Networking (sfhdsifsdikfjl!)

Time in 1:30pm

"Networking" is one of those dreaded words for artists. It's that thing we know we should be doing, but aren't, can't or won't, depending on your temperament. I've been actively working on being a better networker even though I'm not sure exactly what that means. I'm finding ways to network (or the uglier word, schmooze) in ways that I am comfortable. Everyone says to go to galleries and just start talking to people. Go to the openings, go during the day, chat up the gallerists.... I love talking to people, but can't do it if it'll seem like I have an agenda, especially when I see their eyes glaze over at the mention of ANOTHER artist that wants to meet them.  

It is much easier to invite everyone over to my place though, to look at my work and hang out without the gallery aura of status climbing. So if you are in Chicago this Saturday evening you should come by. Find my email in my profile and I will send you the details. 

Continuing with the networking, I've come across some very interesting artists and want to share them with you. Renee who I have actually mentioned before is having a couple of openings this weekend (which you should check out) and Tom Gallagher is a photographer working on an interesting project:

Renee Prisble Una-

I met Renee at the Open Crit program at the Hyde Park Art Center. She is an installation based artist that uses various materials from ceramic to iron to recycled thrift store items in her work. She has work in two shows this month with BOTH openings on this Friday evening. Here are the details:

Perimeter Gallery
October 16th to November 14th
Opening Reception: Friday October 16th, 5-8pm 

Perimeter Gallery
210 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60654
312.266.9473
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm

Northeastern Illinois University, Fine Arts Center Gallery
October 5th - October 30th 2009
Reception: Friday October 16th, 6-9pm 

The Prayer Wheel Project was curated into a group show at Northeastern Illinois University. The show, Fast Forward, consists of artists whose work looks past the somber events and conflicts of the past several years towards an optimistic future. While recognizing the impossibility of a utopia, the work focuses on concepts such as community, spirituality, and democracy.

The Fine Arts Center Gallery is located on the NEIU campus, check the website for parking instructions.
5500 N St. Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60625 
(773) 442-4944

Tom Gallagher:

I have also come across the work of a photographer here in Chicago who specializes in portrait photography. Tom is working on a project right now in which he is photographing artists in their studios/workplaces. This potentially will be displayed in a show or a book format in the future and I'm considering being involved in it. (If you are an artist that is interested in participating you can contact him through his website). I'm not posting any pictures here as I haven't asked permission, so go take a look at the website to see what I'm talking about.