October 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the October Newsletter
You will find:
News from the CSI Committees
Show opportunities
Ongoing Member Exhibitions
The Poetry of Sculpture
Chicago Sculpture International Juried Exhibitions
at Prairie State College - Christopher Art Gallery
Entry Deadline: December 8, 2023
Show Runs: February 5 - 29, 2024
Sculptors are invited to enter up to three works in the Chicago Sculpture International Juried Exhibition at Prairie State College– Christopher Art Gallery
The exhibition will be juried and curated by Beth Shadur.
If selected for the exhibition, artists must be a current CSI member or sign-up for membership: www.chicagosculpture.org/become-a-member
An artist’s statement and short bio will be required for the accepted piece.
About the gallery:
The Christopher Art Gallery gallery is located on the first floor of the main campus building and consists of 1300 square feet.
Prairie State College
202 South Halsted Street
Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411
For more information and to apply here.
News from Development
CSI Awarded IACA Grant
CSI applied for a general operating support grant through Illinois Arts Council Agency, and has been awarded a generous 2024 grant!
The award will be distributed by IACA to support the growth and positive community reflection that CSI offers the greater Chicago area. CSI members, each and everyone of you, and your work in exhibitions, outreach and education has made this possible. Thank you all for your devotion to make CSI what it is, and what it is becoming. Congratulations!
News from the Indoor Exhibition Committee
Elemental Impact
Chicago Sculpture International Juried Exhibition at the Epiphany Center for the Arts
November 17, 2023 to January 13, 2024
Opening Reception: November 17, 2023, 6 to 9 p.m.
Click here to reserve a ticket for the opening reception
This exhibition takes interest in the parts that make up the whole, and how a single element can impact the world at large. Much like a single choice in material or form can change an entire piece, each work in a collective can change and impact the whole by proximity.
The works chosen for this exhibition have a strong sense of material choice and presence that is both able to stand on its own while also engaging with its environment and the works around it in a way that fundamentally changes the experience of the space.
Exhibiting Artists:
Brad Cahill | Nicholas D’Alessandro | Christine Forni | Michael F. Gallagher | Set Gozo
Maki Hajikano | Ariana Hocking | Azadeh Hussaini | Kara Cobb Johnson | Stacee Kalmanovsky | Beth Kamhi | Larsa Kena | Eli Kessler | Seonyoung Lee | Connie Noyes | Julie Mars | Bill Mitchell | Stella Moon | Bryan Northup | Lisa Nelson Raabe | Jeanne Reilly | Gina Lee Robbins | Marci Rubin | Howard Russo | Stephanie Sailer | Olya Salimova | Dominic Sansone | Zelene Jiang Schlosberg | Yvette Kaiser Smith | Diane Tang | Nancy VanKanegan | Yimei Zhu
Curated by Kaylee Fowler
Epiphany Center for the Arts
201 South Ashland Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 421-4600
Volunteers needed for Elemental Impact Exhibition
Volunteers are need to help with the exhibition Elemental Impact at Epiphany Center for the Arts for the following:
Drop Off Dates
On the following days a volunteer is needed to monitor the alley during drop-offs and a volunteer is need to assist with receiving artwork and completed consignment forms:
Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 12 to 4 pm
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 12 to 4 pm.
Pick up Dates
Volunteer are needed to help with pick-up (this may include some packing shipped of artwork with labels provided by the artist), and a volunteer is also need to help monitor the alley on the following days:
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12-4 pm
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 12-4 pm
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 12-4 pm
If available and for more information please contact Christine Forni at (312) 307-7824
News from CSI Project Space
Form Within: Unveiling Hidden Aesthetics
Join us at CSI: Project Space in celebration with our emerging artist members.
In the realm of art, we often find ourselves captivated by the surface beauty of a piece; colors, shapes, and textures that immediately catch our senses. Yet, beneath these visible layers lies a profound world of intricacies, the “Form Within” that gives art its enduring depth and significance.
This exhibition is an exploration of that hidden world. Through a compelling array of artworks in various mediums and styles, this collection reveals the artists’ meticulous craftsmanship, their unique perspectives, and their ability to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts. As viewers, we are challenged to look beyond the obvious, to see not just what is presented but what lies beneath and within.
