Chicago Art Department

A look at the Mortal Plush show

2009-07-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

It looks like the show was a hit, I wish I could have made it out.

Here is a list of all the Artists

And here is a look at the show

Evita El Exceso | New Works by Tripa Co. | 03.07.09

2009-03-01T12:08:00.001-08:00

Evita El Exceso | New Works by Tripa Co. | 03.07.09
Originally uploaded by Chicago Art Department

Evita el Exceso
new work by Tripa Co.
March 7 - March 28

Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Chicago Art Department
1837 S Halsted
7pm - 12am

2nd Friday Viewing:
Friday, March 13, 2009
6 - 10pm

In the second coming of Tripa Colectivo, Mike Wilgus joins the experimental artist group in their continued exploration of culture and gender issues embedded in the mundane. This collective, co-founded by Jova Durán and Abraham Velázquez Tello in 2007, seeks to create support and representation for Latino and Chicago artists alike. Tripa’s mission has been greatly aided by the Chicago Art Department, for which Velázquez is now a resident artist.

“Evita el Exceso” warns of the dangers of obsessive consumption. Information and object overload is deforming personal identity and violating the space of interaction between human beings. Relationships are mediated by materialism rather than being born out of real connections. The public space is controlled by rhetoric not reality. We are the overload. We are what we consume. We are the excess. Beware.

chicagoartdepartment.org
www.mytripa.com

For more info contact:
Abraham Velazquez Tello
abraham@lunaroja.net

FUTURE version 1.0 | Audio/Visual Takeover | 2.27.09

2009-02-25T23:37:00.001-08:00

FUTURE version 1.0 | Audio/Visual Takeover | 2.27.09
Originally uploaded by Chicago Art Department

The Chicago Art Department + Afters Cool Society presents
FUTURE version 1.0
The future of music is now

Friday, February 27, 2009
Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
6PM

This event will coincide with the closing party for 200 Lincolns. Viewing will be from 6-8PM, then lights out!

Come witness some of your favorite (and soon to be favorite) electronic musicians, dj's, and vj's all under one bad-ass roof!

Audio:
CAD Audioholics: 6-8p
Garo (Moment) 8-9p
Lokua (Moment) 9-10p
Slava (Moment) 10-11p
DJ Tapedek (Afters Cool Society)11-12a
RSB 1000 12-1a
Twitch & Dojo (Frite Nite)1-2a

Video:
Machinist 8-9pm
Nathan Peck (Rook TV) 9-10p
MF Chicago (MF Chicago)10-12a
Mason Dixon (MG Festival)12a-2a

*** BYOB or "donate" $2 for cold brew***

200 Lincolns opens 02/13/09

2009-02-03T15:56:00.001-08:00

200 Lincolns | Chicago Art Department | 02.13.09
Originally uploaded by Chicago Art Department

PICTURE BOOKS: Paintings & Their Covers | New Works by Nathan Peck | 01.09.09

2009-01-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

PICTURE BOOKS: Paintings & Their Covers | New Works by Nathan Peck | 01.09.09
Originally uploaded by Chicago Art Department

PICTURE BOOKS: Paintings & Their Covers | New Works by Nathan Peck | 01.09.09

PICTURE BOOKS: Paintings & Their Covers
New Works by Nathan Peck

For our first show of 2009, resident artist and CAD co-founder Nathan Peck presents "PICTURE BOOKS," new works comprising of two series of Photo-Collage-Painting-Books.

The first 5 volume set is based on photos of and by Pong Khumdee. The other is a series of inter-century mash-ups of Abraham Lincoln and the turbulent 60's.

Opening Reception:
Friday, January 9th
Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
6-10pm

Chicago Art Department Turns 5!

2008-12-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Resident artists, former students, and friends of CAD

Captive audience

The evening's big winner - Mark Cwiakala

Auction Item: Gelato Cake by Chef Ryan Bockenfeld

Winning Bidders - Birdie, Gabe, & Niko

Nathan on the paintbrush mic

Tapedek all dressed up

Mike & Nat just before opening

Chris, Nathan & Jen

Nathan Peck

Stacy Peterson

Kerry Flaherty

Abraham Velázquez

Mike Nourse

Jen Rosenthal

Chris Hales

Raffle/Auction Prizes

Delicious Design League
“Delicious Chicago” (edition of 55)
4-color hand screen print
2008

Chuck Przybyl
“The Steel - from The Remnants Series”
archival C-print
2007

Chuck Przybyl is a Chicago based artist working with photography and video.
www.chuckphoto.com

Jill Lanza
“Untitled”
handmade paper/photos/stitching on wood
2008

Drawing from everyday encounters, I gather colors and textures found in my landscapes. My imagery is built through the creation and destruction of photographs and drawings with letterpress and sewing—to reference and examine the textures and topography that surround us. By combining various photographs and drawings of different spaces, a new place is constructed—one for the audience to discover and experience. Whether in the confines of a book or an installation space, I build paths with my imagery. By stripping and abstracting each element from my surroundings, I am able to review the notion of one’s relation to place.
www.jilllanza.com

