Next Thursday (Sept 11, 6-8pm), Urban Gateways is thrilled to bring you Around the Arts, the second annual iteration of our free September supporter events. Yes, that’s correct, it is free (and yes, there will be drinks, food, and entertainment that are free).

We’re expecting a full house of 200+ guests, and we are thrilled that so many artists, educators, supporters, board and auxiliary board members, staff members, friends, etc will be there to support arts education for Chicago students. We are ALSO thrilled to welcome all of you to the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport, our wonderful venue.

The Zhou B Art Center, which was founded in 2004 and is celebrating 10 Years of Art Innovation, has exhibited the work of over 1,000 artists and has welcomed the public into its space for Third Friday openings, in addition to housing hundreds of artist studios.

“The Zhou Brothers’ mission is to encourage and empower emerging artists, at the center and around the world. Young people are the perfect target to learn to express themselves through all forms of art including visual, musical, culinary and all types of creativity,” Donna Bliss of the Zhou B Art Center said.

Our missions truly jive, which is why we’ve chosen to partner with Zhou B Art Center for this exciting event. Another reason is that their space will be a key component of an evening bursting with artistry. You’ll see the Zhou Brothers’ exhibition “American Period” in the first floor’s Spirit Space and a selection of their sculptures in the Moongate Space. You’ll also be able to participate in “artbars” with Urban Gateways teaching artists Jonathan Franklin, James Jankowiak, and Victoria Martinez, and see performances by Urban Gateways touring artists Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and Third Coast Percussion (pictured below).

“We hope attendees experience the arts at this event and recall that many children across Chicagoland don’t always have access to an arts education or arts experiences – and that’s where Urban Gateways comes in. To help fill that gap and introduce youth around the city to the arts education that we, as an organization, feel is their birthright,” said Abby Csanda, Urban Gateways’ Associate Director of Development.

Getting you inspired by Chicago’s stellar artistic community is certainly one goal of Around the Arts; another is to refresh your commitment to arts education as a way of making Chicagoland more vibrant and equitable. Yet another is to thank you!

“Since we don’t have a physical space we don’t always have the opportunity to meet or thank our partners, artist, or supporters, and this is a way to not only say thank you but showcase who we are and what we do,” said Brian Foster, Urban Gateways’ Director of Marketing & Sales.

See you at the Zhou B Art Center!

Around the Arts Thursday, September 11, 6-8pm Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W 35th St

Pictured: Performers (and Urban Gateways touring artists) Third Coast Percussion and Cerqua River Dance Theatre will help fire up your artistic inspiration.

Check out photos from last year’s ART Launch Party – the kickoff to our free annual September events – HERE.