West Ridge Artists

Fannie Lou Hammer

10/17/2020

On October 7, 2020, The Goodman Theatre staged a newly produced play entitled Fannie Lou Hammer, Speak On It. The play written, by Cheryl L. West, was
performed publicly for free in our Indian Boundary Park. This play, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and Goodman Theatre. was part of a three-week citywide performance in city parks and community centers. West Ridge Artists helped promote the event on via their website, newsletter and social media. The play highlights the struggle of Fannie Lou Hammer, a 1960s civil rights activist, fighting for free and unimpeded elections in the South. While the play was shortened to 50 minutes, actor E. Faye Butler (as Fannie) impressed all with her singing and acting. She belted out songs that engaged the audience and drew them in to her world of struggle and discrimination. Despite being imprisoned and beaten, Fannie Lou Hammer kept on organizing. The audience left with the clear message - VOTE to honor all those who fought for that right.

COVID CREATIONS: CALL FOR ARTWORK

9/6/2020

Calling all West Ridge residents – show us what you’ve created!
Be featured in the WRA Covid Creations Online Gallery!

We’ve all been home alot more than usual - through the lock down, and even now with many places still closed and events moved from in-person to virtual. WRCO wants to showcase what you and/or your children have created during this historic time. We welcome all creations (visual, performing, literary) from West Ridge residents, regardless of your experience or training - from amateurs to professionals to those who are just exploring something new!

Submission is simple - email us one of the following:
• a photo of your visual work (painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph, etc.
• written piece (poem, short story, etc.)
• for music and videos: submit your audio or video file via a file sharing service like Dropbox, Google Drive, Icloud, etc. Do not attach file to your submission. Include the URL link to your file instead.

You can include a short description of your work with your name, or remain anonymous, if preferred.

Work will be featured in the Covid Creations Online Gallery on this website and in WRA/WRCO social media posts.

Participants are required to sign and submit a permission form which allows us to publicly display your work. Parents and guardians - if you are submitting a piece created by your child, you are required to submit the parental consent form. You retain all rights to your work.

Deadline is October 15, 2020
For questions, email us at westridgeartists@gmail.com

WEST RIDGE ARTISTS VIDEO PROJECT FUNDRAISER

9/5/2020

West Ridge Artists has launched a Go Fund Me page to raise funds to produce more videos showcasing WRA artists, their creative process and their works. Please consider donating to support local artists in your community.
This project will not only help local artists, it will also promote and highlight West Ridge and all of its offerings!
Please help spread the word through your contacts and social media.
West Ridge Artists Video Project: Go Fund Me

Download and share this PDF

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: RAY NOESEN

8/11/2020

In lieu of live events, we are excited to launch a new video series - the West Ridge Artist Artist Spotlight, produced by West Ridge videographer Mirko Popadic. Get to know a featured artist of the WRA group - their creative process and work.

First up is oil pastel artist Ray Noesen.

"Beyond the Surface" Exhibit Opening

9/8/2019

Indian Boundary Park Nature Center's brick walls and high vaulted ceilings provided the perfect setting for Raymond Noesen's opening exhibit on September 1st. It's huge glass doors were wide open in celebration of a cool summer evening. Attendees were treated to Noesen's "Beyond the Surface" koi series - a collection of oil and wax pastel paintings on paper - in addition to a generous spread of food and drink. Special thanks to Phil Martini at Indian Boundary Park for his assistance with our second event!

photography by Images by Ingrid

Opening Exhibit: John-Michael Korpal

5/17/2019

Images from John-Michael Korpal's opening gala of his Re•sil•ence show at Devon Bank in Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood. Special thanks to Devon Bank (venue/food), cellist Andrea Nott (musical entertainment), West Ridge Artists member volunteers and all who attended the show. We appreciate your support in making our debut event such a success!

Photography by Images by Ingrid

Artist Talk: John-Michael Korpal

5/10/2019

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May 9, 2019
Northtown Library
6:00-7:00PM

Artist John-Michael Korpal presented a lecture about his upcoming show, Re•sil•ience, at the new Northtown branch of the Chicago library. He discussed his inspiration, materials and process, and led attendees in guided visualizations. Learn more about John-Micheal here.