Step Up And Support 18th St. Pilsen Open Studios 2009 Art Walk

By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 2, 2009 4:40PM

We firmly believe in the open door policy of art walks—the chance to spy on someone’s live/work space where the chaotic hocus pocus of creation happens. Whether it’s meticulously mounted Polaroids hung from floor to ceiling or ten cats eating Meow Mix from paper plates on a painter’s floor tarp (true story), the studio is a unique, inspiring detour through an artist’s mind.

On Thursday, June 18 uphold Chicago’s thriving art scene with a visit to the 18th St. Pilsen Open Studios fundraiser/silent auction at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The event aims to support this year’s art walk (of the same name) that will take place on October 17-18 in conjunction with Chicago Artists Month.

The event is organized by Miguel Cortez, founder of antena, Montserrat Alsina, Salvador Jimenez, Mark Nelson, and Diana Solis among others. Open Studios has celebrated Pilsen as a vibrant center for the arts for the past five years. Artists let the public peep their studios, while Pilsen galleries and cafes run special hours for the festivities. This year’s Open Studios will showcase more than 30 spaces and 60+ artists such as Diana Solis, Hector Duarte, and John Pitt Weber, as well as many other artists from around the world who now call Pilsen home.

So, get behind the local art community while scoring some works by great artists at the fundraiser. Food and drinks will be provided by Mundial, Café Jumping Bean, Chicago Mex Grill, and other local restaurants, along with entertainment by Nina Yharid (a performing artist visiting from Mexico), Pros Arts, and music by Tarima Son.

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices:$25 for adults, $40 per couple, $15 seniors/students, free for kids 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or email colibri_alsina@yahoo.com