“From Jarlshof Pasture” manipulated photo infused on metal 24″ X 30 ” C. 2021 David Bechtol“Broken Wings” digitalpaint/photo on infused metal plate framed 16″x16″ c.2022 Nancy Bechtol“Renascence for Edna ” (detail) color laser print on paper with edges hand colored.10″x8″ c. 2022 James McNeill Mesple’
Featuring
~ David Bechtol ~ James McNeill Mesple’
~ Nancy Bechtol
The Leslie Wolfe Gallery
1763 N North Park Ave 60614 proudly presents the legendary CSA
Exhibition | June 28 through August 5, 2022Gallery Hours | Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 1 PM
The Chicago Society of Artists is a non-profit organization established in 1887. Now well into its second century, CSA is the oldest continuing artist association in the United States. Early members of the Chicago Society of Artists including John Vanderpoel, Ivan Albright, Frances Badger, and LeRoy Neiman, established and maintained high standards for membership that continue today. Much of CSA’s renown is due to member versatility which includes painters, graphic artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, art critics, gallery owners, and art educators. After 135 years, CSA continues to play a significant role in the arts by providing opportunities for artists to share their art production and experiences through a continuing series of exhibitions and educational programming.
All Invited to view this historic group show. Artists in exhibition:
Jose Agustin Andreu, Jon W. Balke, Norman Baugher, David Bechtol, Nancy Bechtol, Shel Howard Beugen, Kathryn A. Budd, Catherine Cajandig, Barbara Eberhard, Anne Farley Gaines, Kathryn Gauthier, Corrie-Lou Livingston Glass, Sandra Holubow, Nikkole Huss, Patricia Coffman Huss, Robert J. Johnson, Gregorio Mejia, James McNeill Mesple’, BettyAnn Mocek, Jacqueline Moses, Donna Nevels, Didier Nolet, Deanna Withers Rallins, Sandra Reibscheid, Gloria Rigoni, Robert Schiltz, Jack Siegel, Jane Stevens, Michael Veltman, John Pitman Weber, Richard Werle, William F. Whiteside, Pat Wright
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David Bechtol Artist Statement
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Photography is an integral part of my life. Each image captured attempts to take the viewer on a journey, to transport them to that place of wonder and grandeur as I experienced it, to feel the sense of awe, beauty and peacefulness. As a boy growing up in rural Michigan, I had many chances to take long, slow walks in the forest, soaking in all the beauty a child sees in nature. Now I use photography to slow down life and try to take in all that nature has to offer as I once did those many years ago. I am a self-taught photographer and have studied the photographic process for over 40 years. My interests include the digital realm where my technical background lets me exploit all that the camera can capture. Throughout my travels, I try to bring back and share a vision of some of the awe-inspiring vistas I encounter. No matter where you are in the world, nature’s extraordinary beauty is around every corner. I believe that great images are always around us. They are ours to capture with our vision and share with the world.
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James Mesple’ Artist Statement
This painting was inspired by the poem “Renascence” by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Ancient Myths, Poetry, and Music inspire my visionary, narrative paintings. As a child, my maternal grandfather told me stories drawn from his Osage (Native American) heritage, creating a bridge to the Classical world, since both cultures are animistic seeing Spirits in everything.
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Nancy Bechtol Artist Statement
Chicago woman artist whose work spans several media, decades and styles. This work has natural formations but you also get the sense of the urban. They contain their own universe. You see an intensity . Earlier in her career, she studied painting with Don Baum, artist and curator, and was influenced by the Hairy Who, and the Chicago Imagists. With an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she was inspired and mentored by pioneering video artist Phil Morton, founder of the Video Area. “My art is really a mixed bag. I adapt to whatever works for the concept. I work in digital media, photography and video, both experimental and documentary style. As an artist I often reinvent myself.”
This is Indian Land-Okee-Chee’s Vision is an intimate portrait of one of the oldest Indian Centers in the USA. Filmed at the original location in Chicago. Native American History through the eyes of first time director, and Fort Sill Apache Sioux.
