Author: Guest Blogger

Read about teaching artist Sonja Henderson’s work promoting self care and mental health through creative workshops.

On February 7, the Associate Board took a field trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for a private tour of works by Basim Magdy. Associate Board member Sam Ostrowski blogs about how the tour allowed him to experience contemporary art in an effective new light.

Associate Board member Lauren Shirk blogs about her experience attending a Black History Month kick-off performance of “Celebration Dances of West Africa” in Back of the Yards.

Touring artist Jeremy Schaefer shares a delightful anecdote from an interactive storytelling performance at Willard Elementary.

Urban Gateways staffer Karl Saffran writes about poetry chapbooks, the communities they create, and the importance of nurturing emerging artists.

Associate Board Member Colin Moore discusses why he got involved: Great times with great people, clear results, and the opportunity to see Urban Gateways’ impact firsthand.

Teaching artist James Jankowiak blogged to tell us about his six-week artist residency at ICCI, in which he and his K-6th grade students took full advantage of their short time together by creating beautiful abstractions.

Urban Gateways staff members are constantly participating in creative adventures and artistic pursuits outside the office. It’s National Poetry Month, and in this blog entry, staffer Karl Saffran tells you why poetry should be front and center all year – and what he’s doing about it.

The talent and joy that 4th graders from South Shore Fine Arts Academy displayed through their African Dance performance left the Gala audience speechless; we asked Amaniyea Payne to tell us more about their performance experience.