FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brian Foster, Director of Marketing & Sales
bfoster@urbangateways.org, 312-445-2749
Celebrating an Artistic Journey:
Traveling Minds Exhibition & Reception
When: Friday, May 6, 6-9pm
Where: Carlos and Dominguez Fine Arts Gallery, 1538 W. Cullerton St., Chicago
https://urbangateways.org/event/traveling-minds-student-exhibition/
Urban Gateways, teaching artist Victoria Martinez, and student artists are hosting a free reception Friday, May 6 at The Carlos and Dominguez Fine Arts Gallery. The reception welcomes the display of a collaborative 10’ by 15’ installation, made of fabric and wood, which students created to represent their perspectives on the Pilsen community in which they live. Martinez and the student artists will present the piece, along with process photos and books, and speak to guests about the artistic processes behind its creation.
The instillation is the end result of Martinez’s Traveling Minds residency program. In this program, Martinez instructed high school students at Benito Juarez Community Academy in embroidery, sewing and painting techniques. These students then traveled to nearby elementary schools (Orozco Community Academy and Pickard Elementary) and to Casa Juan Diego to conduct embroidery workshops with younger students. The older students assisted the younger as they worked on embroidery projects, using patterns in their urban environment as inspiration, which contributed to the final artwork. Learn more about the program here.
“This is very exciting because our students will act as mentors to the younger generation in hopes of inspiring them to continue to explore art as they get older, especially because every person involved will be able to experience their mark-making in a professional art institution,” Martinez said.
The installation is currently on display at the National Museum of Mexican Art. On May 6, it will move to Carlos and Dominguez Fine Arts Galley for this event. Later the piece will enjoy stints at Pickard and Orozco elementary schools. Its final home will be at Benito Juarez Academy.
Urban Gateways delivers high-quality, accessible arts experiences that advance students’ personal and academic growth. Professional artists engage Chicago’s youth in arts activities that build essential skills like creativity, collaboration and innovation, and improve their self-esteem and confidence necessary to succeed in life.
For more information about Urban Gateways or this event, please contact Brian Foster, Director of Marketing & Sales – (312) 445-2749 or bfoster@urbangateways.org.