Theaster Gates: 13th Ballad

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Beatrice Brittan Posted in Around Town, Visual Arts | Leave a comment

The Museum of Contemporary Art presents a new exhibit, 13th Ballad, a continuation of 12 Ballads for Huguenot House, by artist Theaster Gates.

The exhibition has a complicated history, exploring the relationship between social enterprise, contemporary art practices, and architectural and cultural redevelopment. In 2009, Gates hired a team to help assist him in dismantling the interior of a Chicago building slated for demolition. The salvaged materials were then used to mend a historically significant hotel in Kassel, Germany, known as the Huguenot House. The process was documented and now, most of the materials have made their way back to Chicago.

The MCA’s new exhibit is a continuation of Gates’ original work. 13th Ballad is housed in the MCA’s front atrium. It includes a wooden double cross that follows the contour of the building and contains boxes that will display objects from Huguenot House. Church pews discarded from the University of Chicago serve as a space for performances and provide a quiet space for contemplation.

Theaster Gates’ 13th Ballad opens at the MCA tomorrow, May 18th and continues until October 6th. Admission to the museum is $12.

WildClaw Theatre DEATHSCRIBE Contest

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Jaela Hall Posted in Around Town, Get Involved, Theatre | Leave a comment

Blood, guts, and gore. The ghastly, the gruesome, and the grotesque. To most, these horrific things would be immediate deterrents. But for the special group of eerie theatre enthusiasts at the WildClaw Theatre, everything genuinely chilling is welcomed company!

Finding yourself an aficionado of all things sickening and vile as well? Well you are the perfect candidate for WildClaw Theatre’s upcoming DEATHSCRIBE 2013. This contest is for anyone interested in writing innovative and interesting horror-based radio scripts. Submissions must be 10 minutes-sound and music cues included-and sent via email by midnight on August 1st. Of all the submissions, 5 entries will be chosen to be performed as an evening of Live Radio Drama at the Mayne Stage in Rogers Park on Monday, December 2nd and recorded for future WildClaw Blood Radio Podcast. With no restrictions on submission content, feel free to let your repulsive imagination run rancid.

If you are interested in participating in this year’s contest, please visit the WildClaw Theatre website for full information on format, guidelines, the submitting process, and more.

Manifest Urban Arts Festival Manifests at Columbia College

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jaela Hall Posted in Around Town | Leave a comment

On Friday, May 17th, Columbia College Chicago will celebrate the work of its more than 2,000 graduating students with its annual Urban Arts Festival. The event will include an eclectic range of talents including: art exhibitions, readings, original designs, and singer showcases.

The festival has been a great success in past years and has been predicted to, again, allow the talent of their student body to “spill out from Columbia’s South Loop Campus and onto the streets.” This event will indubitably be a fantastic celebration of young talent that is filled with an incredible combination of artistic appreciation and fun for all.

Thanks to the contributions of its sponsors and the creativity and gifts of the Columbia faculty and graduating student body, Manifest 2013 has remained a free event that is open to the public. The all-day event marks the 13th year of the festival, and it will be filled with engaging, thought-provoking and playful art, music and visuals that showcase the talent and creativity of Columbia students. We are excited for its arrival and we hope to see you there!