Work Studio Chicago

There is a new creative space in Chicago and these guys mean business. Work Studio Chicago had their premier show at the end of March and featured a wonderful line up featuring 20 local artists with work by: Mary Mazurek, Wayne Bertola, Michelle Graves, April Llewelyn, Michael Scarpelli and Michelle Nolan. I had the good fortune to attend this inaugural show and to chat briefly with founders Colleen McGann and Justin Vandenberg about their goals for this space. Colleen knows the deck is stacked against aspiring professional artists. She speaks from experience when she says that, “We recognize, as emerging artists ourselves, that it may be a daunting task to simply begin a career without a killer social network, or a secure financial support system. Without a solidified reputation or working connections, some of the most brilliant artists may fall through the cracks and never realize their potential. Also, it is so important to have the actual room (physically) to create a body of work.” This ambitious pair is offering the space (right next to the Congress Theater) and support that is so desperately needed. They reiterate their commitment to the Chicago arts scene and assert that “‘Grass roots’ is the name of the game, and we are not putting limits on what it can become.” Now they have a brand-spanking new site up and running – www.workstudiochicago.com – and its worth checking out.

For more information on Work Studio take a look at Colleen and Justin’s websites:
www.colleenmcgann.com AND www.justinvandenberg.com