Ben Chappell
"I'm Looking Through You"
horizon kompakt 140º panoramic digital print on foam-core
(shot on Fuji Velvia 100)
2007

Ben shoots TV commercials for a living. He shoots film photography for fun and mostly listens to gangster rap and old music.
imsohigh.tumblr.com

Rodrigo "SOLO" Mireles
“Hood Angel 4”
spray enamel/laser print & acrylic on wood panel
2008

SOLO is a Chicago native who specializes in character illustrations. He blends anime and hip-hop aesthetics, and his style is well known in the city's various graffiti circles. He is currently freelancing as a character concept artist for video game companies and is illustrating several comic anthologies for independent book companies. He enjoys cycling.
www.arempire.com

“I donated this piece for the CAD fundraiser because I think what CAD is doing—helping young artists realize their ambitions and dreams through art instruction and practice—is very important.”

Jesikah Ruehle
“Drawings for Disaster (Wrens Build Three Nests)”
screened monoprint on Rives BFK
2008

Jesikah Ruehle graduated with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008. In general, her work is an investigation into different places and events (both recorded and unrecorded, both public and private, both vast and intimate) and how our experiences of them are informed by their subjective meanings. She is now living outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota where she has started an experimental artist residency program.
www.jesikahruehle.com

“I am donating to CAD because its existence is integral to the Chicago art community and it would be a crying shame to lose it.”

Jeremy Bolen
“Concert Hall”
archival inkjet print
2008

This photo is part of a far larger series entitled "leftover and leaving: abandoned resort towns in America". Some other prints from the series are on display at the Rainbo bar in wicker park all of November. Jeremy Bolen makes photos and music as much as possible.

Jonathan Michael Johnson
“Flair Building - 2nd Generation Prototype”
archival digital print, polymer sheeting, veneer
2008

I first saw it from a car’s backseat window some 25 years ago: the metropolitan framework of Chicago. I remember contorting my body in an effort to take more in. To my young eyes the buildings were impossibly high and overflowing. I was in awe of their presence. This city’s grandeur would imprint in me the power of logic and reason. Stone, glass and metal twisted into epic shapes - direct evidence of our progress as a people. The rational sciences focused into tangible symbols of human strength. The last four years of my life were spent traveling the country. I visited hundreds of cities. And weekly, I returned to my home in Chicago, humbled by the beauty of its corridors and halls. I create rifts in reality – pockets of concentrated time. Space is pushed, pulled and carved via traditional and non-traditional techniques. Each image is born from a series of photographs. These medium format sources may be as large as 120 mega pixels. I implement a process of refinement, where elements not tied directly to the structural integrity of the subject are stripped. The skeleton of the image is handled with a worshipful eye. It is glorified, enhanced and presented to the viewer – not as a byproduct of society, but as an honored stage in humanity’s progress. Michelangelo is known to have carved his ‘David’ under the discipline of disegno. This is the belief that sculpting the male form is likened to the act of divine creation. Michelangelo believed that religion guided his hands with faith.
planckstudios.com

carlsweets
"Uncle Jack"
archival digital inkjet print
2007

The staged, self-portrait performances of carlsweets capture psychosexual behaviors, issues of the body, beauty, and intimacy. He uses photography as documentation of ritual or a rite of passage. The resultant images identify with archetypes of the western pantheon of the collective unconscious and generate a visual depiction of self-diagnosed sublimation.
www.carlsweets.com

Sandi Chaplin
“What grows?”
photography/mixed media
2008

You left behind a microwave, a beanbag chair with a rip in the side, and me. I needed the microwave, but the beanbag chair with a rip in the side… well… I brought it all the way down 4 flights of stairs, but I just couldn’t drag it across the yard and out to the dumpster in the alley. So I left it sitting there - partly on the cobblestone patio we put in last year – but mostly off. I pretend it’s intentional – it’s funky lawn furniture – in reality, though – it’s just funky. All winter long it sat there – the rip growing larger – I’m guessing it’s the work of possum – or stray cats – or rats – or June bugs (although it’s only May)…
Yeah… it’s full of funk. It’s killing the lawn – but it keeps me connected while I feel utterly disconnected – shuffled around and misconnected. I grew into you while you grew out of me. (how can you tell which is the side of a bean-bag chair?) Sometimes – when I remember us together – I think I only remember me.

“Why did I contribute? you asked me and I have NO spine...(plus, you scare me - just a little) ...I have been on hiatus from the art scene... caught up in teaching... and writing... but no gallery shows since I moved to Pilsen. Then I found you on the internet (which is odd that I would find you THERE and not simply in passing - considering you are a block from my house) and you took me into your flock via your photography "class." This led to another show with your ilk - and now... well... now I've drunk so much wine on your premises... I feel like CAD is an old friend - an old, crotchety, "you call that art? That isn't art" friend... CAD was there when I needed someone to support me - to encourage me - to remind me why I started on this crazy artistic journey in the first place... Why did I contribute????!?!?! Seriously?!?!?! Because I love you guys!! I do! You remind me of my art studio storefront days/daze... You're invaluable - you're needed - you're just-in-time for SO many artists needing a nod...”

