On Saturday, October 22, I had the pleasure of attending the “Creating Community through the Arts” panel discussion at the Bridgeport Art Center, held during the Bridgeport Art Walk as part of Chicago Artists Month 2011. The panel, moderated by visual artist Luis DeLaTorre, was made up of Jose Barrera, a Surrealist painter and Principal of the Columbia Explorers Academy; Patric McCoy, President... 

Detail from the Patric McCoy Collection, 2011. (Image Credit: Tempestt Hazel.) When walking into the home of Patric McCoy, Co-founder of the collector group Diasporal Rhythms, it is easy to be stunned and a bit overwhelmed. Even before stepping through the door you are led up a stairway that is lined with at least a dozen photographs, prints and paintings that originate from various moments in the... 

Across the board, art IS happening this weekend. FRIDAY || AUGUST 12th, 2011 “Is this thing on?: The art of comedy” Guest Curator: Miguel Cortez from Antena Contemporary art is too serious sometimes. This show will focus on the lightheartedness and humor in art. Most of us are part of the system and work 40+ hours a week and by the weekend we just want to unwind and be entertained. Then...