Paintings, photographs and collages from Chicago-area black artists now adorn the walls of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., in recognition of Black History Month.
The exhibit, “Renaissance Reloaded: Art in Black Chicago, Then and Now,” launched with an opening reception Sunday that attracted community visitors and local artists.
Phillip J. Turner curated the event, which filled the halls of the exhibit. He said he hoped visitors understood how deeply connected the African-American community is in Chicago.
“The big thing I hope people get from this is to pay attention to what is around in the environment in terms of the art community,” Turner said.
Turner said he had to rework his idea within 10 days because of the insurance on the artwork of different artists. He said he originally planned to display other artwork from the 1930s to 1950s.
“The show culminated into this, but I had several other ideas,” Turner said. “I’m satisfied.”
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., and Evanston’s Cultural Arts Division hosted the reception.
“It’s certainly a community event – I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Tim Rhoze, artistic director at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre.
The reception featured music from bluesman Vince Agwada , who said, “I feel good,” about performing at this event, referencing soul singer James Brown’s famous song.
The exhibit features the work of 42 different artists , including Kevin Reed Camp, who has a photograph on display.
“It’s a great exhibit with lots of great artists,” Camp said. “Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of it.”
Arlene Turner-Crawford of Chicago had some of her art on display at the exhibit as well.
“This theme is close to my heart,” Turner-Crawford said. “I believe in my work and a lot of the artists. Some of them have inspired me.”
Edna Porter, who specializes in watercolor, came to see the artwork of her former teacher Margaret Burroughs, a prominent black artist.
“The experience I had from going to an all-black school was mostly from the teachers who inspired me to do something better in my life,” Porter said.
James O’Neal came to the exhibit to support the work of his friend Michael Barlow, as well as the artist Richard Hunt.
“It means that this is an opportunity to see a variety of art forms by a community that doesn’t get a lot of exposure,” O’Neal said.
The exhibit will be on display Jan. 28 through March 21 in galleries one and two at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
