“Reimagining Black Identity, Strength, and Vulnerability”

"Art is Business" https://ohartfoundation.org/.

Celebrating Black History Month, OH Art Foundation presents an opening reception on January 17h, 2025, and a Closing reception on February 21st, 2025, with OH Art Foundation at Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. The visual exhibition was curated by Renee Bakers and Wisdom Baty and promises to be a significant celebration of Black History Month, showcasing 27 selected visual artists 

6 Music performances selected by Jeff Chen, 

Selected Artists:  Takako Konishi, Alexy Irving, Margot McMahon, Le'Trice Buckingham, Alpha Bruton, Arlene Turner-Crawford, Grandeast Wright, Lavon Pettis, Alexandra Henderson, Wisdom Baty, Malika Jackson, Summer Coleman, Andrea Hill Fitzgerald, Jason Campbell, Lenin Delsol,

Nichole Masani Landfair, Isaiah Afrumu, Safiya Mirsberger Tolson, Dysen White, Scout Cartagena, Sebastian Sandu, Sharmarke Ahmed, Jeffery Beckham, Christopher Williams, Nolan W. McCants, Renee' Baker, Brandy Kent.

Music Performance Schedule January 17, 2025

Marvin Hathaway

The Ari Brown Quartet

Emoni Brown-Bey

February 21, 2025

Taalib-Din Ziyad

Coco Elysses and Draizig

Edward Wilkerson Jr. and Donovan Mixon

Thank you, Renee Baker of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, for matching donations to support musicians.

Oh Art Foundation

Zhou B. Art Center

1029 W. 35th St.

Chicago, IL 60609

773-569-8582 

Curators: Renee Baker and Wisdom Baty

This art exhibit explores the multifaceted healing nature of Black identity, shedding light on the complex intersections of strength, vulnerability, history, and future within the Black experience. The exhibit will showcase pieces that reframe traditional representations, inviting viewers to engage with themes of resilience, introspection, liberation, and the ever-shifting contours of identity.

Location: OH Art Foundation 2nd fl of Zhou B Art Center, 
1029 W. 35th St. Chicago, IL 60609
Exhibition Dates:  1/17/25- 3/16/25 

This art exhibit explores the multifaceted healing nature of Black identity, shedding light on the complex intersections of strength, vulnerability, history, and future within the Black experience. We invite artists of all mediums—visual art, sculpture, photography, performance, and beyond—to submit works that address the evolving narrative of Blackness in contemporary society.

The exhibit will showcase pieces that reframe traditional representations, inviting viewers to engage with themes of resilience, introspection, liberation, and the ever-shifting contours of identity. Artists are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions of Blackness, emphasizing the beauty and power of embracing vulnerability and quiet strength in moments of resistance, defiance, and healing.

We are looking for works that speak to the full range of Black-lived experiences, capturing both the triumphs and the struggles, the joy and the pain, the collective memory and individual expression. The exhibit aims to create space for reflection, dialogue, and healing while embracing the depth and complexity that define Blackness.

This exhibit will offer a new, unapologetically authentic, challenging, and transformative vision by reimagining Black identity healing, strength, and vulnerability. Artists are encouraged to draw upon personal narratives, cultural history, and current social movements to inspire their work, creating an environment where art becomes a tool for collective healing, liberation, and empowerment.

The Northshore Black Artist Group (NBAG) is dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting artists.

"Art is Business" https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/exhibitions/northshore-black-artist-group-exhibition

"Alexis Lombre is a Pianist, Ain't No Chitlin Circuit," 3o" x 4o" x 2", Acyclic on canvas, mixed media collage, 2024

Organizing the NBAG can expose, educate, and engage audiences by presenting and supporting the art and artists of African descent. Both curators and artists joining this group are committed to continuing the legacy of providing stellar artistic and educational programs across various visual art disciplines.

CURATORIAL TEAM:

We are in the process of establishing a North Shore Black Artists Group. After the BP exhibit at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in February, I realized that many Black artists did not know each other. Angela Williams, a designer at the Museum of Science and Industry and a current member of the Evanston Arts Council, and I are organizing the group's initial setup. 

