Summer in August
Written by: Taylor Doubek
With summer coming to an end and classes starting up, that does not mean the summer festivities need to end. From classes to shows, Art City and the Chicago Fine Art Salon have multiple events to keep the summer vibes going.
The Salon is thrilled to have Riley Brady back in our gallery spaces, this time showing at our Art City location at 1400 N. Halsted Ave. Her show, “Me Time” debuted new embroidery artwork.
Opening on Friday August 23rd, the NEW Gallery will be exhibiting a collection of works by Chicago based artist, Riley Brady, titled Me Time. Her works involve an eclectic range of mediums, most notably her embroidery work, while exploring a tight range of themes.
Growing up in a strict Catholic environment and being surrounded by both artists and craftspeople has manipulated the focus of her artwork to themes surrounding loneliness, religion, control, and the role of art vs. craft. These themes help explore the struggles and hardships Brady has faced through her life as a way to heal and forgive herself of these burdens.
The subject matter of her works varies from religious topics to WebMDs Symptom Checker. With all of these topics, she connects with her audience and hopes to provoke a sense of catharsis to viewers who deal with the same issues.
The Chicago Fine Art Salon is proud to present that it will be participating in this year's West Loop Art Fest. Free to the public, it will take place from August 30th to September 1st. For six blocks you will be immersed in a range of artwork by talented artists from across the country. Come out and soak in that last bit of summer and diver into the world of art!
Want to be hands on and get in touch with your creative side? Art City and Chicago Fine Art Salon offer fun and affordable classes where you can learn to work with a variety of mediums. No matter the skill level, we have you covered! Want a more low-key night come and join our Paint n Sip class at Art City. Want more of a challenge? Come to CFAS’s Chicago Fine Art Drawing class where you can harness new skills and techniques. Either way, you will go home with a new skill, so do not miss out! More information can be found on CFAS’s and Art City’s website.
Sparks will Fly in July at Art City and CFAS
Catch up with what the Salon is up to in July! We’ll be at West Fest, hosting classes, and more!
As the month of June comes to a close, July is coming in HOT, filled with activities, fun, and fireworks. Both the Chicago Fine Art Salon and Art City have many exciting events to keep up with July’s festivities. Launch into the artworld and explode into a world of creativity like a firework on the 4th of July.
West Fest
The Chicago Fine Art Salon is happy to announce that it will be at this year’s West Fest! CFAS will be presenting a range of eclectic prints and original works by talented artists that have been exhibited at both CFAS and Art City. West Fest is dedicated to celebrating the electric West Town community by hosting exuberating live music, delicious food, and of course a range of local artists and art vendors. West Fest will be on Chicago Avenue between Wood and Damen and will take place starting Friday, July 12th at 5pm and end on Sunday, July 14th at 10pm. Make sure to stop on by!
Art Classes
Art City and CFAS have a variety of engaging classes no matter the skill level. Over 21? Art City has the Happy Painting studio, a BYOB paint n sip class with alternating paintings each week. Have young kids with a creative imagination? Sign them up for Art City’s kids summer art camp. Classes take place up until the start of the school year, so sign up now! For $25 only, every Wednesday Art City is now having open introductory lessons in a variety of mediums. All materials are provided! Need a more advanced course and want to harness new skills with a range of mediums? Come stop in for a 2-hour weekly drawing class at CFAS and get connected with your creative side. More information can be found on the Art City website.
NEW Gallery and MIAR
Art City is proud to present two new artists, Jason Schroeder to the NEW Gallery and Clair Boyle to the MIAR gallery, on Thursday, July 18th.
Jason Schroeder is a Chicago based photographer. He takes much inspiration from films and movies. He explains “I learn from watching them. Sometimes I become so engrossed in the lighting of the movie, or the camera angles, that I lose track of the dialogue and the plot.” By seeing these techniques, he is able to incorporate it into his work, taking the ordinary and transforming it into the extraordinary, creating a truly captivating photo.
Clair Boyle is a painter based in Oakland and Chicago. Her works take inspiration from medieval image-making, before the discovery of perspectival space, where things feel at once wrong and charmingly human. The subject matter of the work depicts moments of social ceremony and celebration and exposing the unsettling, exuberant, and quite unhinged spirit of these gatherings. Within the paintings heads float on mile long necks, lobsters abound, figures gaze with unease, and martinis are always close by. Boyle is interested in flickering between celebration and disquiet, grandiosity and indignity, humor and sadness.
Call for Artists
CFAS will be hosting an exhibition in September titled Chicago Style, A Local Art Exhibition. It will be a group show dedicated to works that are about Chicago, by artists who identify as Chicagoans. Submissions for the show will be open throughout the month. Opening day for the exhibition will be September 1st and will close on October 6th. More information to come!
may flowers with the salon
Spring comes into full bloom and with it our plein aire painting classes. Read more for other updates.
May has been a month of milestones and artistic delights here at CFAS We've been overwhelmed by the incredible support and participation we've received from our community. From the rejuvenating ambiance of our plein air classes to the unveiling of our Capture collection, it's been a whirlwind of creativity and connection.