Opening Night Event:
Saturday, November 3, 6-9pm
Exhibition Dates: Nov. 3 – Nov. 26, 2023
CSI PROJECT SPACE
1912 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
Gallery hours: Fri - Sat 2-8 pm; Sun 1-6 pm, or by appointment
For more info: projectspace@chicagosculpture.org
COALESCE Exhibit and Special Events
Exhibition Dates: Oct 8 - 23, 2023
Opening Reception: Sunday, Oct 8, 2 - 4PM
The word COALESCE unites the prefix co- (“together”) and the Latin word alescere, meaning “to grow”.The 5 artists in this exhibition represent the First Inclusion Fellowships awarded by Chicago Sculpture International for their artistic merit and experience in sculpture as medium.
Inclusion Fellowship exhibiting artists:
Cherylle Booker, Victor Edwards, Hai-Wen Lin, Janhavi Khemka, Yimei (Emair) Zhu
Curated by Kara Cobb Johnson, Inclusion Fellowship Director + CSI Membership Chair
Click here to learn more about our Inclusion Fellowship artists.
CSI PROJECT SPACE
1912 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
Gallery hours: Fri - Sat 2-8 pm; Sun 1-6 pm, or by appointment
For more info: projectspace@chicagosculpture.org
Knitting and Tufting Workshop
Workshop artist: Yimei(Emair) Zhu
IG: emair_zhu
Sunday October 22nd, 2023, 2 to 5pm
This workshop is open to anyone interested in Knitting & Tufting, no skill base is required and there is no charge. Artists will learn some easier ways to make a small piece of their own in 3 hours.
Attention:
Because materials need to be prepared in advance and to ensure that participants have a wonderful experience, this workshop is only open to those who book in advance and will close this booking link when there are more than 10 people or after October 8th.
Everyone who wishes to join needs to fill out the form, even if you are a parent of a child.
Coalesce Artist Talk with Yimei (Emair) Zhu
"E-F-B-P / What We See, What We Can See"
Saturday, October 21st, from 4-6 pm
at CSI Project Space
Livestream on Instagram: emair_zhu (https://www.instagram.com/emair_zhu/)
Little, but BOLD!
Holiday Members Exhibit
CSI Project Space announces an open call for the 2nd Holiday Member Exhibit of small works at our gallery space in Bucktown.
Little, but BOLD! Is in celebration of all things unmonumental. Often flying under the radar, small things have the special ability to bridge private and public spaces. Within the sculpture field, there has been a projected narrative that bigger is better. We are here to assert that small things can hold the same importance as the largest monument.
Guidelines:
Applicants must be CSI members
All submissions must be smaller than 12 in. x12 in.
2D, 3D, and wall mounted sculptural work accepted
Please Note: We are requesting exhibiting artists to cover 1 or 2 gallery sitting shifts during the duration of the show.
Submission Instructions:
Contact Info: Name, address, phone, email, website
1-2 jpg images: Title, medium, size, price with 30% donation to CSI added
Submit all information and images on this google form here
https://forms.gle/7xv2rgjbT5cTkBhW9
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023
Notification: Wednesday, Nov. 22
Drop off artwork: Fri/Sat, Dec. 1-2
Opening Night: Saturday, Dec. 9
Exhibition Dates: Dec. 9, 2023 – Jan. 26, 2024
Pick up artwork: Sat/Sun, Jan. 27-28
CSI PROJECT SPACE
1912 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
Gallery hours: Fri - Sat 2-8pm; Sun 1-6pm; or by appointment
For more info: projectspace@chicagosculpture.org
Altered Book Workshop
Laurie LeBreton taught an Educational Art Workshop "Altered Book Workshop" on September 24 at CSI: Project Space. The day was full of new ideas, learning, and fun as we made sculptures out of old books.
Open Volunteer Board Position - Education Chair
The Education Chair is the member of the CSI Board of Directors who plans and coordinates educational programming for Chicago Sculpture International membership and the public. They will collaborate with other CSI committees and external organizations to facilitate art workshops and other community outreach.
