Sarah Dahnke

Although the gallery scene is pretty dormant this time of year, some displays don't shut down for the holiday season or anything else, thanks to the City of Chicago's Public Art Program. Although the program has facilitated works of art all around the city, the most widespread and culturally diverse appear along the Cermak branch of the Blue Line. Between 2004 and 2005, the Public Art Program administered nine permanent works of art in eight of the newly renovated stations. Many of the works are multi-colored mosaics placed on interior or exterior walls, created by artists such as locally based muralist Christopher Tavares Silva, who created the striking and uplifting red and blue "Amor" at the California station.

Continuing with this project, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Public Art Program created "Arts in Transit" to install permanent works at twenty-five Red Line stations and along the entire Brown Line. Phase I artists were selected in the fall, with the majority of the artists hailing from the Chicago area, including sculptor Jo Hormuth (Red Line, 47th Street), digital artist/painter Sabina Ott (Red Line, 63rd Street) and mixed-media artist Thomas Skomski (Brown Line, Rockwell). Phase II artists are being selected right now, but there is still time for interested parties to be considered for Phase III, which will include the new Belmont station and the soon-to-be renovated Fullerton and Howard stations. Artists can propose works such as hanging sculptures, mosaics, art glass, ornamental fencing, mixed-media artwork and freestanding sculpture and furniture, obviously keeping in mind that the works will be constrained by the size and shape of the station and may be placed outside, where weathering could be an issue. The application process is grueling but incredibly worth it, considering selected artists will have their works on display for an indefinite amount of time, which could amount to more than a hundred years. Interested parties must submit an application to the Public Art Program by January 20. An application or more information can be obtained by calling (312)742-1161.

Other local public art displays, not commissioned by the City:

You Are Beautiful

This four-year-old campaign, began by anonymous Chicago-based artists, has spread around the world, inspiring installations that simply state, "you are beautiful." Anyone can request free stickers from the artists, translated in one of twenty-nine available languages, by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to their P.O. box. Those who send their own You Are Beautiful piece, an original piece of art or "something cool" will be rewarded with even more stickers, which are to be used to continue the perpetual motion of the experiment; you receive the stickers and place them wherever you feel necessary. In August, the group posted 150 letters on State Street that spelled out "you are beautiful" in nine languages. The simple message seems more powerful when stated alone, without any explanation (i.e. "You are beautiful because ___"), which is perhaps why the campaign has been able to survive and continue to receive grants and donations for so long. Furthermore, as the artists' statement says, the statement and context in which someone finds it gives meaning to its message. That concept of not only allowing the public to create and display the art but interpret it based on its surroundings or personal preference embodies the idea of public art more than anything possibly could.

Window Installations at Fraction Workspace

Regular readers of this section probably know that I frequently mention Fraction Workspace, and the window installations are yet another reason why I feel this gallery is leading the pack of newer alternative spaces. The windows, which face the only moderately trafficked Honore Street, are fairly large, at about five feet by six feet. Their size was especially apparent after viewing Tracy Marie Taylor's show in November, where the artist did a twenty-four-hour painting marathon while enclosed in each of the two windows. The idea of an enclosed gallery space that is only open at designated times or by appointment is awfully rigid, but Fraction Workspace has managed to take that concept and combine it with the beauty of public art by allowing artists to install works in the front windows, which are on display at all times. The current display, "HaHa" by Chris Walla, is a brilliant choice for this space, as the artist's mission is to "to exist in an ambiguous space between social critique and formal aesthetics." The piece is about eminent domain, a pertinent topic choice for a piece of artwork that is located on private property, but always available for public view.

A closing reception for Chris Walla's "HaHa" will be held at Fraction Workspace, 1711 North Honore, (773)278-5822, on January 27 from 6pm-9pm.

(2007-01-09)

Also by Sarah Dahnke

Eye Exam
January is usually a puny month for the arts, as most organizations take long holiday breaks and schedule openings well after the beginning of the year. But there are a few galleries ready to mount fresh work on their walls this month. Below are a few suggestions of exhibits to view if you're already looking for an excuse to break the monotony of your day job, to which you just crawled back, or are in need of shelter from the bitter January wind
(2007-01-02)

Eye Exam
The year is coming to a close, and many other arts reporters are taking the opportunity to do "best of" roundups. But in the past couple of weeks, as I've repeatedly plopped down the credit card to do my consumerist duty and buy brand new, shiny gifts for my family, I've increasingly watched my funds decrease and my ability to "give back" decrease as well. While I would like to nod to some of the artists and galleries that have rocked my world this year, the organizations that provide the support foundation for those exhibits to even exist are going to be receiving my 2006 tribute
(2006-12-22)

Eye Exam
Galleries in the Chicago art scene have been stuck in a rut for quite some time, as they try to display art that is appealing to those who appreciate the expression and creation of art in addition to those who want to purchase collectable contemporary art. Then there are galleries that have decided to display the odd, the quirky and the kitschy and target a different audience entirely. Two fairly new galleries come to mind on this last point: DvA Gallery in Lincoln Park and Rotofugi's gallery in West Town
(2006-12-19)

Eye Exam
Eric May, owner of the newly opened Roots and Culture in Wicker Park, has managed to find a way to bridge the gap between apartment art space and stuffy gallery by creating a nonprofit community space that aims to encourage visitors to linger with the art, rather than viewing and quickly leaving
(2006-12-12)

Eye Exam
(2006-11-28)

Eye Exam
(2006-10-17)

Art Break
(2006-09-12)

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