Plein Air Classes at the Wild Mile
One of the most exhilarating developments this month has been the resumption of our plein air classes at the enchanting Wild Mile. Nestled on the river behind the REI in Lincoln Park, the Wild Mile is a floating oasis, a harmonious blend of aquatic wonders and natural beauty. Our observational art classes amidst this picturesque setting have been nothing short of magical. If you haven't experienced the tranquility of painting the skyline against the backdrop of this spectacular nature preserve, now's your chance! Sign up here to immerse yourself in the art of plein air painting.
Curious to learn more about the Wild Mile? Click here to discover the wonders of this unique eco park.
Closing Reception for Capture Show
Mark your calendars for June 7th as we bid farewell to our captivating Capture Show. Join us for the closing reception as we celebrate the talent and creativity of the artists who have shared their vision with us. It's been a journey of discovery and inspiration, and we're grateful to everyone who has been a part of it.
Elena Morone: A Mosaic Marvel
Prepare to be captivated by the intricate beauty of Elena Morone's mosaic masterpieces. As our newest featured artist, Morone's work will soon be available in our shop, offering you the opportunity to bring a touch of mosaic magic into your own space. Stay tuned for updates on when Morone's exquisite creations will be gracing our shop!
New Installation by Kimmah Dennis
Stepping into our gallery at Art City, you'll be greeted by the mesmerizing works of installation artist Kimmah Dennis. With each piece, Dennis invites you into a world of introspection and wonder, challenging perceptions and sparking conversations. It's a privilege to showcase Dennis' talent, and we invite you to experience the transformative power of art firsthand. Read more here.
As we reflect on the events of May, we're reminded of the transformative power of art and the joy of community. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to creating more memories together in the months to come.
Until next time, may your days be filled with beauty and creativity.
march (renovation) madness at the salon
March at the Chicago Fine Art Salon is a dynamic time where creativity intertwines with construction. Amidst ongoing upgrades, the Salon remains a hub for artistic exploration and growth. Happy Saint Paddy’s everyone.
Firstly, for those eager to refine their skills, figure drawing classes hosted at Art City are now open for registration. Led by experienced instructors, the class delves into the nuances of capturing the human form, offering you an opportunity to hone your techniques in a supportive environment.
Already know what you’re doing, just looking for a space to practice painting or sketching live models? Saturdays uninstructed studio sessions. Artists are invited to explore and experiment freely, drawing inspiration from the Salon's ambiance and fellow creatives.
Construction efforts hope to enhance the visitor experience -improved lighting and revamped gallery spaces promise to create an immersive environment for art enthusiasts.
The Salon's "Capture" All Photography Show is a highlight of March, inviting photographers to showcase their unique perspectives. Submissions are ongoing, offering shutterbugs a platform to share their frozen moments in time.
Visit this months installation “Intricate Diaspora” and our New Gallery collection by Matt Perrin, Unearthed Cosmos.
March at the Chicago Fine Art Salon encapsulates a spirit of growth and transformation. As construction progresses, so too does the Salon's commitment to nurturing a vibrant artistic community. Artists and enthusiasts are welcomed to embrace the dynamic atmosphere and endless opportunities for creative expression.
season of love with chicago fine art salon <33
happy month of love to one and all!!
As we transition from the Love show to the upcoming events, Chicago Fine Art Salon extends heartfelt congratulations to all exhibiting artists who showcased their work with us at the LOVE Opening Reception, and our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate and support these incredible artists. Your presence made the evening truly special, and we're grateful for your continued support of the arts community.
We're eagerly looking forward to a year brimming with creativity, inspiration, and artistry, starting with our Capture call for art.
"CAPTURE," our photography-only exhibition is now open for applications. We invite talented photographers to showcase their perspectives and stories through their lens. Open to all themes and subjects, CAPTURE is our first photography-only show, with the only requirement being that the medium must be photography of some kind. The online gallery opens March 1st and the submission deadline is April 21st, but apply sooner rather than later and you can save on submission fees! For more details and submission guidelines, please visit our Call for Art page, or contact us with questions.
Chicago Fine Art Salon has expanded its reach and is now hosting CFAS artists’ work at ArtCity in Lincoln Park, providing more space to showcase captivating artworks and host immersive experiences. Additionally, our online collection is expanding every month to make it easier for our patrons to explore our collection from the comfort of their homes. As Valentine's Day approaches, why not celebrate with a one-of-a-kind gift from Chicago Fine Art Salon? Show your love in a unique way this Valentine's Day by gifting a piece of art that will be cherished for years to come.
At Chicago Fine Art Salon, we believe that art has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and foster connections. As we embark on this new chapter, we're grateful for the continued support of our community and eager to explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. We are now in the process of renovating our Salon space, and will be having a grand reopening this spring!
Here's to a year filled with creativity, passion, and discovery.
Seize the chance to bring home a piece of beauty and creativity. Decorate your living space with unique artwork and support your community; shop prints and originals before their gone :-)
as always, write our team any time.
until next time,
xoxo
cfas team <3