In 2023, CSI shared 4-5 art workshops at The Boys and Girls Club of America, and 2 workshops at the gallery, CSI Project Space.
There are stipends for participating artists to conduct workshops and other programming.
Main Tasks
Connect with members artists
Connect with community organizations and plan appropriate art workshops
Manage stipends
Email artist invoices to CSI Treasurer
Manage material budget and reimbursements
If interested, please contact info@chicagosculpture.org
News from the Membership Chair
20 Years of CSI
Membership has been working on creating a celebratory book to be produced by PS Hudson, to commemorate 20 years of CSI. The idea is that any artist member can submit content for their “page” in the book and receive a copy for a fee of $30. Additional copies will range from $8-$20 to have on hand for your clients and collection. Content for your page will be accepted through this link until January 2024. The books will be hand delivered at a celebration at CSI Project Space in April 2024 where t-shirts may also be available. If you have talent in layout, design, or publication, I would love to invite you to “the non-committee committee” to creatively realize this publication. Message me at karajohnson@chicagosculpture.org anytime.
Land Acknowledgement
To provide immediate assistance to Native American Communities in Chicago, you can send donations to the city's American Indian Center here.
The City of Chicago, and its surrounding areas, have always been and always will be, home to numerous Native American communities. As a team dedicated to the uplifting of Indigenous People's sovereignty everywhere, we recognize that each program and exhibition associated with this project is taking place on the traditional homelands of the Council of Three Fires - the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa - as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk Nations. Further, we acknowledge that Chicago is home to one of the largest urban Native American communities in the US.
Land acknowledgments are not rhetorical gestures, but rather calls to action. We therefore invite each of our non-Indigenous colleagues to learn more about the forced removal of many of the communities listed above from the state of Illinois and to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into their line of work. We also encourage everyone to ask themselves how they may benefit from the continuation of settler colonialism, militarism, and warfare. Confronting these realities allows us to break down our privileges and adopt anti-colonial practices that can one day help us in creating a more equitable society.
Members News
Members are welcome to submit news regarding exhibitions and professional development achievements to info@chicagosculpture.org. We would love to see what you are doing!! Also, please share your open studio events and any news about new work on our facebook and instagram pages.
Chicago Sculpture Facebook Group
Instagram: @chicagosculptureinternational
New Public Work by Patrick D. Wilson
Patrick D. Wilson completed a permanent public sculpture entitled Ground Nest for the University of Minnesota Crookston in August. Ground Nest depicts an abstracted Golden eagle’s nest made from Corten steel perched atop two concrete seating structures. Resting in the nest is a large bronze egg, with an inscribed aerial view of the Red Lake River and partial map of the city. The percent for art project is inspired by the local geography in combination with the nesting habits of the campus mascot, the Golden eagle.
in the midst of things
The ARX Main Gallery will show sculptures by Chris Wubbena in a solo exhibition entitled, in the midst of things.
The term, in the midst of things, refers to the literary device of beginning a narrative work in the middle of the plot. Each small-scale sculpture in this series exists within the moment of its aggregate materials, diving into wandering storylines and intertextual interpretations. The individual sculptures are created mainly with an admix of materials found around the house or discovered in the act of everyday existence with the inclusion of recognizable models and toys. The viewer is invited to lose oneself within the eclectic and intimate objects, multimedia spaces, found materials, and shifting forms to find crossroads of experiences and worlds within worlds.
Residing in each sculpture are small QR codes within various areas of the compositions allowing anyone with a digital device to access inner and outer worlds of short stories, scripts, auditions, audio compositions, and videos, encouraging the viewer to read, watch, or listen while in the presence of the sculpture, or to explore later. Such access into the compositions provides an expansive space to enter new dimensions of experience with a widening range of perspectives, styles, and voices.
