Arts of Life Annual Summer Exhibit 2007 June 16, 2007

Arts of Life Annual Summer Exhibit

ARTS OF LIFE http://www.artsoflife.org/
will open its doors on June 16th at 6pm for it’s annual summer art exhibition. 13 artists belonging to the ARTS OF LIFE studio will be showcasing new works in a silent auction with an average starting bid of $250. Admission to this event is $25, which includes beer compliments of Chicago Beverage Systems, wine and hors d’oeurvres. Auctioning begins at 7 o’clock and ends at 8 with a raffle, featuring such prizes as Chicago White Sox Jose Contreras signed baseball, a wine and salumeria party hosted by Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse and One hour massage, manicure and pedicure certificates from Siren Salon. Non-auctioned art will also be available at prices ranging from $60 to $500. This ARTS OF LIFE event is sponsored in part by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Erickson Design.

From Silvia Ramirez’s http://www.flickr.com/photos/arts_of_life/343112401/
genius renditions of popular figures such as Betty Boop and Batman to Mark Germano’s http://www.flickr.com/photos/arts_of_life/sets/72157594204625359/
architecture and design inspired color abstractions, ARTS OF LIFE artists explore the obsessive, unself-conscious pleasures of creation. The first thing you will notice when you enter the studio is a prolific use of color, form and expressionist imagery. Mediums exhibited range from oil pastels to collage, acrylics, and photography frequently displayed on recycled windows and wooden boards. The 13 featured artists work within a wonderland of outsider art by delving into abstract expressionism, portraiture and landscape, all expressive of individual style and technique.

ARTS OF LIFE is an artist community that provides adults with developmental disabilities an environment to experience personal growth. Opened in 2000, under the direction of Denise Fisher ARTS OF LIFE was the first program in Chicago to provide employment in the arts for adults with developmental disabilities. The studio serves as both a day center and creative home for its artists. Funded partly by the Department of Human Services ARTS OF LIFE also depends on fundraising efforts and grants to sustain itself. Articles on ARTS OF LIFE have appeared in the Chicago Reader, Chicago Time Out, Chicago Social and the Chicago Tribune. Artist’s work can be viewed at 12 Starbucks locations throughout the City as well as Savor the Flavor in Lincoln Park and Janik’s Sub shop in Wicker Park. Carl Hammer, a reknown outsider art dealer, recently brought ARTS OF LIFE pieces to an annual outsider art fair in New York. ARTS OF LIFE’s most recent exhibition was part of the 2007 Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art in participation with Chicago Artropolis.

Official Website: http://www.artsoflife.org/