ISP: Independent Study Project

All the classes here in Chicago have been go, go, go since the very beginning. But one component of the program has still been looming over my head. That being the independent study project, or better known as ISP. I mean, Chicago is so big and so many different things are happening in this city. However could I ever narrow down one project to do during my time here... I want to do them all!!

Since that is highly unlikely to happen. This past week I narrowed down my list to one and really focused to make it something I'd be happy to spend my time on here in Chicago.

As I have said before, before this program I had never been to Chicago. So of course I had heard from everyone and the mother about what chicago was "really like". Good, bad and the ugly. Also I heard non-stop about The Bean, Magnificent Mile and of course John Hancock Tower. All the iconic symbols and places that "was" Chicago.

But when I arrived and went through the busy week called orientation. I was pleasantly surprised that after seeing and crossing off my list of "must sees"; that I really wasn't even scratching the surface of what made up Chicago. The true Chicago. The heart of Chicago.

In my mind and in my short time here, one thing or should say 100+ things have screamed out. Saying it/they are what makes up the heart of the city. This "it/they"is the many neighborhoods of Chicago. Miss Dorothy said, that a true Chicagoan doesn't just say they are from Chicago. But they identify themselves with one of those particular neighborhoods.

This in part is the heart of my ISP. I want to make a guide for someone like me or who I was before I came to Chicago. A guide that I wish I would have had if I didn't come to Chicago through the Chicago Program.

So wish me good luck as I begin my process of roaming the city!

Hyde Park/Uptown Neighborhood Tours

All throughout the lands of Hyde Park and Uptown 

Did the ACM Students stir

For they had a big task upon them...

Yes, last week was the final week to prepare for our large core course assignment. Each neighborhood (Hyde Park and Uptown) had to work together to gather assets and put together a tour of our respective neighborhood. Individually we were responsible to go into our neighbors and find 3 businesses or institutions that were beneficial to the community. ACM described the assignment as "asset mapping". After we had located the businesses or institutions that were assets to our neighborhood. We were required to have an interview with someone from the location. After we had completed the asset mapping we came together to chose a route to present to the class.

This is were the team work came into play. Each neighborhood had a 2 hours for the tour and 75$ for food.

Even though it was a long day... it was an interesting assignment and experience. The two neighborhoods, Uptown and Hyde Park, contrast in comparison. On the North side Uptown is a densely populated community with an immediate hustle and bustle feel. While on the South side, Hyde Park has a more relaxed feel to it. Both neighborhoods are diverse and are going through conflicts of fighting gentrification in their community.

So I open up the discussion to you. Do you see gentrification as a positive or a negative to a community?

Five on Friday

Our one big assignment for the week had everyone's attention, and stress. But as the due date was today and we all survived; I can say that it was a good week. The large assignment I am referring to was our Neighborhood Guided Tours. As neighborhood groups, we had to compile a tour to highlight the "assets" that were located in our neighborhood. Along with giving a guided hour tour to the program students we also had to feed them. Even though the tours and asset mapping took up most of my week. I was still able to explore the city and find new things about Chicago. So drum roll please, here is this week's five on Friday! 

Comer's Children's Hospital 5k in Hyde Park

This Sunday my roommate and I ran in our first Chicago 5k. Since being in Chicago I have upped my running habits and workouts. So having this 5k planned was really exciting not to mention running it with Carly. We couldn't have asked for a better day for the race to fall on. It was one of those perfect fall days, one that you can usually only imagine Chicago to be. The race started on the University of Chicago's campus in the quad, went through hyde park, partly on the lake front trail and ended back on the university's campus. When the race finished we were happy to see some of the students from the program cheering us on at the finish line. 

Carly and I did a great job in our division. I placed 10th in our age division (20-24) and Carly placed 25th. We've already signed up for another race at the end of month! Must have the running fever from all the Chicago Marathon buzz going on that is happening this Sunday.

Chicago Cultural Center

Downtown in the old Chicago Public Library lies a true treasure! This treasure is the Chicago Cultural Center. Earlier this week as a group my art seminar class visited the site. Glimery mosaics immediately caught my eye as I entered the building. As I traveled up the winding staircases I was stuck with awe; as I found myself standing under a huge dome. 

Other than the outstanding interior and exterior of the building the Center was host of numorous exhibits free to the public. A interactive light exhibit called Shift was a group favorite. The artists installed three different light shows that had the viewers be a large part of the work. Here are some pictures from the amazing show. 

Another amazing find our class had in the Center was StoryCorps. StoryCorp is an nonprofit organization with the mission of recording everyday americans stories. There we were able to listen to amazing stories and sign up to tell our own. When you sign up, you come in for 40 mins to record the story. You walk out with a broadcast quality CD of the recording. It was really interesting to hear about.. here is a link if you are interested in what they are all about. 

Mello Yellow in Hyde Park

For some reason this week I've eaten out a lot. I don't know if it was just that I was on the go all throughout the week or if I was just being lazy. However, whatever the reason I was able to find some really good places to eat. My favorite place that I ate at this week was Mello Yellow in Hyde Park. Before this week I hadn't explored much of 53rd street. But wow now I know that place like the back of my hand. Mello Yellow is a locally owner family restaurant that has been in Hyde Park over 20 years. They are famous for there Chicken and Waffles and I would recommend them! 

