Art Beat

We posted about the 50 Aldermen/50 Artists show and decided to go take a look.  Interesting!  The aldermen were depicted in all kinds of media:  Legos, video, photos, cardboard, tile... some flattering (Scott Waguespack, JoAnn Thompson), some ... not so much.  Some cooperated with their artists; some did not.  17 aldermen showed up at the opening, and a few bought their own portraits.  You can read more about the show on its website, and in the Huffington Post (with photos).  But if you want to see it in person, better hurry.  It's open during the week only by special arrangement and the closing party is Friday, April 2nd.

The three aldermen representing Uptown:

Mary Ann Smith (Ward 48)'s portrait was done in digital photos by Jon Hisel, whose notes in the artists' book said she was extremely accommodating.  Her only comment was that "I knew I should have worn makeup today."  Jon Hisel told UU in email that "She was very timely in replying to my request to meet. She took time out of her schedule to chat with me about my art and let me take photos of her in her office.... She showed a genuine interest in my work."

Gene Schulter (Ward 47)'s portrait was done by Phineas X. Jones, who mentioned in the artists' book that he didn't have a chance to meet with the alderman, so he used a photo of Ald. Schulter and the Mayor together as the basis of his work.

Helen Shiller (Ward 46)'s portrait was done by John Geletka.  He didn't say anything about their meeting in the artists' book, but we have a pretty good idea on what he based his work....

National Night Out Against Crime, Uptown Update, August 7, 2007