For Immediate Release
Zgymunt Dyrkacz, Artistic Dir. 773.814.5352
Lela Headd Dyrkacz, Managing Dir. 773.396.2875
Info@ChopinTheatre.com

Art & Environment 2017
Year of Public Art in Chicago: Monumental Sculptures vs Local Art Activism
Saturday, October 21st

(Chicago, October 2017) - Chopin Theatre hosts its annual informal get together to discuss how to make the City more livable through the Arts and pay tribute to an unsung hero from the past. This year's program includes:

8:30 am - Complimentary brunch

10:00 am -Tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks and understanding (or not) Public Art based on her poem "Chicago's Picasso" commissioned in 1967 for the unveiling of Chicago's landmark sculpture
Lisa Wagner (Exec Dir, Guild Complex), Lela Dyrkacz (Manager, Chopin Theatre) and friends

10:30 am - Toast and opening of Mural on Chopin Theatre by international street artist Hiroyasu Tsuri.  Followed by presentation of his art across 4 continents (Asia, Australia, Europe and now N America courtesy Vertical Gallery).

11:00 am - Round table discussion "Public Art in Chicago: Monumental Sculptures vs Local Art Activism"
Moderated by Narimon Safavi (Arts Commentator, WBEZ), Erin Harkey (Dept Cultural Affairs, invited)
with Jenni Buttons (Co-Curator, Wabash Arts Corridor), Lauren Pacheco (Cofounder, Chicago Urban Society), Maryrose Pavkovic (Managing Dir, Chicago Public Arts Group), Quenna Battle (Ed. Program Mgr, Art + Public Life) and friends

* Concerns on how public art is chosen and financed; the permission process
* Positive and negative effects of Public Art
* Access level of the public in shaping Public spaces
* Urban ecosystem of Public Art

Complimentary event, limited seating. Reservations at www.ChopinTheatre.com

Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 W. Division St, across the Division Stop on the Blue Line.

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Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1817) - was an Illinois Poet Laureate and 1st African American Pulizter Prize winner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwendolyn_Brooks

Hiroyasu Tsuri (b. 1985) is a Japanese contemporary artist. Known as TWOONE for his street art and extra large scale public murals, he has exhibited paintings, installations and sculptures throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and now Chicago. Given his versatile art works and exhibitions around the globe, TWOONE has a unique perspective on public art. http://hiroyasutsuri.com

Chopin Theatre is a Chicago arts center presenting over 500 events annually - theater, music, literary and film. As well a wide variety of social and political discussions. www.ChopinTheatre.com