Edyta Stepien
“Found Object 2 from the "4th of July Series"
C-Print
2006

Edyta Stepien is a multimedia artist that lives and works in Chicago. Found Object 2 is a photograph from a “4th of July” series. The corncob was one of many ordinary objects left behind on the street after a day of celebration for the Fourth of July. Photographing the objects in the studio setting was an attempt to strip them from the common associations and put them in a new context – the objects itself.
www.edytastepien.com

"Why did you donate to CAD? - support the idea of an environment where you can create / share / show artwork.”

Christopher Conrad Korycki
“Devil’s Territory (14th and Canal)/Listen to Slayer”
inkjet print on foam board
2008

I am interested in exploring that elusive territory between highbrow and lowbrow cultures. Extremes, externalities, outliers and outright contradictions from the quotidian to the sacrosanct are investigated and promptly exploited for new realms of meaning, purpose and retinal (dis)pleasure.

“CAD provides a much needed “foot in the door” opportunity to help emerging artists get involved in Chicago’s art scene, as well as foster an environment of collaboration and experimentation.“

Seth Gershberg
“Terrorist Tower”
digital print
2007

SG is a visual artist and Co-founder of the artist collective MF Chicago; he is also a resident artist at CAD. SG's work tends to be experimental and incorporates extreme post-production applied to 2D, 3D and moving visual formats. His VJ activities combine all visual formats and multiple re-sampling. SG has performed at large festivals like Lollapalooza and has worked with many musical artists like Mixmaster Mike, DJ Craze, DJ ESP, Mark Farina, Karsh Kale, Bassnectar, VHS or Beta and the New Millennium Orchestra.

Ariel Sundel
"Summer Snow Mountain Waterfall Crane" (top)
digital print
2004

Ariel Sundel
"Under Construction" (bottom)
digital print
2004

These photographs are part of a collection that explores the interaction between technology and nature and how we perceive their relationship. Generally, I think there is a common perception that technology interferes with nature, disrupting its beauty. But why do we consider technology to be different from nature, if it is an extension of ourselves? Can technology be just as beautiful as nature, and can nature be just as destructive as technology? Does there seem to be a constant battle of the two, or are there moments of synergy?

“Thank you, CAD, for giving me opportunities to exhibit work that people actually see. I have met some really interesting and talented people through you.”

Bernard Manning
"A Hard Day's Night. #3"
(Shinjuku Yamanote Line, Tokyo Japan)
glicée on archival, coated stock
2007

Bernard Manning is a university educated photographer and designer with an intense interest in the human condition and visual peculiarities. He enjoys documenting his travels and uses photography as an extension of his own curiosity and insight into his surroundings. Bernard considers his work to be marginal, primarily due to his own self-deprecating manner.

Matt Hill
“Lake Superior”
cross processed color slide film, 35mm scan, pigment ink on luster paper
2008

Matt lives and works in Chicago but takes most of his photos while on the road. Not normally for the purpose of preserving a memory, but because foreign environments have proven to be better subjects. Turning onto an unfamiliar road, everything is new and in an unexpected place, and in that environment even the mundane can become exciting and interesting.

Gabe Lanza
“Everyone thought Kim was weird”
archival pigment print on 100% cotton rag
2008

Raised on an underground language of imagery from the flat world contained on the front of cereal boxes, toys and television programs, Lanza blends ironic spice into the expected charm of his visual treats. Using found objects and words to develop his paintings; Lanza mixes the old with his new. His antique frames are built using old trimming and moldings, found scraps of wood, and old wooden drawers. Combining features of cartoon and folk art, his work is a composition of extractions and rearrangements from his drawings and sketches that explore a self-contained reality—another universe incorporating fantasies and illustrations. He brings to it a distinctive liking for tightly stitched paintings, amiable art patterns and crystalline, hard-edged shapes as well as an affection for old wallpaper, tin toys and cartooning. Lanza works both big and small and in two and three dimensions, depicting emotional relations between characters with a touching, comedic sense.
www.gabelanza.com

Abraham Velazquez
“14th and Paulina Series”
Fuji Velvia 4x5 - archival inkjet print
2007

http://lunaroja.net/

Miss. Shellie Fiocca
“Odd Ball Out”
mixed media collage/drawing
2008

My art is my personal therapy and helps me get away from the stress and complications of life. It is my outlet to a quiet place. I paint on found photographs and magazine pages to create my own whimsical little worlds. I enjoy putting a twist on reality and using my imagination with images, text, and the human form. I hope to inspire colorful conversations over coffee and biscuits and remind people that there will always be great stories to tell.
www.focusbalancecreate.com
missshellie.etsy.com

“Why did I donate to CAD? - I love these people and their vision. They have inspired me and have taught me things about myself and my work that I never knew existed - and I am very grateful. I hope to inspire other young artists in Chicago just like they did for me.”

