ENGLEWOOD — The work of local artists will be celebrated at Hamilton Park Cultural Center Saturday.
The 20th annual Chicago Artists Month is an initiative of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Public Library. It celebrates the work of artists throughout Chicago, bringing community showcases, dancing, concerts and more all for free.
"Creativity of the Senses" is the title of the open house, which will be held in Englewood at Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This is the second year that the program has been at the park. Last year it was organized by community member Debra Thompson.
“Chicago Artists Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate arts in every neighborhood of the city,” said Danielle Littman, cultural liaison for the park district. “This is a necessary event series, as it gives space for local artists to build programming from the ground up, and to share what is unique and vital about the arts in their neighborhood.”
She also said it gives artists the opportunity to collaborate and partner with community members, stakeholders, the Hamilton Park Cultural Center and the Department of Culture Affairs and Events.
The planning process for this year’s event began in March when the park district’s Department of Culture Affairs and Events held a listening party to hear what the community wanted when it came to art and culture.
Some of the things being offered are a creative writing and genealogy workshop from Chicago author Karen Ford. She wrote "Thoughts of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman."
Attendees will also get the chance to view a segment of "Black History 365," a new film by Nefertiti Fulks. She will also discuss her process.
Poet Debra Thompson and author Lauren Ward will read their work. There will also be yoga workshops from I Grow Chicago.
Littman hopes that by having this event each year, both Englewood artists and non-artists will recognize that the community is full of rich art and culture.
“I hope this event series encourages Englewood community members to use Hamilton Park more actively as the Cultural Center that it is, and to suggest ideas and programs for how Hamilton can be even better at celebrating and nourishing the cultural and artistic vitality of its neighbors,” she said.
There will be more celebration from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30. Here’s a rundown for both days.
Saturday:
11 a.m.-noon: Yoga and Art Workshop from I Grow Chicago (no experience necessary)
12-12:30 p.m.: Art gallery tour of local visual artists’ work (in the Hamilton auditorium)
12:30 -1 p.m.: Chi Town Hoofers senior tap dance performance
1-2 p.m.: Creative writing and genealogy workshop with author Karen Ford
2-2:30 p.m.: Nefertiti Fulks will share a segment from her new film “Black History 365” and speak about her process
2:30-3 p.m.: Lauren Ward, actress and author will do readings from her new book, “The 6 Step Plan: Rising to Greatness to Fulfill your Destiny”
Oct. 30:
5-5:15 p.m.: Red Clay Dance Youth and Theatre Ensembles performance
5:15-5:30 p.m.: Chicago Children’s Choir performance
5:30-6 p.m.: Literary readings and performances from Jeronimo Speaks, Karen Ford, Black Heaven Sings
6-7 p.m.: “Re-Upholstery With a Purpose” workshop with Jamika Smith from Teena’s Legacy (bring any furniture you would like to learn to reupholster!)
6-7 p.m.: “Spinning + Storytelling” workshop with Monika Neuland from Social Fiber
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