“Got
Art? Get Art!"
This
weekend edition of our newsletter is written by our
FHI Online magazine Department Editor, Sharon Meyers
"Got
Art?" In an age of such high technology in so
many aspects of our lives, I am reminded of the joys
of things that are actually crafted by hand.
When
was the last time you really sought after, then savored
something made by an artist? There are those around
us who are dedicated to their art and the process
of creating their artwork. We do have the opportunity
to experience living art history, however: Chicago’s
oldest continuing art colony has remained a hidden
Gold Coast gem since 1895, except for its working
members who create art within its walls. For the first
time, the grand old mansion that is the Palette and
Chisel Academy of Fine Arts (P&C) opens the doors
of both its private and main studios to the public
in its First Annual Open House. During this full day,
free-to-the-public event, all are welcome to browse
the 10 studio spaces as well as open air garden, to
view artists at work, talk with the artists themselves
and purchase art directly from them.
I
talked with Bill Ewers, Executive Director, who told
me that many people today don't really know how fine
art is created. “Many people wonder what goes
on in our historic mansion on Dearborn, while others
are curious about the mystique of making art. We have
literally opened our doors to welcome everyone to
meet with our artists and better understand how art
is created. And, we plan to make this an Annual Palette
and Chisel showcase event.”
In
all, more than 20 painters and sculptors will showcase
their work, along with studio sessions and ongoing
demonstration by noted P&C instructor, painter
Diane Rath. The public will be able to see both painting
and sculpture in progress from start to finish. And,
the more than 100 year history of the P&C will
be shown in a special inaugural showing of an AV Historical
Presentation produced by member Stuart Fullerton.
What
is very interesting to me is that with a national
membership of 300, the P&C serves those among
us who would like to advance their talents in the
visual arts. They do this as a not for profit organization,
offering 10 local artists studio spaces to create
their art within the mansion as well as professional
artist and student memberships, with benefits of open
studio sessions, courses, exhibitions and facilities.
The
Open House on Saturday, April 12 is a free to the
public event, including refreshments, as a service
to the community.
In
the same way, this particular newsletter is my service
to the arts: "Got Art? Get Art!" For more
information, visit www.paletteandchisel.org.
Open
House Event at a Glance:
What:
Open House showcasing 20 painters and sculptors
Where: Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts,
1012 N. Dearborn (Oak and Dearborn), Chicago 60610
When: Saturday, April 12, from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Open Studio/Demos: Painting and Sculpture from 10:00am
until 2:00pm;
AV Historical Presentation at 2:00pm
Entry: Open to the Public at no cost; free
refreshments served throughout the day
Arriving by Transport: CTA Red Lines, Clark
& Division Stop. LaSalle #156, Clark #22, State
#29, Division #70 and Chicago #66 buses
For
More Information: www.paletteandchisel.org
phone
312 642 4400