 

There will be an opportunity to introduce the group through a small exhibition in the second-floor hallways of the Evanston Art Center. 

Fran Joy, Artist/Curator/Life Coach, Exhibitions and Board Member, Evanston Art Center

Angela Williams, a designer at the Museum of Science and Industry who serves on the Evanston Arts Council

On View:  October 19- November 3, 2024
Opening Reception: Sunday October 27th, 1-4 pm

The Northshore Black Artist Group (NBAG) is dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting artists. The organization includes visual, performing, literary, and media arts. Our mission is to create platforms for artists to showcase their work, encouraging creative expression and innovation. NBAG will serve as a community hub, bringing people together for shared experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

The Northshore Black Artist Group (NBAG) is dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting artists. The organization includes visual, performing, literary, and media arts. Our mission is to create platforms for artists to showcase their work and encourage creative expression and innovation. NBAG will serve as a community hub, bringing people together for shared experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

NORTHSHORE BLACK ARTIST GROUP SHOW EXHIBITION STATEMENT

The 2024 Northshore Black Artist Group show is our first exhibition featuring the work of multiple artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles, mediums, and themes. This premier exhibition, generously hosted by the Evanston Arts Center, provides NBAG an opportunity to introduce the group to the Evanston, Chicagoland, and North Shore communities.

We are excited to exhibit this group of artists and look forward to creating a stepping stone for emerging and established artists to gain visibility. We believe that the arts offer something for everyone. The Northshore Black Artist Group hopes to spark conversation, offer diverse artistic expressions, support cultural heritage, and enrich lives.

GALLERY HOURS & VISITOR INFORMATION

This exhibition will be held in the Evanston Art Center (EAC) 's second-floor hallway galleries. Masks are optional but strongly recommended for students, visitors, and staff.

Gallery Hours

Monday–Thursday: 9am–6pm

Friday: 9am–5pm

Saturday–Sunday: 9am–4pm

HOW TO PURCHASE ARTWORK

The proceeds from artwork sales benefit both the artist and the Evanston Art Center. If you want to purchase artwork on display, please contact Emma Rose Gudewicz, Director of Development and Exhibitions, at egudewicz@evanstonartcenter.org or (847) 475-5300 x 102.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, which is funded through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Date

Sat, 10/19/2024 - 09:00 - Sun, 11/03/2024 - 16:00

BACKGROUND AND MY INSPIRATION WHY I CREATED THIS COMPOSITION.

I selected this composition because I captured Alexis through my camera lens as she performed on piano at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2024 Jazz Summit with Earnest Dawkins. 

Ernest's vision for this cross-cultural exchange is to explore the differences and similarities in the aesthetics of black music.

"The Englewood Soweto Exchange" evolved from a jazz workshop and cultural exchange that encouraged young musicians from two backgrounds bound by history to find each other.  Ernest deliberately selected musicians who had no prior exposure to travels into either continent to pursue the raw emotive quality he wanted to expose.

"We Want Our Land Back" is the debut single produced by this collaborative project between the U.S. and South Africa and was released officially across music streaming platforms on 25 February 2021.

Alexis Lombre is a Chicago pianist, vocalist, composer, and producer.

She discovered early that the true essence of music is not just about what you hear but how it makes you feel. Her mission is to keep the 'Soul' in music alive. Her latest single, "Boundaries," a powerful anthem about standing up for oneself and taking ownership of personal space, was initially released in June as part of Apple Music's Juneteenth Freedom 2024 Jazz playlist for Black Music Month and became available on all music platforms as of September.

Lombre's other releases include the single "Come Find Me," which she describes as "lyrically, a gospel song; harmonically, a jazz song; and rhythmically, a hip-hop/R&B song. I didn't create the song with any borders." As JazzTimes notes, "Lombre realized early on that by refusing to be constrained by convention—whether so-called 'jazz' or otherwise—she'd be honoring, rather than defiling, the rich heritage she'd come to embrace."