Tribute to the American Indian Center
CANTV, Channel 19
sept 18 12 pm Saturday
sept 25 1:10 pm Saturday
sept 25 6:55 pm Saturday
CAN TV – CHICAGO ACCESS NETWORK TV. OKEE-Chee a special Viewing Opportunity!
Sharon (Little Blue Bird) Okee -Chee Skolnick, Fort Sill Apache Sioux , Woman Director, and Shadow Bechtol Studio, are So very honored to have “This Is Indian Land: Okee-Chee’s Vision” showing on Chicago Access Network TV
See it on your TV! Honoring the American Indian Center of Chicago, a true gift to the community:
“The Last Hippie FREAK: By the Beard of Lee Groban” is an aural and visual experience and the essential story of the poet and artist whose mind, body and spirit exploded on the stages, galleries, and underground locationsin Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Canada and reaching many beyond.
LEE GROBAN in a multi-sensory approachis synonymous with the 60s and 70s. Lee elevated the divine status of “Hippie”. His art was his life. Original and really capturing the time in this artistic film.
On this 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, it is fitting to reflect on an age of innocence and a time when the artist and the lifestyle was the definition of Freedom! Hear Lee speak about Woodstock in this film with his colorful oratory. Hear Lee powerfully recite sections from the “Cure for Insomnia” AT 87 HOURS, LISTED IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF FACTS AND FEATS BEATING OUT ANDY WARHOL’s Film. Additionally, LEE’S POEM IS OVER 5,700 PAGES.
Who are—dare we say—not just viewers, but actual fans and participants?
Over 4 decades, Lee Groban elevated the experience as his book states “Higher than the Ground” generating his playful words and art, music, vocals/performances, poetry .
David Bechtol, David Bechtol fine art photo portfolio is the Tech Guru and Production Supervisor of Shadow Bechtol Studio, who produced this film, and wrangled the original footage and photography which was shot on archaic formats in a collection of 100s of hours.
It took Nancy BechtolNancy Bechtol Art Portfolio the artist/filmmaker, a while, 25 years to create the film, and now she crystallized it to a 43 min gem. An artistic film based on true life and events surrounding Lee Groban.
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL: Chicago Art Says… Feb 1, 2019 opening.. come=engage!
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL is a collection of 23 artworks featuring works from 14 different artists. All artworks reference the important issues that our upcoming mayor will soon face. Between the ousting of Ed Burke and alderman elections, Chicago really has a chance to choose how it proceeds into the future. Even on a national level all issues have a local consequence, but local politics are the first step in a path to national influence.
Featured Artists:
Alfonse Pagano, Anne Evans, Brian Morgan, Denise Poloyac, James Mesple,Kaitlyn Hwang, Kelly Mathews, Kelly Witte, Laura Lee Junge, Mark Nelson,Nancy Bechtol, Peter Broitman, Richard Laurent, Tiphanie Spencer
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL, runs February 1, 2018 – March 3, 2019, with an artist’s reception, Friday, February 1, 2019 from 6:00-10:00 pm.
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL
Group Exhibit
February 1 – March 3, 2019
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, February 1, 2019 6-10PM
The Jackson Junge Gallery presents ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL, its first group exhibition of the 2019 season. The exhibition features 23 works of art in various mediums by artists from all around the United States. The opening will be hosted on Friday, February 1, 2019, with an artist’s reception from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Admission is FREE to the public.
It has been claimed that all politics are local. The Legislated and Executive branches of the United States government are currently at a standstill and numerous Americans are wondering what the future of our great country will be. Many of the current national issues are relevant to the citizens of Chicago, a city that is both known for its great leaders and “windy” politicians. In September of 2018, Rham Emanuel announced that he would not be running for re-election as Mayor, shocking the citizens of Chicago. A record-breaking number of 15 candidates currently have put their names on the ballot. The prospect of a new Mayor is always an exciting one. The upcoming change of leadership will address and stir the debate about what is best for our great city. This exhibition touches on subjects including the current outlook of the United States, unlawful incarceration, Black Lives Matter, gun control, police brutality, women’s rights, the environment, immigration, big business development, and LGBTQIA rights.
