"Radical Optimism: Celebrating 100 Years of Oscar Brown, Jr.

"Art is Business" https://www.oscarbrownjr.org/

Reposted: Dorian, Africa, and Maggie Brown and Blanc are mounting a tribute to Oscar Brown Jr. to honor his 100th Birthday.  The opening took place on Sunday, September 20, from 2-5.  Eileen Rhodes, the gallery curator and co-owner, invited me to attend. 

I truly hope you can make it. You will enjoy the archival photos, video, and ephemera that Maggie and Dorian have brought together.

Take good care

Eileen

What is featured: A living archive including rare photographs, classic album covers, historical music recordings, and special community programming. 

Would you like information on upcoming performance events or listening sessions tied to the centennial celebration?

Exhibition and Tribute Details: 

Dates: On view through Saturday, October 10, 2026 (marking Oscar Brown Jr.'s 100th birthday).

Location: Blanc Gallery, 4445 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL (Bronzeville).

Curator & Creators: Muralist Dorian Sylvain curated the exhibition in collaboration with the late artist's daughters and fellow musicians, Maggie Brown and Africa Brown.

Muralist Dorian Sylvain and Kahari Blackburn 

Tsehaye Hébert Artist Design the Future

Born on Chicago's South Side, Brown was a songwriter, poet, playwright, performer, and activist whose work moved between music, theater, politics, and Black life without separating one from the other. His voice was distinctly his own, and generations later, the ideas behind the work still resonate.

Radical Optimism: Celebrating 100 Years of Oscar Brown Jr., presented by his children Maggie and Africa Brown and curated by Dorian Sylvain, honors that legacy on the occasion of his centennial.

The timing also gives us another reason to look forward to our next gathering.

On September 26, Diasporal Rhythms will be at Blanc Gallery for Art Smart: Black Collector Forum, hosted by Lee Ann Trotter with the founders of Diasporal Rhythms. Guests can experience Radical Optimism while joining us for a conversation about art, collecting, and what it means to build a collection with greater knowledge and intention.

September 26 | 1–3 PM

Blanc Gallery | Bronzeville

Oscar Brown, Jr. redefined what it meant to be free, Black, and unapologetically human. He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali, turning street cries, jazz riffs, and community struggle into radical truth-telling art. He built a movement that proves there's "gold in the ghetto" and always aimed to help people see our community as a beautiful place.

The exhibit features a collection of rare photos, album covers, music, and other special activations, curated in collaboration with muralist Dorian Sylvain and Oscar Brown Jr.’s two daughters, Maggie and Africa Brown, who have spent their father's centennial year sharing his legacy through many Chicago institutions.

 Remember, our community connects to become better and stronger when we get all the help we need and give all the help we can!

#DiasporalRhythms #OscarBrownJr #ChicagoArt #blancgallery #BlackCollectors

Summer Time CHI FISH FRY

"Art is Business" EVENTBRITE 

2nd Annual Summertime Chi Fish Fry

Friday, August 21, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (CT)

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM social

436 E 47th St 2nd fl • Chicago IL

Join us on the 2nd-floor rooftop during the Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour for an old-school Chicago fish fry where food, art, music, and community come together. 

Family-friendly activity at the Phantom Gallery Chicago Open Studio: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM.

2026 Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour!

"Art is Business"  https://www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com/coming-soon-01

Cultural tourism is a core value for the Bronzeville Art District (BAD) partners. We offer tourism experiences that let visitors participate in local cultural activities, such as festivals and art walks. This provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a genuine cultural exchange with the local Bronzeville Neighborhood. We invite you to join us on the 3rd Friday of each month, from June through September, for the Bronzeville Art District 3rd Friday Trolley Tour. You can ride the double-decker buses throughout the community to visit five galleries, art institutions, and art studios. Enjoy fantastic art, music, live entertainment, and more!

BRONZEVILLE ART DISTRICT (B.A.D.)

