Brave New Art World Launches This Week

By Julia Weeman in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 28, 2013 6:00PM

Brave New Art World, a new event that includes performance art, critical talks, and artisan products, launches in the River North gallery district this week. It will happen every first Thursday of the month from 5-8 p.m. at participating galleries. Brave New Art World's goal is to bring art to the people, celebrate the rich cultural activity here in Chicago, and cement our city as an international art destination.

The event is described as an "art crawl on steroids" and a "movement centered around an event." We spoke to Claire Molek, the founder and director of this exciting new project, to find out more about her vision, which was developed at HAUSER Gallery, where she serves as director and co-founder. She spoke about how the art world can be so exclusive that people often feel like they don't know how to talk about art. "The mainstream has never been invited formally," she said in an interview with Chicagoist, "but we can all live in this prosperous, thriving space. People can engage with these ideas without the dogma."

The critical talks that will be part of the event are designed to make people comfortable and excited to really discuss the work and voice their opinions. Molek wants to create a forum to encourage everyone to share their ideas. Each talk is followed by a Q&A, where it is agreed "there are no stupid questions." This week's critical talks include Molek herself welcoming attendees, Jason Uriah White of LVTHN discussing hyperblending, and Annie Heckman interviewing Lauren Levato about how to make it as an artist in Chicago. The performance art at Brave New Art World will be curated by DfbrL8r gallery and this month will include performances by Elena and Erin, Juan Pablo Beltran, Lisa Vinebaum, and Beverly Fresh.

Hospitality is also an integral part of the event. Molek described it as similar to a tasting, giving people another reason to go from gallery to gallery. With an extensive list of cultural partners including Lagunitas Brewing Company, Letherbee Distillers, and Revolution Brewery, there will be plenty of reasons to be sure to make the rounds. Molek acknowledges that this party atmosphere is a great way to draw people in, but makes a valid point, "People might come for the party, but they are always left with the art."

Brave New Art World begins this Thursday, May 2 and will happen every first Thursday of the month from 5-8 p.m. in the River North Gallery District.