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCALis a collection of 23 artworks featuring works from 14 different artists. All artworks reference the important issues that our upcoming mayor will soon face. Between the ousting of Ed Burke and alderman elections, Chicago really has a chance to choose how it proceeds into the future. Even on a national level all issues have a local consequence, but local politics are the first step in a path to national influence.
ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL runs February 1, 2019 – March 3, 2019 and is curated by Gallery Director Chris Jackson, Assistant Gallery Director Kaitlyn Miller and Gallery Assistant Jordan High.
Gallery 400. Univ of Illinois. Installation view c. 2007 Nancy Bechtol. “Native Vibes”. trt 2:43. Large projection of digital art video included in the Chicago New Media 1973-1993. curated by jon cates. in the exhibition:: ARTISTS Craig Ahmer Dick Ainswoth Josephine Anstey Anna Anthropy National Center for Supercomputing Applications Tamas Kemenczy and Ben Babbitt)Bally Annette Barbier Geoffrey Allen Baum Nancy Bechtol Natalie Bookchin Nick Britz Rachel Bronson Barry Brosch Drew Browning Lief Brush Charlie Chaplin Glen Charvat Carolina Cruz-Neira Jan Heyn Cubacub Jeffery Daniels Sumit DasGreg Dawl Tom DeFanti Chip Dodsworth Margaret Dolinsky Cardboard Computer (Jake Elliott Jamie Fenton George Francis Janine Fron Jackbox Games Petra Gemeinboeck Azadeh Gholizadeh Copper Giloth Marientina Gotsis Rylin Harris John Hart Chris Hartman Alex Hill Louis Kauffman Chris Kemp Electronic Visualization Laboratory Ya Lu Lin Josephine Lipuma Doug Lofstrom Sara Ludy Richard Mandeberg Todd Margolis Stephan Meyers Midway Keith Miller Phil Morton Dan Neveu Rick Panzer Dave Pape Beth Cerny Patiño Stu Pettigrew Dana Plepys Tim Portlock Sabrina Raaf Sticks Raboin William Robertson Jason Salavon Dan Sandin Ellen Sandor Richard Sayre Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Mimi Shevitz Brenda Lopez Silva Bob Snyder Laurie Speigel Essanay Studio Barbara Sykes Jim Teister Gunether TetzDiana TorresJoseph Tremonti John Tsui Jane Veeder Siebren Versteeg Williams
For the REAL Scholarly and Documented history, refer to the catalogue, “Chicago New Media 1973-1992” by jonCates.
I will ramble with my thoughts, for history..
………..stream of consciousness on the show. opening. yes visionary…………………………….
thank you jon cates for making the history known, and including my work. wordless now..but visions persist. you make an excellent difference for many.
event of swirl of video/computer art history. I am overwhelmed by the power and creative vibe in the room..art historians speak.
.and solo intense.. with hours and overnight with the magic..and my dear understanding and partner, David Bechtol, who is always there, understanding the mania.. and my opened my eyes to the IP Dan Sandin who brought a personal IP for exhibit, and the EVL ..CAVE views..and I do acknowledge ISM curator Jane Stevens, who showed so many, many over decades, of the artists in media, even before anyone would.. she would lift and carry TVs and do installations like no one I ever saw before, I so appreciate all, especially the “Electronic Immersions, featured at ISEA 1997 of which I was co-curator-catalogue available.. and I have unedited hours of interviews and on location including the legends..ah, some day, think it is on well a now obscure format…maybe I will dig that up. great stuff..I dream of finishing it after 11 years in the can…but the future always beckons..forward, the new horizon, been into it…and hearing..Oliver Grau, art historian with oversight, overview, context. grand. symposium… with all his reviews of creations. ..Drew Browning there, ever present on the scene, Ellen Sandor, who encouraged me to try the new VR. awe struck!! yes. Dana Plepys and so many more which took a while, or I missed, since it has been more than 30 years seeing most, and recognizing people over time…well. the pixels are everywhere. Jamie Fenton of famed glitches. and equal legend on the scene, and very animated .. manipulation of tv, the pixels, creating phosphorous light images projected from my mind directly to the the TV canvas. Intensely wonderful, Bob Snyder, Emu Sound synthesizer, of which I found myself in the advanced class, when I had no background in, but hey, artists create…and I created so much that it overflowed from sound to video and back in “1984, Under Surveillance” hands on including processing my “art sounds/music to my ears” banging of the depths of lockers to art performance.