In addition to composing, producing, and performing her own music, she has toured the United States, Canada, Cuba, Brazil, France, and South Africa with artists such as Jon Batiste, Terrace Martin, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ledisi, Lizz Wright, STOUT, Keyon Harrold, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Marcus Miller, Nicole Mitchell, Jamila Woods, DJ D-Nice, and the Miles Davis Electric Band. Lombre was awarded the inaugural 2022 New Music Next Jazz Legacy Award and the 2023 Luminarts Award.

Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2024!

"Art is Business"

Welcome to the **Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2024!** Join us on **Fri Jun 21, 2024, and every 3rd Friday through September** at **Gallery Guichard and other participating venues** for a fun and exciting evening exploring the vibrant art scene of Bronzeville. Hop on the double-decker businesses and visit the art galleries, studios, and art spaces showcasing the work of talented local, national, and international artists. Immerse yourself in the creativity and culture of this historic neighborhood. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover new artists and support the arts community in Bronzeville. See you there!

Blanc Gallery Chicago

Bronzeville Artist Lofts

Faie Afrikan Art Gallery

Gallery Guichard and Event Space

South Side Community Art Center

Ride the Double-Decker bus that will take you to the 5 participating art galleries and art institutions in Bronzeville. Featuring some of the best fine art and entertainment in the city of Chicago. Free and Fun for the entire family! Please share with your art friends and family.

Comprehensive Guide For Artists to Creating Art Labels

"Art is Business" 

 Featured Art of  Alpha Bruton at Gallery Guichard, Feb 2024

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN RevArt: Art labels creating art labels artist guide label design tips DIY art labels RevArt SMART Manager artwork presentation label layout professional art labels artist tools exhibitions.

As an artist deeply embedded in the creative world, I've discovered that one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of presenting artwork is the creation of art labels. Throughout my journey, I've delved deep into the nuances of this process, and I'm thrilled to share these insights with you and introduce an innovative tool from RevArt that's been a game-changer for me and many others.

What is an Art Label?

Art labels are the silent narrators of the art world. They are not merely pieces of paper or stickers; they are the conduit between the artist and the observer. These labels carry essential details like the title, medium, dimensions, and the artist's name. More than this, they imbue the artwork with context, background, and story, enriching the viewer's experience and understanding.

Information on Art Label

In my artistic endeavors, a well-constructed art label typically includes the artwork's title, artist name, the year of creation, the medium used, and dimensions. Occasionally, I add a brief description or an inspirational note for pieces with deep personal meaning or complex stories to provide further depth and connection.

Layout and Design Tips

Years of experimenting with various layouts and designs have led me to some key findings:

• Keep it simple and readable: Choose a clear font and ensure the text contrasts well with the background for legibility.
• Align with your art's style: The label should reflect your artwork. A sleek, minimalist label complements modern art, while a classic, elegant design might suit traditional pieces better.
• Consider the material: I've utilized everything from sturdy card stock to subtle transparent labels, depending on the artwork's setting and aesthetic.

Examples

Reflecting on my first exhibition, I recall labeling a vibrant abstract piece. The label was a straightforward white card with black text, but I incorporated a border matching the painting's dominant hue. This subtle connection between the label and the artwork significantly enhanced the overall presentation.

Example One

Above is a standard example of an artwork label.

Example Two

Using QR codes on the labels sends the viewer to the website, where they can get more details about the artists and gallery instead of printing this label. The artist must furnish the gallery with all the details and narratives. 

The label uses a traditional style of design to suit the classical painting. 

This label has a description, as its main purpose is to educate audiences. 

Tips for DIYing Your Own Art Labels

Based on my experiences, here are some DIY tips:

Use templates: Myriad online resources offer a good starting point.

Test print: Always conduct a test print to ensure color accuracy and text readability.

Get creative: Don't shy away from experimenting with shapes, colors, and materials to find what best represents your artistic identity.

The price information is optional but highly recommended: it helps artists sell work in the show and retain customers too shy to ask the price. 

The description on the label is more common on museum art labels. 

