Urban Art Retreat

—SPONSORED POST—-

URBAN ART RETREAT (UAR) is a not-for-profit organization that works with artists from outside of the mainstream gallery system.  With exhibitions in Chicago’s Liz Long Gallery, located at 1957 S. Spaulding Ave., it aims to support “outsider” artists and offer them a welcoming space in which they can thrive.

UAR is actively involved in bringing art to the community.  It offers a weekly program, the “Differently Minded Art Studio,” that attracts not only marginalized/outsider artists, but also untrained artists and even non-artists.  Most of the people who attend the weekly program are, in fact, non-artists.  Each Saturday from 11am to 2pm, the art studio at UAR opens its doors to artists and non-artists alike, and serves as a relaxing and enjoyable oasis for anyone looking to discover art here in the city.  The Saturday program is free, and it is available all year round—even on holiday weekends.  Aiming to lessen the stigma attached to mental illness, this unique program encourages adults with and without a mental illness to attend and make art side by side.

 Though established many years ago, Liz Long Gallery serves not only as an art exhibition space, but also as a meeting place, a space for small groups, and for facilitated discussions.  It has always offered exhibition opportunities for under-represented artists, outsider artists, and other artists who want to exhibit in Chicago, and all proceeds support URBAN ART RETREAT.  The types of art and styles of artists included in group shows tend to vary greatly—from more mature artists to brand new artists to everything in between—and such a combination of ages, skills, styles, and experience levels makes for very dynamic  and interesting exhibits.  Plus, the curator is happy to offer artist consultations to new exhibitors at the gallery, sharing her knowledge of art exhibiting with them.  Individuals who join as UAR artist members have the opportunity to display their art in UAR exhibits as the curator sees fit.  UAR is very appreciative of newcomers: it even hosts a yearly dinner for newcomers on the last Saturday of January. Typically, everyone heads over to Lou Malnati’s at Cermak and W. Ogden for dinner, and then back over to UAR for dessert and an art preview. 

The art shows hung in Liz Long Gallery often have a monthly theme, or showcase contemporary art—emerging artists of our times.  In October and November, the theme is Chicago Black Artists during the city-wide Chicago Artists Month.  In March, they feature art by women artists.  In April and May, they have a National Show of Art by Contemporary Artists from states other than Illinois.  In June, the theme is L&G Pride.  In August and September, art by participants in all of UAR programs is on display.  UAR works with a variety of populations including adults in residential homes for people with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems, youthful offenders, seniors, children, and C.H.A. residents.

URBAN ART RETREAT is open to visitors Saturdays from 11am to 3 pm.  Group appointments to see UAR’s current show can be made by emailing sophiebella@sbcglobal.net or by leaving a message at 773-542-9126.

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