and there is always MORE on the horizon…
spoke to Tom DeFanti, who I told him I was so very overwhelmed to be included in the show, and all I could think of to thank him..and of course, the statement that so often I voiced, paying tribute to the Pioneers in the Media who were my teachers and influencers.. ” I stand on shoulders of giants” to that he said, “yeah, my shoulders are getting pretty tired right now…”
legendary Chicago scene. I reflect on my mentor from SAIC.
I give tribute to the late, great, Phil Morton. founder of the Video Department at SAIC, and of Video Research Consultants, his shop. gave me first wack/job at the inner workings of Siggraph…San Francisco, Dallas, Minneapolis, the wise and wacky, keen eyes, insights.who taught me the Bally Basic, when seeing the circle cross the screen which took me 2 hours to do, with sound..who was a most amazing human I am forever grateful …and then code we were offered from Jane Veeder, and then it was more interesting, images, timing..who visited and shared often for us..in MFA in the basement, and carrying the big heavy portapaks, which used the UMatic 3/4″ tape. and made lifelong friends which we called each other our “pack animals”: Michael Markowski, Stevo Wolfson, and Ken Monroe, with the conversations/comrades… Jessee Affelder, Mark Resch with Ron Grenko (RIP) and Mark Blottner,
Still. image L to R. K.Mack, Lee Groban and Peter Kostakis. at ARC Gallery, Groban and Bechtol Collaboration. from upcoming 2019 film:: “The Last Hippie: by the beard of Lee Groban” with narration by Vitto Carli, and film excepts from Frank Garvey. Produced by Shadow Bechtol Studio. David Bechtol, supreme Tech Guru and co-producer.
spoke to Tom DeFanti, who I told him I was so very overwhelmed to be included in the show, and all I could think of to thank him..and of course, the statement that so often I voiced, paying tribute to the Pioneers in the Media who were my teachers and influencers.. ” I stand on shoulders of giants” to that he said, “yeah, my shoulders are getting pretty tired right now…”
I am so honored to be included in this historic show. ah, longevity has its rewards. standing, once again on shoulders of giants! Special thanks to jon cates, curator and chair New Media, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. SAIC,who had the vision to include me (ha ha..) about 100 strong in this show! I am alum of SAIC, my mentor was Phil Morton, tributes to the Video Research Consultants,his company, which I worked at for several of the SIGGRAPH conventions.
and of Course.. the reigning cosmic Dan Sandin! creator of the Image Processor, which has burned a hole in my mind’s eye, all theses years with that famous green light!
Chicago New Media 1973 – 1992, which we have been
talking about for a long time now 🙂 thank you so much for being a
part of this! as we have discussed, your project
Native Dance Vibrations will be shown in:
Chicago New Media 1973–1992, curated by jon Cates
dates of exhibition: November 1–December 15, 2018
“Native Vibes” video by Nancy Bechtol (2009)
Keeping pace with tribal rhythms from the drum circle, images of dancers and the swirling colors of their mind-bending regalia are sliced, diced, and reassembled in eye-opening ways. These fragments are shuffle played in structural designs which suggest both the beating of the heart and similar movements occurring in Nature.
Distorted like primordial deities seen only in dreams, the (headless) “inverted” native dancers with feet simultaneously on the earth and in the ether are apt symbols for Bechtol’s transformations from psychedelic to cosmic.