Jessica Vaughn
“Toppled Series”
monotype lith paper transfer/carbon
2008

Hilesh Patel
“Samsara”
wood/aerosol/letters
2008

Hilesh Patel is an artist and educator working in Chicago. His artwork encompasses text, graffiti, street art, stenciling and figure based imagery in mediums such as watercolor, aerosol, oils, ink, paper, wood and metal. He is an Artist Teacher at the non-profit organization, Marwen and has shown work and performed at the Eidolon, Marwen Foundation, Open End Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Around the Coyote among a few. He is a member of ShirtsAgainst, an organization benefiting artists with disabilities or illness.
www.hileshpatel.com

“I donated to CAD because it's a natural reciprocation: to support and give back to CAD as they support new artists and arts education.”

Katie Brown
“Brooke”
oil on canvas
2008

Katie Brown is an artist living and working in Chicago. She received her BA in Studio Art and Art History from Kalamazoo College in 2000. Her paintings are inspired by photo booth strips and faded family photographs in which she explores a look, a feeling, a glimmer of glamour and hazy memories. Katie’s work has exhibited at The Hat Factory, The Ice Factory, Art Institute of Chicago’s 1926 Exhibition Space, Around the Coyote Gallery, Around the Coyote Arts Winter Festival, and Artemisia.
www.kfreshpaintings.com

Miguel Cortez
"Aerial Landscape #3"
oil/acrylic on canvas
2005

Miguel Cortez is an artist living in Chicago and born in Guanajuato, Mexico. He has studied filmmaking at Columbia College and has a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Recent exhibitions include a show in Champaign, IL at the Krannert Museum and at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. Miguel has also shown in Austin at Studio 107 Gallery, Pool Art Fair in Miami, VU Space in Melbourne, Australia, and at Mighty Fine Arts Gallery in Dallas.
www.mcortez.com

“I donated to CAD because I like the space and what you all do and also because Mike is my next door neighbor.”

Colin Luce
"Untitled"
paint on found drawers
2008

GROWING UP CAD 2008 FUNDRAISER & EXHIBITION

2008-11-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Come Celebrate as the Chicago Art Department Turns Five!

Saturday November 15, 6PM-10PM
Preview Exhibition: Friday November 14, 6PM-10PM
1837 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL

On Saturday November 15, 2008 the Chicago Art Department (CAD) will celebrate its 5th birthday with the Growing Up CAD 2008 Fundraiser and Exhibition. This event will feature an exhibition of work from CAD’s resident artists, former students, and friends in the community, representing a sampling of some of Chicago’s most exciting new and emerging artists. The work will open for silent auction during the ‘2nd Fridays’ gallery opening on Friday, November 14th and will conclude at the fundraiser event the following night on Saturday, November 15th.

Get your Tickets Here

Pilsen Artwalk 2008

2008-10-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

38TH ANNUAL PILSEN EAST ARTIST'S OPEN HOUSE

Mike Nourse

front loft - Nat Soti work on display

Jen Rosenthal

Chris "Tapedek" Hales

north wall - Stacy Peterson & Nathan Peck work on display

Nathan explains....

Tesia & Mike behind the bar

Friday Night Crowd

Stacy & Pei

NAT SOTI: HEADLINES

2008-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Shots from...
NAT SOTI: HEADLINESe news, talk radio, as well as Nat's own original characters, to create a variety of mixed media, multimedia collages.

it was a show that made you think....

Nat Soti in front of video projection

Pondering

Ian & Evan behind the bar

Get to know the artist...

2008-10-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to all the artist showing at CAD's "Night of the Living Artist" show.
Remember the closing party on Oct. 31st. 7-10pm

See the artist here

Night of the living Artist This Friday Oct 10th

2008-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

A group show Curated by Kerry Flaherty, resident artist of The Chicago Art
Department.

Friday, October 10, 2008 through October 31, 2008.

Opening reception Oct. 10, 7-10pm.
Closing "Halloween" party Oct. 31, 7 -10pm.

The Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60608
chicagoartdepartment.org

Each exhibiting artist will be using their preferred media and pick an
artist, musician, or author (living or dead) that was an influence and
"Zombify" them. Some of those picks include Preston Blair, Franz Kafka,
Oasis, and even Jim Henson. The Chicago Art Department (CAD) cultivates new
and emerging Chicago artists. Through education, exhibition, artist
residencies, and community building, CAD is dedicated to supporting new
voices and ideas. "My hope is this common theme will show how a range of
different artist can come together in one show. And also give a chance to
those new artists, who may have never been in an exhibit." says Kerry
Flaherty. "Night of the Living Artist" will have Fine Art, Illustrations, and
even Plush Sculptors presented in a fun atmosphere.

For more information about the exhibit or for gallery hours, contact The
Chicago Art Department at 312.226.8601. Or go to plushinality.blogspot.com

NAT SOTI: HEADLINES

2008-09-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

September 12-26
Opening Reception Friday Sept 12
6-10PM

In HEADLINES, artist Nat Soti presents a response to the 24-hour landscape of news and punditry. Nat's art uses a variety of media sources from Time Magazine, the New York Times, cable news, talk radio, as well as Nat's own original characters, to create a variety of mixed media, multimedia collages.

