Things to do this Weekend, 2.27-28.09

Rotofugi always has some interesting shows in their gallery, and this certainly should continue that perception. STENCILS! They've grown hugely popular in the last several years thanks to artists such as Blek la Rat and Banksy. This time around, the folks at Rotofugi are bringing in three artists to show us some of their creations. Some examples I've seen from these artists have me excited for the opening reception, and if you're a toy collector that hasn't been to the shop yet, you'll likely wet your pants, so don't miss out.


I love sneakers. I don't claim to be a collector, because it can get expensive and quite frankly, as much as I love all the creative releases, I buy them to bless my feet, not the box they came in or some shelf in a closet. With that said, I try to stop by Uprise on occasion to see what they have in stock, and I always see Stevie "Dread" Snyder behind the counter. Now, I've never been a skater, nor have I really followed the sport (I just love the shoes!), so little did I know that Mr. Snyder was some what of a Chicago celebrity.Nike SB collaborated with him in designing a new colorway for some upcoming Blazers (pictured above) set to release very soon. In fact, to celebrate, the folks at Uprise are hosting a release party Saturday for the occasion. Their mentioning a night of art, live music and a Blazer raffle. This should be interesting, so haul yourself to Bucktown Saturday night between 8p-12a and support the cause!

Things to do this Friday, 2.20.09

Some good stuff going on this Friday to tickle your fancy. Art and music!


Having familiarized myself with both MORGAN's and The Viking's work on the streets, I'm very interested to see what they offer in a "gallery" setting. Hosted by The Novem Store in Wicker Park makes it a little more interesting for me personally since I haven't stopped by to check it out yet. It serves as both a retail store and gallery. The Novem Store co-owner Adrian Vidaurre was quoted saying in the Columbia Chronicle, "Sometimes I kind of get lost staring at [the exhibit]. I’ve been staring at it for a while; it’s a pretty interesting piece to look at.”


As I mentioned last week, Jason Brammer's opening his first solo exhibition for 2009 at Eyeporium Gallery in Wicker Park which is located in Eye Want at 1543 N. Milwaukee. I promise this will be a cool show. His work is rather surreal, and can be quite large in size, especially his installations. He'll be painting live throughout the evening, and offering 3 rooms filled with his art and his new site-specific "eye"-themed installation.


Lastly, Yea Big & Kid Static are performing at the Darkroom. There hasn't been a YBKS performance I didn't enjoy. They really get into their music and the crowd, literally. It's not your everyday hip hop, hell it may actually have a different genre labeled to it altogether. Darkrooom actually has some decent beers available too if it matters any.

Don't let the weather stop you!!

Meat Number 5 this Thursday

The Whistler is a fairly new bar that opened in Logan Square. They've been getting plenty of attention thanks to the drinks they whip up and the constant rotation of live music. Ricky Ropesack and DJ Once-A-Month bring their Meat Number 5 project there this Thursday along with Serengeti. Come through, check out the digs, have a cocktail and your recommended daily serving of meat.

Things to do this Friday, 2.13.09

It's time for A.Okay's 2nd annual custom train art show. Last year's show turned out a huge response from attendees filling the quaint space. In fact, if it's even possible to have too big of a crowd, I'd say they hit it. And I don't anticipate it being anything short of last year's outcome. Be prepared to get cozy with the crowd, but more importantly, to see work you don't see very often. A few examples from last year's show below to see exactly what I mean:

Yoink x Get Up

Peabe x The Grocer
photos courtesy of Formula Werks/Scumbag Nation

There's some great names listed on the lineup, and they're all very likely to be in attendance. So don't bail out on this unique gathering. It's one you don't want to miss - I promise you that.

Also, on my itinerary, is stopping by Revolution Tattoo on Western for the Valentine's Day Art Show. Again, some great names on this lineup as well, and it's sponsored by Three Floyd's Brewing Co.! Can't get much better than that.

Jason Brammer, an Indianapolis native like myself (although he was born in Ohio), has established himself as a highly-respected artist internationally. Airbrush is one of his main weapons of choice, but it isn't all he uses. His installations are incredible; You can see one now at 4Art Inc. in Pilsen, and he'll have work displayed at Friday's custom train art show at A.Okay Official. He'll be painting live at the Hyde Park Art Center as part of their Cocktails and Clay event this Friday, however. Jason and his wife Erin are super cool people, and Jason's art is worth your attention. If you can't catch this live performance, again, you can catch some of his work at A.Okay, or you can wait til next week when he opens his first solo exhibition for 2009 next Friday in Wicker Park. I'll mention that last part again next week.

SEE YA FRIDAY!

KAWS effect

KAWS has put in enough work to earn plenty of respect. Here's an interesting video of Brian getting interviewed by (the always hot and sexy) Serena Altschul. I love his SpongeBob paintings. RIDICULOUS.

Studio News

After having my first public showing this past summer, I've been working on some new projects including a mural on some friends' lounge room wall. The wall itself is complete, but there's still a second phase that I'm currently working on. In addition, I have a couple separate pieces that both involve windows. They're adding the perfect new dimension with a style I used commonly for me and Matt's show Encode: Decode. I'm combining that with my next focus which are skylines. I moved to Chicago not so long ago, and absolutely love the city's skyline. It's a true inspiration for me which is why it's imperative my next residence includes at least a somewhat decent view.


One of the two window pieces (pictured above) will also include a medium I've never worked with, light. Fluorescent light to be exact. But instead of divulging everything to you now, I'll only share that much. I'm really excited to see it completed, but it's honestly been a slow moving project. I've been working on it more lately along with some other pieces, so it's nice to get back into some kind of rhythm.

Another project I'm excited about is my first collaborative piece with Tara Zanzig. It's a first for both of us in fact. I expect it to get more interesting as we each get more involved. It consists of two canvas, and we hand them back and forth every few weeks. I'll be getting them back any day now, and I'm very curious to see what she had done since I had last seen them. That excitement alone sorta makes this experience worth it.

Things to do this Friday, 1.16.09

A couple things to note for Friday night in case you don't have any plans and would like to venture out in this crazy weather, which I suggest you do...

The first Drummer Vs. The Technician was a big success, so this promises to pack a similarly potent punch to the eardrums. My friends Meat Number 5 (DJ Once-A-Month & Ricky Ropesack) are on the bill again and are hinting at some new tracks performed that night as they're currently working on their next EP. I'm very excited for that. Maker was part of the show last year also, and I shouldn't have to say how dope it was. I've never been disappointed with anything Maker pumps through the speakers. It's at one of my favorite venues in the city, The Hideout, so this shouldn't be a show to miss.



Also, at the Chicago Country Club in Wicker Park is an art show dedicated to the memory of Brendan Scanlon (SOLVE). I'm excited for this because 1) it's my first art show I'll be attending in this new year; and 2) I've always enjoyed Brendan's work. I hear there'll be a wall for other artists to contribute to all pertaining to the man himself. Come out and show love to what was an extremely brilliant artist taken away senselessly from his family, friends and fans.

SUPPORT!