Pencil This In: March is Women's History Month Edition
By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 27, 2009 6:25PM
Hurray for Women’s History Month! In the words of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, "Every time I have had a problem, I have confronted it with the ax of art." Just like Kusama, Chicago’s lady artists share their stories simply by creating—whether they’re taking photos, designing clothes, or refurbishing furniture found near a dumpster.
So, check out these exhibits and events throughout the month of March for a dose of creative inspiration. And if you have any special Women’s History Month events you'd like to share with us, send them our way at tips (at) chicagoist (dot) com.
Fine Art
The intricate work of artist Jill Lanza -- which combines bookbinding, sewing and photography -- will be exhibited at Pilsen’s Logsdon 1909 from March 13 through April 4, in Superstition: New Works by Jill Lanza and Gabe Lanza. (Her husband, Gabe, by the way, creates gorgeous cartoon’ish paintings with found objects as canvas, so bonus.)
Logsdon 1909, 1909 S. Halsted, Opens Friday March 13, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. for Pilsen’s 2nd Fridays and runs thru April 4. General gallery hours: Saturdays 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment. Free.
Prints
Angee Lennard of Spudnik Press asked 20 emerging artists from Chicago and beyond to participate in a print exchange about life as a twenty-something and the stereotypes associated with it (keg stands, skipping class, etc... just kidding.) But seriously, Tender Twenties, (Saturday, March 7 - Saturday, March 28) may just show how insightful and socially aware this generation is to lead us into the future.
Spudnik Press, 1821 W. Hubbard, Suite 30, Opening Saturday March 7, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. with a closing reception and open house on Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. General gallery hours: Monday and Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. , or by appointment. Free.
Fashion
Ladies who like punky, playful clothing made in Chicago should head to Logan Square boutique Wolfbait & B-girls on Saturday, March 14, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. for a sneak peek at Evil Kitty’s new spring collection. Evil Kitty designer Lidia Wachowska will not only be presenting her new line, but selling some of her classic “stand out in a crowd” pieces at a discount, too.
Wolfbait & B-girls, 3131 W. Logan Blvd, Saturday, March 14, 12 p.m. - 5p.m., Free.
Curator Talk
Listen to artist, author, and activist Anne Elizabeth Moore discuss her exhibition Holle Cambodia at threeWalls, an innovative self-publishing effort she undertook in Phnom Penh with 32 Cambodian women.
threewalls, 119 N. Peoria #2d, Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m., Free.
DIY
Screw watching everyone else make things, you say? Well, upholster your own ottoman or make a messenger bag then! Workshops like these and tons more are offered at Bucktown’s The Needle Shop. Class prices vary and they fill up fast, so check out their calendar for details.
The Needle Shop, 2054 W. Charleston
Furnishings
But you’re so tired and you want to just sit on your ass and surf the interwebs for inspiration. Fine! Tip tap your keyboard over to Fine Diving Chicago to gaze at the custom refurbishing genius of Diana Durkes and you’ll quickly realize that new isn’t always better. Don’t believe us? Check out this rocking chair that was once left for dead in the alley around the 4500 block of Narragansett.
Photo of Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Dots Mirrored Room by watz