CHICAGO – From paintings to sculptures, ceramics, and everything in between, all kinds of art attracted crowds to West Town this weekend.
The showcase, known as the West Town Art Walk, is spread throughout neighborhood businesses, giving folks the chance to check West Town out from an artistic point of view.
The theme for this year’s West Town Art Walk is “Art Through Every Door,” meaning you’ll find all types of art in traditional and non-traditional spaces.
Artist Duncan Robert Anderson majestically uses color pencils and paper to craft thought-provoking pieces inspired by his East Tennessee upbringing, Japanese culture, mythology and life in Chicago.
“It’s great fun to talk to everyone about the work and get their impression,” Anderson said.
His work is on display this weekend at the West Town Chamber of Commerce, and he’s one of dozens of artists participating in the 14th annual West Town Art Walk.
“If you can think of a type of art, it’s probably represented somewhere this weekend,” Kaylen Ralph of the West Town Chamber of Commerce said.
The West Town Chamber of Commerce is a driving force behind the walk. Ralph said this year’s showcase includes about 50 local businesses that opened their spaces up to over 100 artists.
“The theme ‘Art Through Every Door’ invites all of our small businesses to sort of think space as a gallery for the weekend and really engage with local artists they’re excited about,” Ralph said.
Kyle Michel, artistically known as Kolormore, also exhibited his work inside the Chamber of Commerce. Michel said he is drawn to vibrant and bold colors. His work often features the Morton Salt girl and what he calls the “atom head.”
“It’s this idea of unity and oneness atoms,” he said. “It’s about energy exchange. It can’t be created or destroyed. It’s only converted and that’s what I’m trying to do here is some positive energy.”
ARC Gallery is operated by a collective of women since 1973 and is one of the stops on this year’s walk.
“I really focused on this idea of motherhood and femininity and spirituality,” artist Raissa Bailey said. “It’s been so exciting, honestly it has been so exciting. Yesterday we had over 400 people come through the gallery for the opening reception, which was Friday. You couldn’t even get in the door.”
“It’s been really exciting to see the energy in the street. I think people love experiencing our neighborhood through this very artistic lens,” Ralph added.