IN-THE-NEWS NO.1 2006 - 2013
MISSION – SERVING AS A CREATIVE HUB AND A COMMUNITY-CULTURAL INSTITUTION, THIS MIXED-USE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROMOTES ARTS PRACTICE AND CURATORIAL PRODUCTION OF CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS, MAKERS AND CREATIVE-SECTOR PROJECTS. Founded in 2009, the Chicago Urban Art Society (CUAS) is an emerging arts non-profit exhibition space and creativeuse organization. Serving as a creative hub and a community, cultural institution, this mixed-use center promotes the works of contemporary artists, community organizations, creative-sector groups and arts practice and production. A trailblazing space in the East Pilsen Industrial Corridor and the first visual exhibition anchor tenant located in the city’s new arts district - Cermak Creative Industries District - CUAS aims to not only cultivate curatorial practice through exhibits but, offer innovative teaching and learning opportunities, and non-traditional venue space, CUAS is by nature cross-platform and establishes its credibility through creative juxtapositions. Supporting a hybrid community-cultural model, CUAS has always welcomed creative activists and practitioners, emerging art administrators, and innovative ideas in the incubation stage.
FOUNDERS -
GALLERY DIRECTOR + CURATOR CO-FOUNDER ARTIST CREATIVE ENTREPRENUER BROTHER
PETER KEPHA
Founders and siblings, Peter Kepha and Lauren M. Pacheco are third-generation Mexican-Americans born and raised in Brighton Park, a community on Chicago’s southwest side and proud Chicago Public School graduates. Both, former operators and founders of 32nd&urban, an alternative visual art exhibition space in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood from 2006-2009. 32nd&urban was nominated twice for “Best South Side Gallery You Might Miss" and “Freshest Gallery" among several exhibition write-ups featuring unknown to established talent. Peter, an art maker and Lauren, a social worker, have taken the initiative to strengthen and unite Chicago’s diverse arts community. They’ve worked hard to bring the arts to a broader audience and bridge cultural sector programming. The Chicago Urban Art Society has become a resource to policymakers and has helped engage in the public dialogue about issues that impact artists and creative enterprises.
LAUREN M. PACHECO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CO-FOUNDER SOCIAL WORKER ARTS ADMINISTRATOR SISTER
PRESS PACKET 2012
The BEST of Chicago (Chicago Reader)
Alderman Danny Solis Introduces Community Public Art Projects Ald. Danny Solis introduces a two-pronged ward-wide public art initiative designed to transform neglected, inactive spaces or sites plagued with vandalism and, to develop a restorative and preservation plan for older community murals. In response to establishing a community friendly and supported public arts program, Alderman Solis introduces Art in Public Places: A 25th Ward Community Initiative. The addition of a diverse selection of creative community experiences in the 25th Ward such as murals, art installations, and sculptures build the communities overall creation of a pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically pleasing environment for residents, business owners and visitors. Alderman Solis has authorized and personally seeded the production of 12 new community murals. The goal of the public art initiative is an antith vandalism approach to un-sanctioned graffiti in the 25 Ward. The Art in Public Places initiative hopes to not only crack down on defacement but expects a refocus of city abatement efforts in other areas on the community. “In addition to the economic benefits that are realized through the implementation of public art initiatives, this effort will also create and enhance the cultural, educational and artistic value for the community. Public art, especially modern, cutting-edge and innovative mural creation, can symbolize a broader shift in thinking among the city's political and art establishments,” said Ald. Solis in a statement. “Leveraging local and out-ofth state creative talents will offer a spotlight on Chicago’s contemporary, public art assets. Putting the 25 Ward at the forefront of this is a big priority for me.” www.ward25.com / 773-523-4100 / ward25chicago@gmail.com
Throughout many of our communities across Chicago, there are railroad viaducts and retaining walls that exist as part of an old switching and interchange system. While the Belt Railway of Chicago may be antiquated, they still exist as functioning, large-scale terminals providing services to over 100 manufacturing industries. Looking at these industrial routes as “monuments” or, a creative-community asset, was critical to the development of Art in Public Places (AiPP) for the 25th Ward. Continuing the legacy of mural making in the Pilsen community, the facilitation of public art projects represented by a diverse arrangement of visual voices would set the stage for an outdoor exhibition of contemporary projects as a “linear mural” or “living wall” experience.