 

Let me introduce you to the RevArt SMART Manager, a tool that has revolutionized my approach to creating art labels. This innovative platform simplifies the process in one click, offering customizable templates, layout and design suggestions, and even direct printing options. It's ensured that my labels are professional, consistent, and representative of my art.

Conclusion

Creating art labels might initially appear daunting, but with practice and exploration, it becomes an integral and enjoyable part of presenting your art. With the support of tools like the RevArt SMART Manager, artists are now empowered to create labels that are not just informative but also enhance and complement the artwork itself. Embrace this process, and watch your art labels transform into storytellers, bridging the gap between your vision and the viewer's experience.

Reference Source:

https://revart.co/blogs/131_A_Comprehensive_Guide_For_Artists_to_Creating_Art_Labels

AUTHOR: RevArt Team

PUBLISHED ON: March 19, 2024

"The Art of Soul" YoloArts Gallery 625 Black History Month Exhibition

"Art is Business" https://yoloarts.org/gallery-625/

Shonna McDaniel, the Executive Director of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, has been invited to co-curate the YoloArts Gallery 625 Black History Month Exhibition. The exhibition, titled "The Art of Soul," will showcase the works of Black artists and legendary artists from the region. 

This exhibit will illuminate the American experience through an African American lens. Viewers will enjoy abstract & realistic paintings, works on paper, mixed media, and digital media.  The Art of Soul artists in the collection include several legendary artists throughout the region. This exhibit will illuminate the American experience through an African American lens. Viewers will enjoy abstract and realistic paintings, works on paper, mixed media, and digital media.

YoLoArts Has listed the following participating artists:

Milton Bowens (Museum Collection) 

Shonna McDaniels 

Unity Lewis 

Daphne Burgess (Museum Collection) 

Alpha Bruton (Museum Collection) 

Mia Davis 

Aliyah Sidqe

Karen Seneferu

Malik Seneferu

Lee McCormick

Urban Sunshine (Museum Collection)

Cedric Orange 

Joha Harrison

Gerry Simpson

Valerie Brown-Troutt

Elizabeth Catlett (Museum Collection) 

Dr. Samella Lewis (Museum Collection) 

Addis Ababa (Museum Collection) 

TAFA      (Museum Collection ) 

--

Tactical Urbanism in the Horizontal Landscape. "Soundscape Tapestry"

Artist in Residence Programs Tactical Urbanism Music Soundscapes

Reggie Nicholson-Drummer, Percussionist, Composer The instantly recognizable style and sound of Reggie Nicholson has elevated him to one of the most distinctive, inventive, and inspirational drummer/percussionists of his generation; a formidable technician, but one who uses his considerable skills constructively and with infinite taste.

Tactical Urbanism, in the Horizontal Landscape, "Soundscape Tapestry."  This collaborative project will utilize sound and visual art in a public installation. Soundscape Tapestry will echo the African-American music experience unique to the sounds of Chicago. In addition, they are introducing a new sector of experimental film projections in the public space, curated by Alpha Bruton, ambitious new video projections of current artworks created during the residency project. Two thousand twenty-two project plans are to host and collaborate with composer Reggie Nicholson and develop platforms for exploration and creating new works.

They are using tactical urbanism and contributing to the horizontal landscape to expose pedestrians and tourists to the experience of what is viewed inside the gallery. Will create a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, moving image works, and sound performances, which did not have a dedicated space at the Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tours in prior years. Music and performances from collaborating artists accompany all the projections. Artist in Residence Programs, Tactical Urbanism, Music, and Soundscapes are some of the key elements of Reggie Nicholson's work. As a drummer, percussionist, and composer, Nicholson has developed a unique and recognizable style that has earned him a reputation as one of the most inventive and inspirational musicians of his generation. He is a formidable technician who uses his considerable skills constructively and tastefully.

One of Nicholson's latest collaborative projects is called "Soundscape Tapestry." This project combines sound and visual art in a public installation that aims to showcase the African-American music experience unique to the sounds of Chicago. To achieve this, the project will use tactical urbanism and contribute to the horizontal landscape to expose pedestrians and tourists to the experience of what is viewed inside the gallery.