NATALIA KILLS: Midnight Concert

So if you don't know who Natalia Kills is... You might want to look her up right now. She is going to be the next big thing. Anyway, on a completely spontaneous whim a group of program students travel north to Boytown from Hyde Park. Without any preconceived notions to what we were going to we found ourselves in a gay bar being serenaded by drag queens. Maybe, not the most typical Wednesday night.. But I don't regret my decision to going out that night. We were able to truly experience the city and listen to great performance as well!  

Kilwin's Chocolate Shop on 53rd in Hyde Park

Yes, one of the things I love about Hyde Park as you can tell is the food. I stumbled upon this gem the other day and immediately fell in love. Kilwin's is a locally owned chocolate and ice cream shop. A must get if you visit is the Hyde Park Mud Fudge. 

Five on Friday

“Busy as a bee”. That’s what I feel like currently. I’ve been working at a steady pace constantly since I’ve been in Chicago. Or at least moving at a constant pace, if it was work related or not. There is just some much to do here in the city. I’ve seen, tasted, smelled and participated in so many things so far. To help condense my experiences each week I will be posting a “Five on Friday” post. Highlighting my favorite five things of the week.

In the meantime, this here is this weeks Five on Friday!

One: Art Institute of Chicago

            More than likely not the last time to featured on Five on Friday. A visit to the Art Institute headed off my week. Sunday I visited the museum to make a last minute stop to see the special exhibit “Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.” Not only did I get to see work by my favorite impressionist artist Degas. I finally got to see Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

            Tuesday, I returned to the Institute with my Art Seminar class. Our teacher lead us through the permanent impressionism collection of the museum. Our main focus currently in class is women’s roll in art.

Two: BonJour Bakery in Hyde Park

            My roommate and I stumbled across this little bakery in the Hyde Park shopping center this past weekend during the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. So of course this week I’ve stopped in more than once to get my coffee fix on.

Three: Newest Addition to Apartment 905 : Swiffer Jet Mop

            Yes, I did list a Swiffer jet mop. One thing that ACM forgot to mention or draw emphasis to was the need to a mop in our apartments. It just happens too that Carly’s lovely parents visited this past weekend. Along with the other goodies they brought her the mop was probably my favorite. Looking forward to making our hard wood floors sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!

Four: Welcome OCTOBER!

  I welcome October with wide open arms. Because October is the month of warm drinks in cool weather, scarves and boots, Chicago Artist Month,  colorful leaves and the last bit of pleasant weather before the unbearably cold Chicago winter.

Five: Pullman Porter Blues

Thursday night we went to the Goodman theatre to watch the musical Pullman Porter Blues. It was an amazing production that told the story of the African American Porters. 

Third Fridays..

Are you in the market of looking for a friendly, nurturing, and innovative art gallery? Then I know just the place for you. Hello, my name is Vaughn and I’m the residing intern at 4Art gallery for the Fall 2013 semester. Now, back to your perfect fit art gallery… you might guess but it is 4Art gallery.

I say this not to be a phony sales man for my internship, but a true testament to what I’ve experienced in my short time here. Before a month ago I had never been to Chicago, let alone a Chicago art gallery. Upon arrival I quickly looked up all the galleries around the city. Quickly rushed out the door and visited as many as I could. What surprised me most was the feeling I had from these visits. Uncomfortable, unwelcoming and snobby were some of the words come to mind. Not at all what I had day dreamed in my countless art history and art class back at my college campus.

However, my morale was quickly lifted when I began work at 4Art.

Here, each month the artist and galleries of the Zhou B Art Center invite community members in to experience a night of art appreciation and fun, this night is referred to as “Third Friday”, for literal purposes. This past “Third Friday” was a night that lifted my spirits.

The night also hosted the 2^nd annual group theme show for 4Art. Shattered Mirror, was the show’s theme. The world seems to always want to put a label on something. Labeling is particularly a nasty thing in the art world. If you are a photographer you are a photographer. If you work in music, you only compose music. The list of “onlys” and labels at times can be endless. In Shattered Mirror however, artists broke these labels. They either worked out of their usual media or concept. Breaking the boundaries and exploring their interests

For instance, artist George Lindmark a tradition portraitist broke away from his normal context and media. Tapping into his personal interests with comic novels and science fiction he created a large-scale story board.

Another gallery artist, Tim Hughes broke his boundaries as well. By transforming one of his paintings into a relief sculpture. “This is something entirely new to Tim” said Rios. And she seemed very happy about what was produced.

One 4Art artist, Mo Flint, was participating in his first every show. Flint showcased three mixed media sculptures. Resembling robots, these sculptures have a quirky unique look about them. Flint was successful in instilling a personality in each sculpture that captured the viewers’ attention. A common reaction throughout the night was curiosity and fascination in regards to the sculptures. The viewer was able to set their imaginations free to work out the backstories to these quirky robots.

 4Art is a place that encourages the creative process in its artists and other community artists as well. Coming up is the gallery’s 10-year anniversary. Gallery owner Robin Monique Rios’ mission is to make the environment around the gallery open and friendly. A mission that she has worked hard to stay close to these past 10 years.