Opening: Friday, October 6, 5 - 7PM
Artist Lecture: October 17 at 5PM in the ARX, room 104
Exhibition runs from October 6 to November 10
ARX Main Gallery
Southeast Missouri State University
340 South Frederick Street
Cape Girardeau, MO
Atmospheric Remnants at Ignition satellite space
Opening: Saturday, October 14, 1-5 pm
Exhibition Dates: October 14-27 (by appointment only)
Ignition satellite space is located inside Mana Contemporary Chicago
Studio 421 on the 4th floor, 2233 S Throop Street in Chicago (Entrance on East side of the building)
CSI Member and Emerging Sculptors Chair, Spencer Gale and non-binary artist and printmaker Juliette Morris, are in a two person exhibition at Ignition satellite space curated by Christine Forni.
Spencer Gale - Neon carves out a bubble of atmosphere from any environment, and stepping into its glow can alter your experiences in a space. The impact of witnessing neon physically changes how viewers are able to see and process the colors of the world around them creating an enticing visual field. When I’m bending the glass, I’m trying to create forms that flow. By incorporating found objects into my sculptures, I strive to make light objects. The goal for these creations is to evoke the mysticism that characterizes neon while grounding that energy to object based sculpture.
Juliette Morris - This body of work engages with collage and repetition to create the lush environments that queerness dwells within. These landscapes exist as images generated from figurative abstraction occurring within my sketchbook. The remnants of all my prior artistic endeavors return, being unearthed and reimposed into new compositions layer by layer. Both lithography and screen printing lend themself to this style of production, allowing for pre-planned and reactive making as I run the press, where my hand as the creator of these utopic spaces is always present. Across my work, I try to find a playful rapport between myself, my figures, and the environments I am printing. By experimenting with subtle changes in material and color from one medium to another, I strive to impose new moods onto the same image across multiple prints. The use of bright, whimsical colors and flashy foils play with perceptions of queer joy, leaving behind what I have come to call a queer dreamscape.
To make an appointment at Ignition satellite space, please call Christine Forni at 312-307-7824.
Image: Spencer Gale
Image: Ange Altenhofen; Detail showing the inside of Grotto, 2023
Ange Altenhofen: Transform Any Room
CSI member Ange Altenhofen is in a group exhibit Transform Any Room at the Des Moines Art Center. Transform Any Room features subversive, politicized, and sometimes glamorized versions of the textiles and objects we bring into our homes that inevitably reveal much about who we are and how we live."
Opening reception: Friday, October 6, from 5-7 pm.
Ange will be debuting a new interactive sculpture "Grotto", as well as two additional works from the Scratch Series. This exhibition is curated by DMAC Senior Curator and also features works by Laura Burkhalter, Faig Ahmed, Nick Cave, Max Colby, T.J. Dedeaux-Norris, Jay Lynn Gomez, Liza Lou, Lydia Ricci, Martha Rosler, and Anne Wilson
The exhibition runs from October 7th, 2023 to January 14th, 2024
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 277-4405
Hours: Tu, W, Sa & Su - 10am to 4pm
Th & F - 10am to 7pm
Sunday Dinner
Carlson Tower Gallery of North Park University presents fiber-based sculptural works of Bobbi Meier in a solo exhibition entitled, Sunday Dinner.
Opening Reception with Artist Talk: November 7
Reception: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Artist's Talk: 5:00PM
North Park University
3225 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625
The following are not CSI sponsored projects, but may be of interest to our members:
Wood Studio, Tools Sale
Some items for sale: JET 14" band saw, JET circular sanders, workbench, hand tools, steel cabinets, small refrigerator, microwave, wood, etc.
Saturday, October 14 - Sunday, October 15, 10AM - 1PM
4001 N. Ravenswood, 603C
Cash or check only
Free Structural or Mechanical Engineering Service Assistance for Sculptors from Rbhu
At Rbhu, we believe that art plays a key role in lifting the human spirit; it ignites our imagination with possibilities, helps us process and express our feelings, and brings people together for a collective cause. We believe that monumental sculptures have the power to inspire creativity and can positively impact the health and well-being of those around them.
Engineering large-scale art sculptures is our mission, and we are fortunate to play a part in bringing life-transformative experiences to the world. We exist because of our community and its vision, so we feel the need to do our part to support them. We are honored to announce that we are launching the 2023 Rbhu Gives Back grants, offering $12,000 worth of free engineering services to artists in need.
