Art Connects Us, Volume 8

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

Faculty Member Nick Cave’s Latest Project Challenges Individuals to Reflect On Their Role in the Proliferation of Racism
In their latest community-based project, Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment Nick Cave and his partner Bob Faust have created a platform designed to confront and dismantle racism. Titled AMENDS, this project challenges individuals to acknowledge their own role in the proliferation of racism, and its first component is a collection of personal testimonials on gallery windows, in which the writers publicly share these self-reflections. read more

Lockdown Puppet Theater Keeps Hope and Entertainment Alive in Lakeview
Alum Matthew Owens (BFA 1985), who has made puppets for the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is offering socially distanced entertainment to his neighbors from his balcony. Every week, Owens hosts Lockdown Puppet Theater, a music and comedy show featuring a cast from his collection of 40 puppets, designed to bring his neighborhood some levity during quarantine. read more

Faculty and Alums Organize Photography Fundraiser for Hunger in Chicago
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, food scarcity among Chicago residents has become an increasingly pressing issue. In response, a group of Chicagoans—including Assistant Professor, Adj. Marzena Abrahamik, Associate Professor Aimee Beaubien, and alums Leonardo Kaplan (BFA 2008) and Rebecca Kressley (BFA 2007)—are giving back to the community with a photography print sale that directly benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. read more

Charly Palmer Depicts Black Love for TIME Cover
For the July 6 cover of Time magazine, Atlanta artist Charly Palmer (SAIC 1980-1982) had one goal: capture a moment in which Americans will see whether their country is able to live up to its promise. The resulting commission is In Her Eyes, a 40-by-30-inch acrylic painting with a message that is more than meets the eye. read more