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.