Around The Coyote to offer art from emerging artists in new location

[Above: Shawn Stucky's The Music Was Out of Tune, But We Moved Slowly with the Marching Band, mixed media]

Around The Coyote's Fall Festival, Oct. 17-19, gives Chicagoans a first look at a mighty 132 visual artists working in a range of artistic disciplines, from visual art to literary readings, musical performances, theatrical productions and more.

“This is an emerging art festival, which in itself is unique,” ATC executive director Allison Stites told Paste:Local. “We focus on artists at the beginning of their careers. Beyond that, our focus is all about breaking down barriers between artists and collectors and artists and curators in general.”

Though it showcases fresh talents, Around the Coyote itself has been providing a space for emerging artists to sell their works without commission and develop relationships with other artists, curators, and collectors for the last 19 years. In 2008, the festival will move to its new location at Plumbers Hall, allowing patrons to experience the festival in one central place.

While nearly three-quarters of the artists are from Illinois, top undiscovered artists from all over the country will show their work.

Stites recommends catching the work of artist Shawn Stucky. “Stucky has got a bit of a following going now as a printmaker who does excellent work,” she said. “It's great that people are talking about his work, and everything he does seems fresh and unique and new.”

Stucky's piece, The Music Was Out of Tune, But We Moved Slowly with the Marching Band (pictured above) will be featured at ATC and is based on a vivid dream he recently had.

Elsewhere, Ryan Scheidt's flashcard project, a collaborative work incorporating nearly 100 of the festival's artists, is made of handmade cards representing each artist who submitted a photo for him to use. As evidenced by the display, for Scheidt, ATC is more than just a way to sell work-- it's also a way to build relationships between artists and art appreciators. “One thing I like about ATC is the sense of camaraderie,” he explained. “We have a real community.”

Related links:
Art Review: Point of Views @ Flat Iron Arts Building, 10/11/08
News: Chicago Artists Month tackles issues that matter
Art Review: Drag City dredges archives for celebration of art and music