Second Annual Chicago's only Latin American Art Fair. This international event concentrates on outsider, modern, and contemporary Latin American Art. Besides important works for sale there are educational, avant-garde and performance events. This edition of the project expands its programming to include fashion, performances and artists from eighteen countries.
2nd Annual Chicago ARTEahora expands its programming to include fashion, performances and artists from eighteen countries
Latin American artists continue to make enormous contributions to the world of Contemporary Art, but it is near impossible to see the leading artists' work all in one place in Chicago. For its second year, established contemporary artists from across Latin America and the USA will be featured in Chicago’s only curated art fair for Latin American artists, Chicago ARTEahora '09, with many of the artists planning to attend. It is the only event of its kind anywhere outside of New York and Miami.
The second annual Chicago ARTEahora event has diversified its offerings and will be showcased at the River North main Art Gallery District in a prominent space at the corner of Franklin and Huron Streets (233 W Huron St). The show will run from April 30th through May 4th, 2009, and will coincide with Art Chicago.
"The cultural significance of Latin American Contemporary Art can not be overstated or overlooked, and we are very honored to be able to help bring this exceptional event to the City of Chicago,” said Juan Rangel, the executive director of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), the presenting sponsor of Chicago ARTEahora. “UNO serves 3,500 students in charter schools and thousands more families in diverse Hispanic communities who will be able to experience a contemporary part of their culture that is otherwise rarely available to them in Chicago."
"Latin American Art includes some of the most important artists working today, and we have a wonderful range of exceptional artists participating in the fair," said Aldo Castillo, the show’s curator. “We are also integrating fashion, music, culinary arts, performances and a number of different mediums to make sure that this fair fully shows the most exciting and most significant contemporary Latin American artists in the world.
Some of the confirmed artists include
Antuan (Cuba) was chosen by Fidel Castro to be the ‘artist of the people’ from Cuba. During his training in France, however, he was introduced to the Holocaust, which profoundly changed his artistic perspective. Upon his return to Cuba, Casto considered him a critic and he was exiled. Marcos Raya (Mexico-USA) is only one of few Latinos whose work is included as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s permanent collection. His work explores the ongoing struggles with the urban displacement and the sociological impact of technological change. Luisa Elena Betancourt (Venezuela) is one of the most respected artists working today, but is rarely exhibited in the United States. Emil Alzamora (Peru-USA) uses sculpture to exaggerate or distort the human form in order to reveal emotional and physical truth. Carolina Sardi (Argentina) known for her wall installations on colored metal and inspired by the structure of bees.
A complete list of the artists in the show is available at www.chicagoarteahora.com.
Integrated Arts
In addition to paintings, photography, video and sculpture, this year’s Chicago ARTEahora is expanded to include fashion, music, culinary arts, lectures and more.
Original contemporary music will be presented opening night, including I Luv Luv Birds, Holly Prindle – (vocals), Marc Mozga – (instruments and percussion). Sound artist Mike Brankis will also create live compositions using futuristic, industrial sounds with the rhythmic variances of samba and tribal influenced music.
On opening night, the Culinary arts will be presented by Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar as they update the traditional flavors of Mexico. On Sunday, and free to the public “Coffee with Art” will be offered by LaVazza Cafés.
Sponsors
"Chicago has the largest population of Latin Americans in the country after Los Angeles, and it is very exciting to have so many corporate sponsors and other partners join with us to recognize this vibrant aspect of Chicago’s diversity," said Juan Rangel of the United Neighborhood Organization, the presenting sponsor. Other major sponsors include American Airlines, Flair Tower and Irreversible Magazine. A full list is also available at www.chicagoarteahora.com.
Galleries
Three important galleries have been invited to showcase artists from their respective countries. Galeria Arteconsult/Aleman y Grimberg will be highlighting artists from Panama. Almacén de Arte will be showcasing artists from Argentina, and Aldo Castillo Gallery will be highlighting Chicago’s local Latin American talent.
For more information please contact
Ana Maksin, Aldo Castillo Contemporary, Gallery Director, 312-222-0774, ana@artaldo.com
Julia Rendon, Public Relations, 312. 451.5262, julia_rendon@yahoo.com
VIP Opening Night, Friday, May 1, 6:30 to 9.00pm, Tickets: $50 (SOLD OUT)
Focus on Fashion: “Carry On Art”, Saturday, May 2, 6:30 to 9.00pm, Tickets: $50
River North Gallery District
233 W Huron St, Main Floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Thursday, April 30, 12am - 6pm
Friday, May 1, 11 am - 6pm
Saturday, May 2, 11am – 6pm
Sunday, May 3, 11am - 6pm (Free to the Public)
Monday, May 4, 11am - 6pm
Tickets
General Public $7.00, Students $5.00, Children under 12 free.
Sunday is FREE all day to the public. Presenting: "Coffee with Art" offered by LaVazza Café’s.