Continuity is maintained in the morphing manner of a kaleidoscope (sic) as oscillations evolve from micro to macro, evoking initially the throb of cellular organisms and later the revolutions of planetary bodies.
A tradition at the Koehnline is its annual collaboration with the Women and Gender Studies program to bear witness to the many creative women sharing their unique visions in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Nevertheless She Persisted focuses on the reserves of strength and resilience women display. We see it in the courage of women in emerging grassroots movements such as #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, the National Women’s Marches, the LGBTQIA+ and international human rights movements, and the remarkable young leaders of the Parkland survivors. It rises in the determination of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Maxine Waters, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, Dolores Huerta, Elizabeth Warren, and countless others trying to break the glass ceiling in U.S. government and politics.
Public Reception: Thursday, September 27, 5 – 8 p.m.
Koehnline Museum Of Art 1600 E Golf Rd, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
“Nevertheless She Persisted: Women of Courage, Tenacity and Strength “From labor movements to athletics, from business to the media, politics and the arts, women today are making waves, working to create a better world for themselves, their families, and for us all. For this year’s annual juried women’s art exhibition, Oakton WGS, in collaboration with the Koehnline Museum of Art, invited artists to submit pieces that celebrate women who persist. You are cordially invited to join us for a gala opening night reception honoring the artists and their work. The show opens September 27 and runs until October 19. For more info contactwgs@oakton.edu
“Liberty Welcomes Ancestors and Immigrants” 2018 photomontage on aluminum substrate and mixed media including written segments Emma Lazarus poem..”give me your poor…” and 2 QR codes.
Women and Anger: Resistance, Power, and Inspiration
A Juried Exhibition of Art by Women
September 28 – October 20, 2017
A tradition at the Koehnline Museum of Art is its annual collaboration with the Women’s and Gender Studies program to explore a unique perspective on women’s creativity and art. This year’s exhibition explores the relationship between women and anger that has always been a complex one. Women have traditionally been discouraged from expressing anger for fear of being perceived as unladylike or worse, as dangerous or destabilizing. But in truth, well-placed anger can often serve as an impetus for healing, transformation, and action. Recent push-backs in hard fought political and legal gains, assaults on the health and safety of women and other marginalized groups, as well as on the environment, would suggest that the time is right for righteous indignation.
Public Reception: Thursday, September 28, 5 – 8 p.m. A catalogue of the show, poster, and postcards are available
for more info/PR contact Women Gender Studies at OCC
‘You see men blow up all the time, and it’s not a big deal. But if a woman does it, either she’s crazy or she’s shrill. It’s like, you know what? She may just be angry‘. – Gillian Flynn (American author, screenwriter, comic book writer and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly)
This is an Indie film produced by Shadow Bechtol Studio. Chicago. Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick, Fort Sill Apache is the Director with a deep vision of telling the story through the eyes of Native People from the American Indian Center. David Bechtol, Director of Photography/Tech Supervisor and Nancy Bechtol, Cinematographer/Editor/SFX
thanks for viewing and all the interest in this truly unique film ! your feedback welcome. More as it comes.. Currently in Postproduction. Do send good vibes our way. Indie is awesome but DIY truly is an eyeopener…yes, we will prevail for true history. Release for 2017.
..And all this happens On the same day of screening confirmation from Joseph Ravens at DEFIBRILLATOR(a.k.a dfbrL8r or dfb) is a non-profit organization
Screening is Aug 15th, Sat. 2015. (mark your calendar! )
Chris, artist and defender of the First Amendment, gave his life and dedicated his energies to overturn the Peddler’s Licence. But this challenge unbelievably ended up facing a Class One Felony Eavesdropping charges with 4-15 years in prison.-(in 2008 for audio recording his own arrest!) if convicted but he won with 2 probono attorneys Weinberg and Kutnick! THIS is a true story. Rooted in Chicago – my indie film, “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” (99 min) with the soundtrack of “Paper Airplane” by Alton & Mansfield courtesy of Hey Now Records. has very deep/grassroots connections which transcends boundaries!
