Blog

By now you’ve probably heard plenty about our Art for All Gala on March 10 – just one week away! (Haven’t been in the loop? Details here.) One unique element of our Gala is the opportunity to see live performances and artwork by Urban Gateways artists and students, offering a direct glimpse into our empowering and impactful arts education programs. Meet the performers and artists below!

ART FOR ALL GALA
FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH, 6:00-11:00PM
REVEL FULTON MARKET (1215 W. FULTON MARKET, CHICAGO)

*NEW* Red Carpet Coverage from Street-Level Youth Media

Street-Level Youth Media, newly a part of Urban Gateways, educates urban youth in media and emerging technologies: Program participants film, record, blog, and act as journalists based at Street-Level’s building at North and Ashland. What better way to introduce you to them than to have Street-Level youth interview you as you make your Gala entrance? From your outfit to your live auction bids and why you support arts education, they’ll be providing Gala video coverage that you’ll get to view after the event. More about Street-Level here!

Artwork by the World Weavers of Stone Academy

This year we’re adding student visual art to the mix! The World Weavers program teaches sixth graders at Stone Academy about world cultures and textiles through the art of rug design. Each year, students study textiles from all over the world and create their own designs. Textile experts at Minasian Rug Company then select a few rugs each year to be woven into reality at ARZU Studio Hope in Afghanistan. At this year’s Gala, we’ll be displaying the final rugs from last year; including this year’s final rugs in our mini live auction; and offering framed prints of the past three years’ winning rug designs for sale. Some of the young artists will even be present to answer your questions! Learn more about the World Weavers program.

Chinese Folk & Classical Dance

Urban Gateways touring performer Olinda Chang has brought her Chinese dance show to hundreds of schools all over Chicago, and on March 10 she and Samantha Chi will bring stunning movement and visual flair (including Chinese ribbon dancing) to the Art for All Gala. Read more here.

African Dance with Ayodele

Last year, Urban Gateways students from South Shore Fine Arts Academy wowed the Gala audience with moves they had learned during their African dance residency. This year we’re keeping the tradition alive with Ayodele, an Urban Gateways touring group that performs athletic African dance accompanied by dynamic drumming and extravagant costuming. Get to know Ayodele.

The Four Layer Players of EPIC Academy

The Four Layer Players, a student drumline at EPIC Academy in South Chicago, have been going strong for five years now under the guidance of teaching artist Michael Riendeau. They have performed at the 2015 and 2016 House of Blues Action for the Arts Recitals and we featured them at our 2013 Art for All Gala at City Winery, where they were a huge hit. We are thrilled to welcome them back at this year’s Gala! Check out this video about their program.

Latin Music with Contrabanda

Contrabanda, another Urban Gateways touring group, performs two shows with us in schools and community venues – “Rhythms of Rio” and “Energia: Roots of Latin Jazz.” Their big, infectious sound is perfect for dancing and closing out the Gala on a high note. More info here.

SEE THESE PERFORMERS AND ARTISTS TAKE THE STAGE AT THE GALA!