Upset Magazine and Novem Studios' Street Artstravaganza
Ha ha, New York -- you're not first in everything: The 25th Anniversary edition of Subway Art, the acclaimed 1970s and 1980s graffiti culture book by photojournalist Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, is being released here tonight, May 1, before its New York City debut. This edition features new photos and text, presented in a large-scale deluxe format. Cooper will be signing copies at the book release party, hosted by Upset Magazine. Also available at the event will be Going Postal, Cooper's recently released book about New York's thriving sticker art scene. Which brings us to the first-ever Chicago Handmade Sticker Exchange: a handmade sticker sale (all $5) featuring more than 60 artists from New York, Chicago, and Paris. Sets by DJs Murry the Magnificent and Zero and an installation by THOR round out the evening. (Whew!)
After you're done shoppin' and swappin', head a few doors down to Novem Studios for the premiere of the 'zine Making Deals Chicago, a compilation of images of graffiti, drug-dealing, "urban mayhem" and other subjects that creator/Chicago native and Upset co-founder Frank Serpico fancies. Issues 1-3 will be available, each printed in a limited edition of 100. Issue One features an interview with Chicago graffiti legend Sivel. Serpico's llustrations and paintings will also be available for sale.
If all this activity isn't enough, tomorrow Upset is throwing the Street Unity Silent Art Auction to benefit the families of Andrew Cazares, Fausto Manzera, and Nazon Simmons; all three men were Chicago graffiti artists who died earlier this month. Artwork by Thor, Kosbe, Royce, Real Abstract, Amado de Leon, Cahbasm, Casper James, CzrPrz, Brooks Golden, Saro, David Robinson, Viking, Derek Erbam, Rednose, NohJColey, Mental and many more will be for sale.
Book signing and sticker sale tonight from 5-10 p.m. at 1114 N. Ashland Ave. After-party at EvilOlive, 1551 W. Division. 11 p.m.-4 a.m.
The Street Unity Silent Art Auction is Saturday, May 2 from 8-11 p.m. at the Rumble Arts Center, 3413 W. North Ave.