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Here is his LinkedIN profile:
Chris Drew
Executive Director at Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center
My goal is to establish Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center as an institution with a paid staff and then go on to establish my own career and web site online. Along side of this I wish to work at long term part-time jobs in the creative and/or non-profit industries to further these aims. My creative, office and management skills make me a valuable and cost effective employee to any small or large business.
Specialties:proposal writing, office management, HTML coding, computer troubleshooting, repair and management, Photoshop, GIMP, Web site development, web site management, photography, screen-printing, layout, design, public relations, press release writing, radio spot writing, office software, letter writing.
Founder and continuous manager of this community arts organization accomplishing over 20 years of steady arts programming with an all volunteer force. Imagine what we could do with a paid staff!
opening RECEPTION April 17 Fri 7-10 COME BY AND ENJOY MINE AND MANY AT THIS FAB LOCATION FOR ARTS.
Reflecting on how the minds of people today in society and life may greatly differ from previous generations. This generation I speak of is Generation D(igital). It spans ages and defines itself on the use and abuse of technology.
On this, my the first release of the “Digital Mindset” –a series of digital “photo/paintings” I have worked on from 2011 to 2015.
Showing now at the 4ART Inc Gallery of Robin Monique Rios on the 4th Fl located in the fab Zhou Bros. opening April 17 Fri 7-10 with new art added in May and June. (never had a 3 month rotating show before) come and see and visit! more conversation on this there, in person. F2F (face to face)
Mike Stephen meets up with Chic-a-Go-Go host Miss Mia Park in honor of the taping the 1000th episode of her wildly successful CAN-TV dance show, talks with local filmmaker Nancy Bechtol about the new Illinois eavesdropping law and her documentary Free Speech &the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist, and checks in with Aldertrack co-creator Mike Fourcher about how the Chicago aldermanic races are shaping up. This week’s local music is provided by Minor Characters.
OTL #433: Chic-a-Go-Go’s 1,000th episode, Illinois’ new eavesdropping law, Aldertrack’s latest local election preview
by Outside the Loop
Mike Stephen meets up with Chic-a-Go-Go host Miss Mia Park in honor of the taping the 1000th episode of her wildly successful CAN-TV dance show, talks with local filmmaker Nancy Bechtol about the new Illinois eavesdropping law and her documentary Free Speech &the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist, and checks in with Aldertrack co-creator Mike Fourcher about how the Chicago aldermanic races are shaping […]
Outside the Loop | February 1, 2015 at 7:22 AM | Tags: Aldertrack, CAN TV, Chic-a-Go-Go, Chris Drew, eavesdropping law, La Pasadita, Mia Park, Mike Fourcher, Minor Characters, Miss Mia, Nancy Bechtol, OTL, Ratso, WGN Radio | Categories: Mike Stephen, Outside the Loop Radio | URL:http://wp.me/p2OIZP-shJ
Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his felony trial for recording police, will premiere at The Logan Theatre on November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is directed by Logan Square resident, Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicagoknow Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community and on Chicago’s streets… In the 2 1/2 years before he passed away in 2012, Drew became known to thousands more across the country and around the world, as he faced up to 15 years in prison for recording police on duty. The video recordings that Nancy Bechtol made on the day of his arrest as well as the years leading up to his arrest became the basis of this documentary. Footage from as early as 2002 shows Drew’s activism and his involvement with the art communities and Critical Mass community in Chicago. Interviews with his attorneys as well as people who knew him through the Uptown Multicultural Art Center are also featured
In December, 2009, he was arrested for selling art for $1 in front of Macy’s on State Street. He wanted to get arrested in order to challenge the city ordinance that would require him to wear a permit in order to sell art. Drew was trying to illustrate that artists are different from merchandise peddlers. Legal precedent has held that art is a form of speech that can’t be curtailed.. Before his arrest, Drew spent months with Bechtol recording his interactions with police on various occasions at various locations across Chicago. He would give away his art, and eventually began to sell it. He asked film maker Nancy Bechtol to record his activities with a video camera. He also carried a small audio recorder…Drew’s plan to challenge the (Chicago Peddler’s Ordinance) took a sharp turn when he was arrested. Officers found the audio recorder in his pocket, and subsequently dropped the peddling charges in favor of charges of eavesdropping
Eavesdropping charges – a Class 1 felony and carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez maintained that the conversation with the police was private, even though they were acting as public servants and were on a public way. Drew was exonerated in court in 2012, and Alvarez’s office immediately appealed the ruling. Drew died months later, however, so his case alone would not change the law in Illinois. Findings from his case, however, did affect similar cases that were being tried in Illinois at around the same time. In March of this year, the Illinois Supreme Court finally ruled that citizens have a constitutional right to record police actions in public.