“I think this show is about how we read. So often I read, listen and watch things and don’t go beyond thinking about whether I agree or disagree with it.” says Nat Soti. “The joy of creating this work was using material broadcasted to me and being able to re-broadcast my response to it.”

Death + Extinction: Group Polaroid Show

2008-09-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

For the month of August, 12 artists explore DEATH+EXTINCTION via the soon-to-be-extinct medium of the Polaroid. For one weekend in June, Chicago artists traveled to work alongside New York artists. Their mission was to individually create a Polaroid project themed around "Death/Extinction".

Featuring: Duffie Marie Arnoult, Lauren Connell-Whitney, Nicole Kenney, KS Rives, Gina Mauro, Amber Meairs, Mike Nourse, Brett Ryan, Andy Sinboy, Ariel Sundel, Ryan VanAcker, Anthony Vizzari

"Before I Die I Want To..." KS Rives/Nicole Kenney

Ariel Sundel

Reading Anthony Vizzari's work

"The Polaroid Years" - Mike Nourse

Andy Sinboy

Duffy-Marie Arnoult

Lauren Connell-Whitney

"We'll Leave The Light On For Ya" - Brett Ryan

Gina Mauro

Be sure to see our flickr page for more shots

inside out - Special Show: Sat. 08/30

2008-08-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Inside Out" was created to give survivors of interpersonal violence a space to express themselves and educate the community. The art exhibit consists of paintings and mixed media created by assault survivors with support provided by the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Jean Cozier.

inside out
Saturday August 30
6-10PM

Shots from... Nature Calls

2008-08-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Art Department presents "Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature", a group show curated by resident artist Stacy Peterson. This show explores nature in urban landscapes and as depicted in popular culture. How do we interact with nature in our daily lives? What do we see on the streets? How do we bring nature into our homes and environments. Featured artists Kim Alpert, Sandi Chaplin, Kerry Flaherty, Alberto García, Mike Nourse, Julio Obelleiro, Stacy Peterson, and Casey Ann Wasniewski explore this concept through painting, video, sculpture, fabric, photography and mixed media.

Mike Nourse Video - Peeing in Paris

Casey Ann Wasniewski

Kerry Flaherty

Kim Alpert

Sandi Chaplin

Stacy Peterson

Olafur Arnalds & Joe Pug: An Intimate Performance

2008-08-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at the show...

To hear him please see links...
youtube
Ólafur Arnalds

Death + Extinction vai Polaroids - 08.02.08

2008-08-08T07:42:00.002-07:00

6 New York + 6 Chicago artists explore the themes of death + extinction through Polaroids.

Friday, August 8, 2008
Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
6-10 PM

Featuring:
Duffy-Marie Arnoult
Lauren Connell-Whitney
Nicole Kenney
Andy "Sinboy" Luke
Gina Mauro
Amber Meairs
Mike Nourse
Brett Ryan
ks rives
Ariel Sundel
Ryan VanAcker
Anthony R. Vizzari

Death + Extinction vai Polaroids - 08.02

2008-08-08T07:42:00.001-07:00

re:introduce - Chris Hales solo show

2008-08-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at re:introduce
art & design by chris hales

The first showing of The Chicago Art Department's newest resident artist, Christian Hales. You may know him as CAD's Resident DJ Tapedek, but Chris is also a talented artist.

Chris is not concerned with being the best, nor being the most popular. His goal is to release creativity in various media platforms. Whether it be music, video, painting, sketching, photography, etc., the thought of conformity no longer exists. The purpose is to push the boundaries of what is known into another realm (and have fun doing so).

Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature

2008-07-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

2nd Fridays: July 11 - August 1
Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature
featuring Kim Alpert, Sandi Chaplin, Kerry Flaherty, Mike Nourse, Julio Obelleiro, Stacy Peterson and Casey Ann Wasniewski

The Chicago Art Department presents “Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature”, a group show curated by resident artist Stacy Peterson. This show explores nature in urban landscapes and as depicted in popular culture. How do we interact with nature in our daily lives? What do we see on the streets? How do we bring nature into our homes and environments. Featured artists Kim Alpert, Sandi Chaplin, Kerry Flaherty, Mike Nourse, Julio Obelleiro, Stacy Peterson and Casey Ann Wasniewski explore this concept through painting, video, sculpture, fabric, photography and mixed media.

2nd Fridays: June 13 - July 4 re:introduce art & design

2008-06-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

Chris Hales's first showing of The Chicago Art Department's newest resident artist, Christian Hales. You may know him as CAD's Resident DJ, but Chris is also a talented artist.

Chris is not concerned with being the best, nor being the most popular. His goal is to release creativity in various media platforms. Whether it be music, video, painting, sketching, photography, etc., the thought of conformity no longer exists. The purpose is to push the boundaries of what is known into another realm (and have fun doing so).

CAD Resident Artist show Friday May 9th

2008-05-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

This month, the Chicago Art Department will be exhibiting new (and old) work by Resident Artists:
Kerry Flaherty,
Chris Hales,
Mike Nourse,
Stacy Peterson,
Jen Rosenthal &
Nat Soti.

Hope to see you there.
Friday May 9th 6-10 pm

Returning by: Jen Rosenthal

2008-05-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful shots from Jen's solo show

self portrait

drop series #4 mobile

quantum leap of creative consciousness

mysterium tremendum et fascinans

in transit

returning

my little rain cloud

stream of consciousness

drops series #2

And Now.... Photos from Project Photos

2008-04-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

Take a look....

michael daly

jen rosenthal

nat soti (L) & ben manning (R)

evan lee

ben chappell

matt hill (L) & stacy peterson (R)

josh pettersen (L), sandi chaplin (center), ben chappell (R)

See more great shots on our Flickr account

Photo Projects... show THIS Friday

2008-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

About CAD

2008-03-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

New Video added...

RETURNING

2008-02-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

RETURNING
New works by Jen Rosenthal

March 14, 2008 - April 6, 2008
Opening reception Friday, March 14, 6-10pm
Closing reception Friday, April 4, 7-10pm

The Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60608
312.286.8655

As children we are taught to retrace our steps when we are lost. In Jen Rosenthal’s first solo show “Returning,” she revisits that old adage. As hazy recollections of the past collide with blurred visions of the future, Jen attempts to make sense of the delicate balance of dualities throughout life; sleeping and ‘being awake’, myth and prophecy, growth and decay, lightness and weight. Using simple forms juxtaposed against dense repetitive patterns, the imagery of “Returning” evokes messages of receiving, resisting, and the cycle of cycles.

A look at “Entre les deux”

2008-02-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

Here are some great shots from our resident artist KS's Solo show,
“Entre les deux”

“Entre les deux”

2008-01-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

“Entre les deux”
Solo show by ks rives

Friday, February 8, 2008 through March 1, 2008.
Opening reception Feb 8, 6-10pm, closing reception Feb
29, 6-10pm.
And Enter les deux, will be catered by the
french restaurant Cook-au-vin.

The Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60608
312.286.8655

An art exhibit featuring 30 original hand-cut collages
and sculptures by artist ks rives, “Entre les
deux” uses antique maps of Paris to explore how
cultures differ. Held at The Chicago Art Department
from Feb 8 through March 1. The public is invited to
an opening reception on February 8th, 6-10pm, and a
closing reception on February 29th, 6-10pm.

These works reflect the intimacy and classic qualities
of a European street while touching upon contemporary
themes of socialization in an ever-shrinking world.
“Entre les deux,” meaning between the two, focuses
on the distance between “us and them”. The
artist’s aim is for this exhibition to transcend a
specific culture and inspire the audience to meditate
upon their perspective of modern societies.

ks rives was trained in fine arts, interior
architecture, and furniture design. This year she will
show in London, Santa Fe, Toronto, New York City,
Miami and Chicago. She has work in the DePaul
University Museum of art and in several private
collections. See her work at www.ksrives.com.

For more information about the exhibit or for gallery
hours, contact The Chicago Art Department at
312.226.8601.

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MonOncle

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It's a Plushinality

2008-01-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a look into Plushinality.Remember if you missed it there will be a Closing party on Friday February 1st, 2008: 7-10pm
At the Chicago Art Department
1837 s. Halsted St.
Corner of S. Halsted & W 18th St.

Plushinality - Robutz
These are the things that make you who you are. Embodied on each are the aspects of my personality as a “Robutz” (soft mahine).

Shock-headed Peter
Characters based on Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann’s German children’s book Struwwelpeter. Each piece is pulled from a fable where the lesson is taught through a very direct if not blunt outcome. Lessons include; cut your hair when it gets too long (Shock Headed Peter), don’t play with machetes (Harriet), never play with guns (the Hare), and finish your soup (Augustus).

Yun:
(yu-n) slang term used in the Ohio Valley/Pittsburg area. Replacement for the term“you all.” Also: An abstract piece of art that can be use as a pillow. What better inspiration for art than the place you grew up?

Plush-line
A personal timeline showing how some years you keep close the things that made you grow and even
acknowlege that those dark years also had a hand in making you who you are.

Shapesters
Do you see the hidden face in objects? I find any old Tom, Dick or Harry in simple shapes.
Move the eyes or mouth. You can change the direction of the fur and face.

Drink & Draw
A group of creatives getting together drawing under the influence of a lot of alcohol.
We compare sketches with other folks that love to draw and find helpful critics when
needed.

Plushinality - This Friday Jan. 11th @ 7pm

2008-01-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Do you have your own Plushality? In Kerry Flaherty’s first solo showing she uses textures, colors, and patterns in her soft art to express her Plushality. Like abstract collages her characters are a representations of personality traits and the inspiration from where a trait may come from. You’ll see plush robots, “Yuns” (pillow people), and even plush designs inspired from the German book “Struwwelpeter” by Heinrich Hoffmann. Enjoy the soft surroundings along with sounds from our resident DJ, DJ Tabedeck.