In February 2012, Alderman Danny Solis introduced a ward-wide public art initiative designed to transform neglected, inactive spaces or sites plagued with unsanctioned vandalism and, to develop a restorative and preservation plan for older community murals. The initiative looks to use the power of the arts in enhancing quality of life for those who live, work and play in the 25th Ward and the city of Chicago. Alderman Solis also wanted to connect artists with creative opportunities throughout the ward, varying in scale and size. Leveraging local and out-of- state art talent, the project presents a unique perspective of traditional muralists, street art, graffiti making, graphic design, typography, sign painting, and tattoo art aesthetics. The addition of a distinct selection of creative community experiences including 2D and 3D work as well as cultural and creative projects in green spaces or public places in the 25th Ward, this initiative will build the communities overall creation of a pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically pleasing environment for residents, business owners and visitors.
CONTACT INFORMATION Call: 773.523.4100 E-Mail the Project Director: Lauren.Pacheco@cityofchicago.org Twitter: @AldermanSolis Instagram: @AldermanSolis Hashtags: #ArtInPublicPlaces #25thWard #Pilsen #16thStreetCorridor Website/Proposal Submissions: www.ward25.com
2012 Local Artists/Orgs include: Ruben Aguirre, Brooks Golden, NiceOne, Jake Castro, Ricardo Gonzalez, Sandro Garcia, Ava Grey Collective, Rebecca Ray, Rodrigo ‘Solo’ Mireles, Chema Skndal!, Yollocalli Youth Arts Reach Chris Silva and student murals, Uriel Correa, Mike Davita & Collective, Pros Arts + National Museum of Mexican Art + Adriana Baltazar, Candy Chang Before I die installation by Good News Only + Chicago Urban Art Society 2013 Local Artists/Orgs include: Max Sansing, Gabriel Villa, Marcos Raya, Sam Kirk, Diana Solis, Oscar Romero, Amuse, Hebru Brantley, Momentum Arts, Justus Roe, Pose, Lady Lucx, Nice One, Czr Prz, Facts, Revise CMW, JC Rivera, Max Sansing, Ruben Aguirre, Peter Kepha, Melon, Brooks Golden, Radah, School of the Art Institute- Painting Department, Miguel del Real, Nick Goettling, Amuse, Alejandro Medina, Nicolas De Jesus, University Station Condo Association, University Village Association, among others. Out-of-State Artists include: (*Curated by Pawn Works) *Rae, *Specter, *Roa, *Jon Burgerman, *Gaia, *OverUnder, *Reyes, *La Brona, *Mr. Penfold, *The Yok, *Sheryo, *Brett Flanigan, *WolfnWayz, En Masse, *DabsNMyla and Pose, Jason Woodside, *Gats, *Troy “other” Lovegates, *Nicolas “Ever” Romero, *LNY, Remed
Art in Public Places (AiPP) WINS several Best of Chicago categories: Chicago Reader, 2013 Best Alderman, 25th Ward Best Public Artwork, Art in Public Places – Artist, ROA / ‘Opossum’ Piece Best Public Art Event, Art in Public Places Best Neighborhood for Culture – Pilsen Arts Advocate Runner-Up, Lauren Pacheco (AiPP Director) Arts Advocate Winner, Pawn Works – Nick Marzullo + Seth Mooney (AiPP Curatorial Partner)
Alderman Daniel Solis Listed as #28 on New City’s Top 50 Visual Vanguards: New City, 2013