Art Connects Us, Volume 24

At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), our community has responded to the current moment as true citizen artists.

Their work demonstrates a belief in our interconnectedness as people and our shared responsibility to make positive change. We know headlines may be overwhelming these days, so below you’ll find good news highlighting the incredible efforts of SAIC’s artists and designers to forge and deepen connections with our communities.

We hope it inspires you for the week ahead.

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8
Volume 9
Volume 10
Volume 11
Volume 12
Volume 13
Volume 14
Volume 15
Volume 16
Volume 17
Volume 18
Volume 19
Volume 20
Volume 21
Volume 22
Volume 23

The New York Times Profiles Associate Professor LaToya Ruby Frazier
The New York Times spotlighted the work of Associate Professor LaToya Ruby Frazier, whose photography documents the courage and diversity of communities that have been ravaged by unemployment, poverty, and racism. “I am showing these dark things about America because I love my country and countrymen,” shared Frazier. “When you love somebody, you tell them the truth. Even if it hurts.” read more

Alum Hiba Ali and Artist Jennifer Chan Discuss How to Build Community Online
Alum Hiba Ali (BFA 2012, BA 2013) and former faculty member Jennifer Chan met six years ago at SAIC. In a conversation with Hyperallergic, they discuss their work as new media artists, how they see the internet as a vehicle for storytelling, and how they build community as artists of color working primarily online. “If it doesn’t exist, then build it,” said Ali. “Others will join you.” read more

Alum Allison M. Glenn Curates an Exhibition Reflecting on Breonna Taylor’s Life
Alum Allison M. Glenn (MA 2012) is curating Promise, Witness, Remembrance, an exhibition that will reflect on the life of Breonna Taylor, at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville. As part of her process, Glenn consulted with Taylor’s family, as well as a National Advisory Panel that includes artists and family members of Alton Sterling and Trayvon Martin. “There was a lot of back and forth with the community and a lot of listening and responding,” said Glenn. read more