 

CHICAGO – Bronzeville is again a focal point for Chicago's vibrant African American culture.  Like Harlem in New York, Bronzeville is a community where Chicago's African American music, Literature, Fine Art, and Theater historically thrived.  The Bronzeville Art District (BAD) currently comprises five established visual art spaces that work together to focus and drive cultural activities in the community, so that a distinctive cultural identity can be crystallized and communicated.

For more information on the five participating galleries, please check out their websites below:

Blanc Gallery

Bronzeville Artist Lofts

Faie Afrikan Art

Gallery Guichard

South Side Community Art Center (Under renovation until 2027)

Phantom Gallery Chicago Open Studio 2025 Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour

"Art is Business" www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com

This summer is extra special as we’re celebrating 20 amazing years of programming!

Also, don’t miss out—The Phantom Gallery Chicago Network will be hosting an Open Studio in ROOM 205, on the second floor of the Bronzeville Artist Lofts, over ten years 2014 to 2025. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there! 

Jazmin Davis is the founder and owner of JD Events, hosting events in Baltimore, Maryland, specifically at restaurants sometimes referred to as supper clubs or closed-door dining establishments. These venues often operate out of someone's home or a small, intimate space, such as our atelier gallery. JD Events will join the Phantom Gallery Chicago during our Trolley Tour from June 20th to September, where we will be mixing drinks and serving bites.

Join us for small bite appetizers from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, happy hour cocktails by JD Events from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and a party with our appetizer catering services from Soul Kitchen Chicago. 

NOEL Catering:https://soulkitchenchicago.com/our-story/

Meet Noel Peters, founder and the driving force behind Soul Kitchen Chicago. Noel developed an early passion for cooking from watching her grandmother, mom, and aunts cook in the kitchen. Inspired and having learned from the matriarchs in her family, Noel quickly became known amongst her friends for making the best home-cooked meals and never shying away from sharing with everyone after school. Many years later, with ample experience under her apron, Noel has perfected her skill by traveling to various Caribbean islands, where she immersed herself in the local culture, learning from skilled chefs and home cooks alike.

This experience not only expanded Noel’s culinary knowledge but also inspired the creation of Soul Kitchen Chicago. In 2022, Noel founded Soul Kitchen Chicago to bring the soulful fusion of Southern and Caribbean flavors to the heart of Chicago. No matter the event, the hint of home-cooked dining is always present. Noel has successfully catered for various events: pop-ups, corporate events, holiday parties, business launch parties, and more!

DANI'S ART CORNER- CHILDREN AND FAMILY CREATIVE PAINTING 6pm to 8pm

We have everything you need for a fun and creative time: canvases, paints, brushes, aprons, easels, music, and plenty of inspiration! Perfect for families with young aspiring artists aged 5 to 12, it's a great opportunity to bring your friends along. Let the creative painting adventures begin while you wait for the next Double Decker! We can’t wait to see what you create!

    

We're Back and Better Than Ever! Bronzeville Art District voted #2 Best Art District's

"Art is Business" https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-arts-district/.

Readers' Choice Awards 2025 - View the Results

10 best arts districts in the US for a creative escape

Step into the vibrant hearts of these communities

 Our editors and readers independently select what you see on USA TODAY 10BEST. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link on our site.

What makes an arts district inspiring? They might be revitalized and renewed urban spaces in once-derelict neighborhoods, filled with big-name museums that feature architecture as impressive as their art. Alternatively, they could have streets lined with small galleries and studios, interspersed with trendy cafes. 

You'll find that and more in these 10 winning arts districts, nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers as the best in the U.S. These districts feature vibrant and diverse arts scenes that culturally enrich their cities and visitors.

No. 2: Best Arts District

2025

Art

No. 2: Best Arts District     

Photo courtesy of Raymond Thomas Studios

Just 10 minutes from downtown on Chicago's South Side is the historic Bronzeville Art District, once known as the city's "Black Metropolis." This art district has a rich cultural legacy — the source of Muddy Waters' blues and Gwendolyn Brooks' poetry. Art galleries are housed in restored Graystones, and new murals tell stories alongside historic bronze markers. Third Fridays bring extra energy to the area, as galleries stay open late. Trolley tours of the district are a great way to get to know the area better.