The project will also introduce a new sector of experimental film projections in the public space, curated by Alpha Bruton, showcasing ambitious new video projections of current artworks created during the residency project. The 2022 project plans are to host and collaborate with Reggie Nicholson and develop platforms for exploration and creating new works.

This project aims to create a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, moving image works, and sound performances that did not have a dedicated space at the Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tours in prior years. All the projections will be accompanied by music and performances from collaborating artists. 

Long Beach Gives- Loiter Galleries, INC Nonprofit support.

"Art is Business" https://www.loitergalleries.com/.    

Loiter Galleries is a network partner of the Phantom Gallery Chicago Network.

We certainly appreciate all you do for Loiter...and yes, you guessed it. 

It's donation time again. But we're not asking you for money. 

We made it simple for you.

We shook it up and are now a part of Long Beach Gives. 

It's a citywide, online fundraising campaign to raise awareness and inspire community giving for Long Beach nonprofits.

Here's all you need to do

We're asking only a few of our closest supporters and friends to reach out to their contacts and send them to our page to donate to our non-profit mission.

That's it!

Just go here and fill out some information, and please send it to your contacts.

Here's the link with simple instructions, and thanks again.

https://www.longbeachgives.org/content/fundraisers

....And we are truly grateful for all your support in the past. 

Sincerely 

Vinny&Monica

Community Events Microgrant Program

In an effort to attract and support the creation of more live events in Downtown Long Beach, DLBA has implemented an easier and more transparent application process for its Community Events Microgrant Program. The application process for events taking place between October 12, 2023 – March 31, 2024, is open, with the deadline to apply by October 1, 2023. Community Events Microgrant applicants are encouraged to review DLBA’s service area boundaries to ensure their proposed event will occur within them.  

2023 Open Studio- During the Bronzeville Art District Art Tours

"Art is Business"

The Phantom Gallery Chicago has been closed to the public since 2020. During the 2023 Trolley Tours in the Bronzeville Art District, our guests expressed disappointment that the Open Studio was not open to the public as advertised. However, we contributed by hosting an outdoor popup experimental film series projected into the environment. Additionally, we had an installation on the 2nd floor common space where I featured my artwork that spanned three decades of various styles and series I had explored over the years.

Alpha Bruton, Chief Curator Phantom Gallery Chicago

Tactical Urbanism in the Horizontal Landscape

Phantom Gallery Chicago "Open Studio" 2023 Collection on display

Marshall Bailey, Shonna McDaniels, Roger Carter, ZERO, Daphne Burgess-Bowen, Phil Cotton, Liz Gomez

Alpha Bruton, "Positive Vibration" series

Renee Baker 

Black and White Collection, BRael Ali, Roger Carter, Marianna Buchwald, Alpha Bruton

Talver Germany, Dale 

Cathy Sorich, Alpha Bruton 

Above Talver Germany, Roger Carter

TBWIG "MOTHERHOOD" EXHIBITION

"Art is Business"

Karen Seneferu

 THE BLACK WOMAN IS GOD

Founder

Karen Seneferu is one of the most thought-provoking visual artists of our time. Born and raised in Oakland, California, her childhood was fed by revolutionary politics and the Black Panther Party's complimentary breakfast program. She has dedicated her life to working as an educator and artivist. Self-taught in her artistic craft, Seneferu is obsessed with gathering information, imagery, and ideas. Senefuru is grounded in the philosophy that space dictates meaning. What enters that space is dictated by the meaning of the space or can change the importance of the space. 

As founder,  Artistic Director, and curator of The Black Woman Is God, Seneferu seeks to transform the meaning of space for Black women and intergenerational artists. She is interested in these artists speaking and dialoguing with each other as a vehicle of change. She does this by having well-known, emerging, and veteran artists in the same space to show the dynamics of their contributions to the historical legacy of Black women artists to the globe.

In 2021, the virtual exhibition of The Black Woman is God asserted that celebrating Black women is essential to building a more just society and a sustainable future. The project will explore the intersectionality of race, age, and gender and dismantle Black women's stereotypes. TBWG will reach out across global communities to reclaim physical space historically denied to Black women artists. In doing so, generations will reclaim the legacy of Black women artists.