Chris Drew’s Legacy lives on! Now in the Film. see it.
“ART is SPEECH!”
Chris Drew’s Legacy lives on! Now in the Film. see it. The film is scheduled to show for one night only, on Friday, November 14. Tickets are on sale now at The Logan Theatre box office or online at www.thelogantheatre.com
You can check out the trailer below. Much more information about Chris Drew and this film can be found on Nancy Bechtol’s website
Patron Saint of Street Artists frees all from Illinois Eavesdropping Law!
🙂 just google -patron saint of street artists- and you will see!
Chris Drew (1950-2012) nicknamed “Patron Saint of Street Artists” for his devotion to grassroots artists through the non-profit organization he headed, Uptown Multicultural Arts Center (UMCAC)–for 25 years housed at the American Indian Center in Uptown, Chicago. Chris Drew, a non-paid Exec. Director, taught hundreds how to use computers bridging the digital divide for underserved, and how to silkscreen and with a goal of how to market their wares-make a living with art.
Chicago Premiere of Indie feature documentary film at Logan Theatre on 11.14.14 was made in the Windy City – “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” (99 min)
“Society of Obstinate Headstrong Women” of which I am a proud member! My art-above- exhibited includes QR codes to scan which identify issues facing women since 1813 and before! ongoing issues of equality, rights and identity. Intensely amazing exhibit! Women lead the way! Support Women Artists!
Oakton’s Annual WGSS Program Art Exhibition, in its 15th year, is drawn to respond to what’s happening in the world and to our communities. There have been many changes in U.S. legislation in the last year that threaten our bodily autonomy, our gender identities, our sexualities, and our intellectual freedoms. Alongside the shifts in law and policy have been a culture of exclusion and violence at the local, state, national, and corporate levels. What undergirds this legislation? Why have women and pregnant persons across our country lost access to vital reproductive healthcare services? Why are transgender youth the targets of increasingly discriminatory laws? Why are book bans and censorship threatening our public libraries and schools? And what kind of society do we live in when a drag queen story hour becomes the site of politicized violence and state control? As history reveals time and time again, the fight for justice and equity is never finished. We have witnessed renewed attacks on reproductive justice, bans on life-affirming care for transgender and non-binary youth, attacks on the freedom of ideas and teaching accurate history in education, book bans and censorship, racialized terror and gun violence, and environmental threats to indigenous communities and ecosystems. We are in the fight of our lives and we refuse to go backwards. How can we work together to create a more just and liberatory society for ALL of us?
Special Thanks to; Lindsey Hewitt: The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program at Oakton College WGSS Art Show and Nathan Harpaz, Ph.D., manager of the Koehnline Museum of Art.
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You are invited to the Thursday, Oct 5 2023 Reception 5pm to 8pm at Oakton CC,
Looking back then look ahead! look both ways for Perspective. support living artists! collect show women!! still an underserved population, yes! Nudes in Museums, but not many living women art shown still!
“Your love cuts deeply” 1999 and 2023. Nancy Bechtol
Nancy Bechtol recalling her time as President of ARC Gallery 1999 to 2001, when the ARC Gallery nearly went under. A story seldom, if ever told. TRUE.