What we are offering: Structural or mechanical engineering services for any size artwork, which can include analysis, construction drawings, and permit documents, depending on the project's needs. Offerings will be broken down as follows:
One full pro-bono project (up to $6,000 in free services)
One project with 50% discounted services (up to $3,000 in free services)
One project with 50% discounted services (up to $3,000 in free services)
What we’re looking for:
Any art piece that needs engineering services is eligible for this program. We want to get a good idea of your concept so that we understand how we can best help you. Please answer the questions as best as you can. If we need additional information, we will reach out and ask you.
What you need to provide:
A completed application
Visual representation of your concept - this can be anything from a napkin sketch to a 3D model. If you don’t have your idea fully flushed out yet, that’s OK, just let us know in your application
Important dates:
October 16th: Applications close
December 1st : Selected projects are chosen, and applicants are notified
Call for Artists: Sangamon County Atrium, Springfield, Illinois
Sangamon County is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to professional artists or firms to create permanent original art or installations for a sculpture or piece of art that will be located indoors in a new atrium/lobby space in the Sangamon County building located in Springfield, Illinois.
The county and advisory committee is interested in applications from artists who specialize in sculpture/art that could either be installed on the floor in the space or hung from the ceiling.
As part of a major renovation project at the Sangamon County Building, a new atrium will be built to serve as the new entrance for county employees, county residents and those who seek the services that are offered in the in the Sangamon County building. This space will connect to the planned Springfield-Sangamon County Transportation Hub (The Hub).
The RFQ will be processed in two phases. Phase I will include collecting applications from qualified, interested artists. An advisory committee will score and choose artists from that pool who will be invited to advance to the next phase. In Phase II, the selected artists will be invited to submit a concept, budget and other information for the space for a stipend. The advisory committee will then select the finalist and concept to recommend for final approval to the Sangamon County Building and Grounds Committee and the Sangamon County Board.
The artist and county will agree to the budget and installation timeline in the final contract.
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Noon (central)
*Application before the deadline is encouraged.
Click here for more details and to apply
2024 Perryville Sculpture Trail Call for Artists
Perryville, Missouri
Submission Deadline: December 4, 2023 by 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: April 26, 2024 to April 25, 2025
The City of Perryville is excited to announce its annual sculpture exhibition beginning in the spring of 2024 for Perryville’s Sculpture Trail, located at Miget Park and historic downtown Perryville. Five sculptures will be selected by this year’s juror, Glenn Williams.
The City of Perryville continues to work toward building a vibrant and culturally rich environment for its residents and visitors. A portion of the exhibit will be in Miget Park, a newly developed city park that is home to the Perryville splash pad and Lucas & Friends an all-inclusive playground. Its newly poured walk/bike trail will provide high visibility to pedestrians, cyclists and motorist at the Perryville Blvd. and St. Joseph St. intersection. Other site locations will be in the historic downtown square where local retail, restaurants, government, and specialty businesses make up a thriving community experience and vibrant social events throughout the year.
All work entered must be durable and freestanding. Each sculpture or sculpture proposal must be safe for the general public and be suitable and maintenance-free for this one-year outdoor exhibition. Each sculpture will be bolted to a concrete pad using Tapcon anchor bolts supplied by the artist.
Each artist selected for the exhibition will receive a $1,500 honorarium to cover transportation, installation and de-installation of the sculpture, and all other expenses involved. Any costs over $1,500 are entirely the responsibility of the artist.
Click here to download full RFP and application.
Chicago Sculpture International is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
While you're here...
Have any news to share? Shows, awards, residencies et al.? Send the particulars along to info@chicagosculpture.org, and we'll include them in an upcoming newsletter.
While you're at it, your profile and images on CSI’s website are important. When CSI applies for grants and upcoming shows, images are solely chosen from those you have uploaded to our website. Please take a minute to look over what you have posted and make sure you are presenting the best work. Member Shelley Gilchrist sgilchristart@gmail.com has volunteered to help you if you need it, so feel free to contact her.