Friday January 11th, 2007: 7-10pm
Closing party on Friday February 1st, 2007: 7-10pm
At the Chicago Art Department, 
1837 s. Halsted St.
Corner of S. Halsted & W 18th St.

Heroes are a Hit

2008-01-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Heroes of the Masses - JEN ROSENTHAL
Struggling with the difficulty of defining whom my hero was, I decided to focus on specific heroes of the masses. The most popular heroes in the eyes of Americans seemed to include not only heroes of the imagination, but political, religious, musical, and sports figures as well. I believe that every one of us can admire, if not simply appreciate the qualities in these men. These heroes have lead, taught, sang, and fought their way into the hearts of millions. Which hero are you?

Anton LaVey - CHUCK PRZYBYL
Anton LaVey was a man no more hero or villain than any. In 1966 he became one of the most vilified men in modern history for founding the Church of Satan. As an atheist LaVey did not believe in Satan. Yet he understood that the symbol of Satan had great power over many people; the villain of their beliefs.
As the High Priest of the Church of Satan his doctrine when broken down is fairly straightforward – do what you like as long as it does not entail hurting people or animals. Be selfish. The seven deadly sins are your natural instincts. Unlike many “heroes” whose personal demons vilify them – he embraced his personal demons and lived a somewhat normal life.
To me his heroic act was to make a villain a hero, (this may also be my heroic act).

SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CLASS
Hero Story in 10 stills
Visual Communications at Saint Xavier University is a course designed for non-art majors to explore techniques of speaking without words. (OPTIONAL) In this project students were responsible for telling a simple hero story in ten frames. In each frame students were asked to mix images from popular culture (the internet usually) with images that they created with a digital camera. With the exception of the title image students were challenged to tell their hero story without the use of words.

Pretending - NAT SOTI
The idea of Heroes and Heroism seem so much more potent, more exciting, and alive when you are a child. Whether it was playing with my GIJOE action figures, carrying around my toy HAN SOLO laser gun, jogging around my neighborhood like ROCKY, or even imitating MY DAD’s golf swing, much of my childhood was spent pretending to be my heroes.
The intersection between hero as fantasy and hero as reality was a particular interesting topic of discussion in our classes.
These paintings are inspired by real childhood photographs (two of them mine).

Hair Heroes - NATHAN PECK
After considering the theme of HERO for some time I was inspired by a conversation about mundane aspects of heroic people. What do Heroes eat? Do heroes poop? How much time do heroes spend preparing their hair?
I reduced my broad range of people that I consider to be heroic to those that I also consider to have great hair.
During the class we explored the idea of hero from a range of perspectives from fictional to popular to personal. I chose two of my Hair Heroes from each category. the orange being fictional, the green being personal and the blue being popular.

Spiderman - MIKE NOURSE
I grew up watching Spiderman on television; so finding him on the streets of new York was a shock, to say the least.

This piece was inspired by weekly discussions that we had about different types of heroes. People were asked to nominate heroes. This list was then used to fuel discussions about the nature of the heroes and their place in our lives.

Heroes Kicking Ass - EVAN LEE
When you have too much free time and watch too many action movies like I do you start to notice common themes in most of them. With that in mind I thought about the reason why I like watching action movies, and the main reason was the Hero KICKING some major ASS. So for an action movie junkie like me what better to tribute the classics, such as Demolition Man and Indian Jones, than to have a loop of HEROES KICKING ASS AND TAKING NO PRISONERS!!!
Now if you don’t mind I will be hiding from all major motion picture companies. Barry Meyer and Harvey Weinstein you will never find ME!!!
I would like to say thanks to Matthew Lee, Kevin Moy, and William Mark for knowing that I’m broke and letting me borrow a lot of their DVDs for this project.

Corn Totem: Heroes of GMO Resistance - Catherine Schwalbe-Bouzide & Sarah Aubry
Heroes are people who take risks: devoting time, attention and skills to further causes they believe in (they're my heroes if I believe in the cause too!). I'm focusing people whose work has helped to raise awareness, and strengthen arguments in favor of supporting organic agriculture and removing genetically modified (GMO) crops from the food supply. My corn totem honors a farmer, a scientist, and educator and
an artist--each of these heroes have staked their careers on fighting this good fight.
Lucky for me, the artist among these heroes, Cathi Bouzide, is able to bring the corn hero she created to this show. She describes her work this way:
"My art explores aging, agriculture, nature and science,
the concepts of plenty and want, reuse, and being human through a variety of media including high fired-clay, artist books, installation, found objects, and bronze.
Why corn?
It is solidly Midwestern, like I am. I have found through the deep exploration of corn, more than its history and imagery, but the fundamentals of humanity itself."

A few shots.. from The Wild, The Beautiful, & The Damned

2007-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

A look inside, & shots from the Heroes show are coming soon.

Heroes Show This Friday the 14th

2007-12-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Who are your heroes? Who are Chicago heroes? How do we define a hero? How do we represent and present our heroes in our art?