TBWIG exhibitions reconfigure communal trauma, employing African Diaspora traditions and practices, connecting dance forms rooted in cultural, historical, and cosmological recognition in public spaces with recognizable African motifs embedded in the form. The program will provide a bridge to the expressions' meaning, exploring the artists' deep cultural connections to their work. The mission is to assert that we are moving beyond embattled ideologies and communities toward African spiritual growth.

The community connections will address the various artistic mediums of visual and performing arts, workshops, and artist talks, all designed to re-remember that Black people are the first human beings to contribute to global society beyond African culture.

The 2020 Black Woman is God exhibition will explore the intersectionality of race, age, and gender and examine Black women's contributions as artists, healers, and social change-makers. The exhibition will feature over 80 new works by Black women employing painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film/video, mixed, new media, and performance, showing that when Black women create, they are God.  

The NAACP Celebrates Black Artists @ the Evanston Art Center

"Art is Business" Curator Fran Joy invites you to an Artists Talk and Reception. 

Artist Bio: Fran Joy is an artist, designer, curator, and life coach currently living in Evanston. Born and raised in southern Illinois, she moved to New Orleans and the greater Chicago/Evanston area. This life experience, ten years of residence in Los Angeles, and frequent visits to New York City have flavored and colored her passion as an artist.

After studying oil painting, creative writing, and drawing at Columbia College in Chicago, Joy combined her own experimentation with the impromptu training she received from independent artists whose work she admired. Joy is known for her images on social justice, women, spirit images, iconic portraits, colorful abstract landscapes, and large designer wood screens and wall mounts. Her paintings usually begin with an acrylic base on canvas or wood, followed by oil pastels used with various sponges for texture, blending, and intensity.

Joy has exhibited at the Evanston Art Center, the Noyes Cultural Art Center, 1100 Florence Gallery, Curt’s Cafe, Open Studio Project, Garrett Theological Seminary, Artem Gallery, Danon Gallery, Lorraine Morton Civic Center, and Creative Coworking. Her works are in private collections in Evanston; Chicago; New York; Los Angeles; San Francisco; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Seattle; Centralia, Illinois; Arizona; New Mexico; Canada, and New Zealand.

Joy has coordinated various art installations throughout the greater metro area, including co-curating SOULWORKS at the Evanston Art Center, a collection of art by both renowned and emerging artists of color.

Email: fwjoy@icloud.com

Website: http://www.franjoy.com/

Vibrational Sound Narrative, 2019 "Fletcher Fire II"

Chicago Jazz Ensemble at Millennium Park 07

Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 36"

Alpha Bruton

PUR

Fletcher Henderson was very important to early jazz as the leader of the first great jazz big band, an arranger and composer in the 1930s, and a masterful talent scout. Between 1923-1939, quite an all-star cast of top young Black jazz musicians passed through his orchestra. And yet, Henderson's band was little-known at the height of the swing era.

Fletcher Henderson had a degree in chemistry and mathematics. Still, when he came to New York in 1920 with hopes of becoming a chemist, the only job he could find (due to the racism of the times) was as a song demonstrator with the Pace-Handy music company. Harry Pace soon founded the Black Swan label, and Henderson, a versatile but fairly basic pianist, became an important contributor behind the scenes, organizing bands and backing blues vocalists. Although he started recording as a leader in 1921, it was in January 1924 that he put together his first permanent big band. 

He was soon at the top of his field using Don Redman's innovative arrangements. His early recordings (Henderson made many records during 1923-1924) tend to be both futuristic and awkward, with strong musicianship but staccato phrasing. However, after Louis Armstrong joined up in late 1924 and Don Redman started contributing more swinging arrangements, the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra had no close competitors artistically until the rise of Duke Ellington in 1927. By then, Henderson's band (after a period at the Club Alabam) was playing regularly at The Roseland Ballroom. Still, due to the bandleader being a very indifferent businessman, the all-star outfit recorded relatively little during its peak (1927 to 1930).