Dear Chicago Arts Partner VOTE Daily to support the Bronzeville Arts District

"Art is Business"

We’re excited to share that USA Today’s 10 Best Readers & Choice Awards has nominated the Bronzeville Arts District as America's Best Arts District!

This is a huge opportunity to shine a national spotlight on Bronzeville’s incredible businesses, vibrant community, and diverse art scene. 

As you know, the Bronzeville Arts District has held its annual Trolley Tour for two decades. We also host dozens of visual arts exhibits and musical, dance, and spoken word performances yearly. This nomination demonstrates the incredible power of our South Side arts community. We would love to inform the nation what we’re up to by being named NUMBER ONE!!

Courtesy of Raymond A. Thomas Studio

We’ll win by earning the most votes, so how about your love for our community? Vote daily

until February 17. As a valued arts partner, we’d also appreciate your spreading

the word to your network.

Let’s bring this recognition home!

Here’s the link to vote: 

Thanks so much.

BRONZEVILLE ARTS DISTRICT

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.

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

Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2023

"Art is Business" www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com    Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2023 

 

CULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE BRONZEVILLE COMMUNITY COLLABORATE TO PRESENT FREE SUMMER PROGRAMMING 

CHICAGO  – Bronzeville is again a focal point for Chicago's vibrant African American culture. Like Harlem in New York, Bronzeville is a community where Chicago's African American music, Literature, Fine Art, and Theater historically thrive. The Bronzeville Art District (BAD) currently consists of five established visual art spaces working together to focus and drive cultural activities in the community so that a distinctive cultural identity can be crystallized and communicated. 

About this event

Please join us on the 3rd Friday of the month for the Bronzeville Art District (BAD) Trolley Tour 2022! Bronzeville Art District Celebrating 17 years, Every 3rd Friday between June and September, ride the Double-Decker Bus for fine art and entertainment in Bronzeville!

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.

2023 Summer Tour Schedule and Participating Bronzeville Locations:

June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, 6 pm to 9pm

You can visit galleries, art institutions, or studios and experience unique art and entertainment.

Blanc Gallery

Bronzeville Artist Lofts

Gallery Guichard

Faie Afrikan Art

South Side Community Art Center

We look forward to seeing you for the 2023 Art Tour Season!
Sponsored by
The University of Illinois Cancer Center
Gift of Hope
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CIBC Bank
Building Community Foundation
Bronzeville Art District

Black History Month: Gallery Guichard brings art from across the globe

Feb 6, 2023

CBS 2's Mugo Odigwe takes us to Chicago's famed Bronzeville neighborhood, where a husband and wife are taking their message of understanding and inclusion worldwide.

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Bronzeville Artist Lofts- New Home for the Phantom Gallery Chicago

BRONZEVILLE ARTIST LOFTS 

Artist Live/Work Space/ Art Incubator - 

Building dedication, June 24, 2014, ribbon cutting, and building tour.

Room #205 is a new office for the Phantom Gallery Chicago Network. Phantom Gallery Chicago Network members call for an appointment to view our new location. Looking for an agent? This is a service to all members of the PGCN; become a member today by renewing your membership for 2014 - 2015. Alan Emerson Hicks of Emerson Studio at 773-501-7730 or Alpha Bruton at 773-681-6570.

BAL Development planned a $5.9 million renovation of the former apartment building into 16 live-work spaces for artists and a first-floor gallery or arts-related space. When city officials presented the proposal to aldermen considering $1.08 million in TIF support, Gallery Guichard was identified as a potential tenant. And is now opening its doors on June 27, 2014. 

Be part of the Bronzeville 3rd Friday Trolley Tour. Our trolley rotates continuously for 4 hours, stopping at each location for 5 minutes for guests to exit and board. The trolley stops service at 10pm. We will ask all patrons/riders to make their way to where their vehicle is parked at 9pm. This service is free and paid for by members of the Bronzeville Arts District.

Tolley's service begins on July 19, 2014, from 6-10pm.
August 16, 2014, September 20, 2014, and the final Trolley Tour concludes October 18, 2014, during Chicago Artists Month 2014.