ARC sisterhood endured! Proof is today. Still standing strong. come visit!! please support!
Feminist, inclusive, DIVERSITY, ALL ARTISTS WELCOME. Chicago longest running Women run Nonprofit!
ONE OF THE OLDEST WOMEN RUN GALLERIES IN THE COUNTRY. CLOSE TIE NYC.
The Guerrilla Girls have exhibited their artwork worldwide and have been invited into many museums to give their assessment of equality. Two more posters show how they like to use bold humor in their messaging. Photo by Janelle Vonasek/UND Today.
The group’s first color poster probably remains its best-known. Produced in 1989, it included their first “weenie count” taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In response to the overwhelming number of female nudes shown in the museum, the poster asks: “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?”
It goes on to say: “Less than 4% of the artists in the Modern Art sections are women, but 76% of the nudes are female.”
The text is tucked next to an image of the Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres painting of one of the most famous female nudes in Western art history — this time, however, a gorilla head is placed over the woman’s face.
That’s Guerrilla Girls humor, and viewers have come to expect it in the artists’ messaging. Though the topic is always serious, their artwork has evolved from its original straightforward facts and numbers to a more witty and snarky style that both entertains and makes its audience stop and think.
I am sure, this story will resonate with many who see this for what it is… especially women artists.
I recently was honored to be featured in the NYC based SEE|ME community. The next day, I was banned from the networking site, LinkedIN, which I was a member for about 8 years. reason given, I violated the community guidelines. Here is the post from SEE|ME:
Produced in 1989, it included their first “weenie count” taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In response to the overwhelming number of female nudes shown in the museum, the poster asks: “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?”
It goes on to say:
The text is tucked next to an image of the Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres painting of one of the most famous female nudes in Western art history — this time, however, a gorilla head is placed over the woman’s face.
That’s Guerrilla Girls humor, and viewers have come to expect it in the artists’ messaging. Though the topic is always serious, their artwork has evolved from its original straightforward facts and numbers to a more witty and snarky style that both entertains and makes its audience stop and think.
Gallery hours: Thurs & Fri 2-6 pm, Sat & Sun 12-4 pm
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
deep figures. survive the Pandemic.
“Soul: Journey” 32″X26″ digitalpainting infused on metal original Nancy Bechtol 2022
ARC, founded in 1973 as a women-run cooperative nonprofit organization, has a long and distinguished history as a cultural institution in the city. ARC’s mission is to bring innovative, emerging and experimental visual art, to a wide range of viewers, and to provide a nurturing atmosphere for the continued development of artistic potential and dialogue. Celebrating 49 years in existence, ARC provides exhibition opportunities and support to artists, across all artistic disciplines including performance, sound, and video. The support ARC offers includes: professional presentation of work, significant financial subsidy of gallery space, group and themed show opportunities, and feedback and encouragement to young and emerging artists. We welcome all people!
Support Artists!
Participating Members: Nancy Fritz – Iris Goldstein – Cait Hardie – Beth LeFauve – Elyse Martin – Ruti Modlin – Cheri Reif Naselli – Randi Shepard – Lee Stanton – Michele Stutts – Michelle Williams
National Members: Laura Cloud – Abigail Engstrand – Nicolei Buendia Gupit
Affiliate Members: Granite Palombo Amit – Kina Bagovska – Nancy Bechtol – Denise Bellezzo – Monica J. Brown – Virginia Carstarphen – Esther Charbit – Jessica Gondek – Carolyne King – Pauline Kochanski – Jane Stevens – Cynthia Vaicunas – Amy Zucker
We WELCOME your Support!
MANY fab works are available. engage.
add to your collection, or start one!
art is to enjoy and enhance our lives! and lifetime investment. all good! come see!!!
Chicago New Media 1973–1992, curated by jon Cates
Digital Mindset: Art imitates Life
Outside the Loop Radio Interview #433: Listening?:WGN 720 AM
FREE SPEECH & Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness 