Martin Bernstein's studio. Entry to "the paint room." November 2011. (Image courtesy of Andrew Roddewig.) Martin Bernstein’s studio is probably one of the best artist studios you will ever visit in your entire life. At least, any artist studio that elicits the seemingly universal reaction of “Whoa. It’s like Pirates of the Caribbean in here…” deserves accolades. To describe... 

Local musicians of 2011, time to embellish your résumés and secure somewhat stable day jobs—you actually have it worse than your 90s predecessors. What follows is the second half of my conversation with Joe LaNasa, Director of the Fulton Street Collective. We discussed Chicago’s music scene, street poetry, and what’s in store for the artist community. Read PART I here. The Fulton Street Collective’s... 

Balancing the integrity of an artist with the acumen of a businessperson, distinguishing between Pilsen and Bridgeport, and telling misguided young artists that their work is mediocre at best… no topic is off limits for the owner of 4Art Inc. Gallery. What follows is the second part of my conversation with Robin Rios in anticipation of her gallery opening on Friday, March 18, from 7-10pm. Read PART... 

Robin Rios is the owner and founder of 4Art Inc. Gallery, currently located in the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport. I had interned at 4Art during Summer 2008 in its original Pilsen location, marking my fortuitous foray into what I had feared was the bureaucratic cult that is the art industry, only to be greeted with friendly tattooed arms, a refreshing lack of pretension, and home-grown vegetables... 

On March 18th, Hebru Brantley will have his first solo show at Zhou B Gallery. The show is entitled Afro-Futurism: Impossible View. As Hebru puts his show together, SIFC has been invited into his studio to document his process and explore the origins of his work through a three-part video series. With a little over two weeks until his show opens Hebru discussed his own apprehensions and the meaning...