Our students have spent time with discussions, experimenting in various media, developing a final project and have produced an exhibition for our December show.

Come join us as we celebrate HEROES both personal and iconic through various art mediums. Talk to the artists and enjoy the show. Triumphant music spun by The Afters Cool Society's DJ TAPEDEK.

Get ready for the "HEROES" show

2007-12-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at our class as the days get closer for the "Heroes" show coming up.... Friday, December 14, 2007 at The Chicago Art Department

Heroes in-class discussion

Heroes of the People

Mike is Batman!

CAD DJ Club is Looking Now

2007-12-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

CAD DJ Club will resume in January and is looking to accept new members!

Run by CAD Resident DJ, DJ TAPEDEK, the club is for all skill levels ranging from absolutely no experience to World Class DJ's. For those who have no experience it would be a hands on class to learn the fundamentals of mixing and blending records, and for those that have experience look at it as an opportunity to showcase your talent.

Anyone interested can contact Tapedek directly at tapedek@gmail.com, or come by the gallery during the December 2nd Friday and talk with him in person.

The Video Frames Show

2007-12-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at the work of last months show, participating artist were...
Nat Soti, Mike Nourse, Nathan Peck, Chuck Przybyl, Edyta Stepien, Jen Rosenthal, Jesikah Ruehle, Matt HIll, Ben Chapell, Mason Dixon, Helmut Stockdreher

Tesia K - Swimming on the Ceiling

Nathan Peck

Mike Nourse

Chuck Przybyl & Edyta Stepien - Front

Back

Nat Soti - Projection or Infection?

Matt Hill

L - R: Matt Hill, Jen Rosenthal, Nat Soti, Arron Brown

Jesikah Ruehle

More shots from the show...

Chad + Tesia + Stacy + Jen

Coming soon... another look at our Heros class, as they get ready for the Class Exhibition show on Dec. 14th

Nov. 30th - "The Wild, The Beautiful, & The Damned!"

2007-11-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

"The Wild, The Beautiful, & The Damned!" is an extensive collection of Punk and Rock photos from the 1970's San Francisco Bay Area scene.

Larry Schorr was an integral part of the music scene in 1970's San Francisco Bay Area, both as a fan and participant.
Larry roomed with Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) when Jello was still Eric Boucher from Boulder and thinking of
calling himself 'Occupant'.

On 35mm film, Larry caught history in the making front-row at the final Sex Pistols show, and perhaps the first ever
Dead Kennedys show.Through his lens, he captured early and even first US tours from Blondie, The Buzzcocks, The Damned, The Police, The Ramones, Elvis Costello, Peter Gabriel and Patti Smith, along with already legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Genesis, Talking Heads and Thin Lizzy.

This first ever showing of the "The Wild, The Beautiful, & The Damned!" collection higlights a plethora of Punk, Prog
and Rock artists of the time and place and will be exhibited one night only -
November 30th, 2007 - at the Chicago Art Department,
1837 S. Halsted St.

See you there.

Nathan Peck

2007-11-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at Octobers 2nd Friday Opening featuring the work of Nathan Peck along with Make & Show.

Don't forget to stop by this Friday for Video Frames. A group exhibition which exclusively features video art. It is an eclectic and diverse collection of approaches to video as well as how those videos are presented in the context of a gallery. Video frames features some CAD resident artists, alumni, as well as some new friends:

Video Frames
Friday November 9
7-10PM
Artists: Nat Soti, Mike Nourse, Nathan Peck, Chuck Przybyl, Edyta Stepien, Jen Rosenthal, Jesikah Ruehle, Matt HIll, Ben Chapell, Mason Dixon, Helmut Stockdreher
Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted

Selected works from the Make + Show Workshop Series...

November 9th

2007-11-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

November 2nd Friday will feature the works of 12 video artists. Friday Nov. 9th @ CAD. 7-10pm. 1837 S. Halsted, Chicago.

Class Videos

2007-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the video work CAD has done over the years...

youtube.com/chicagoartdepartment

also in our Links under "CAD videos"

2007-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Classes are on the way

Know what happening at CAD lately?

Our classes have started, due to the great turn out we had in our August benefit show. Here is some information along with a look into our classes.

HEROES: Our new theme based class explores the subject of Heroes. Students will spend 10 weeks exploring the subject, making art and producing an exhibition in December.

MAKE AND SHOW WORKSHOP: A new monthly series of workshops led by guests artists where you come in for 1-2 nights, make art, and show it as part of our 2nd Friday exhibitions.

CHICAGO ART DEPARTMENT MAG+ZINE: An in-gallery publication accompanying each exhibition, created through submissions to online assignments.

AUDIO OPERATORS DJ TEAM: Our resident DJ Tapedek, leads a team of 2-3 people interested in DJing our 2nd Friday exhibitions.

Participants were asked to define who their heroes are, brainstorm exhibition options, and think about how heroes can be defined...

Make + Show Workshop...

Keep coming back we'll be updating often, as well as sharing new events at CAD.