Chicago Artists Month tackles issues that matter

[Above: Detail from "Points Of Views" exhibit at Flat Iron Building]

More than 200 galleries in some 40 neighborhoods throughout the city will hosts events and display works by local artists, breaking down the barrier between the creator and creation to give insight into the inspiration behind the work, during the 13th annual Chicago Artists Month, which kicked off yesterday.

As diverse as the city itself, the spotlighted artists come from all walks of life, representing all ages, levels of recognition, and neighborhoods. This year’s theme is “Artists and Issues that Matter,” and the featured artwork explores issues of interest and concern to the art world, with works tackling topics from the political to the personal, the social to the environmental. With more than 200 programs working in conjunction with the Chicago Department Of Cultural Affairs, there are myriad neighborhood art walks, tours, open studios, workshops and exhibitions to peruse throughout the month.

Among other opportunities, you can tour an artist’s private studio or see their work in galleries, cafes, and even industrial buildings on art walks, or stick in a gallery district such as the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Corridor or Bronzeville’s Trolley Tour to sample a variety of artwork without the walk. Remember local historic activism with protest posters, photographs and film at DePaul University Museum exhibit “1968: Art and Politics in Chicago.” And check out the environmental chiaroscuro of the beauty of Mother Earth contrasted with the danger threatening her in a mixed media and photo montage by Gail M. Willert and Sharon Northern at Norwood Park's “Art Speaks Out On The Environment."

In addition to gallery exhibitions, public art collaborative Anti Gravity Surprise will be hosting a series of "public art surprises" throughout the city, so keep a look out for "random" art. And remember it all, pick up the commemorative “People’s Commonwealth of Printlandia” print, commissioned by not-for-profit fine art print shop Anchor Graphics; like all the Artists Month events, it's free.

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