American Indian Center

OKEE-CHEE’S VISION on CANTV19 See it! 9/18 and 9/25

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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:

Poster design by Nancy Bechtol with photo strip of people i. by David Bechtol photos are of Interviewed by Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick, Dir 2017© Shadow Bechtol Studio.

September 2021

Code Black Alert: Hard Hit at Illinois State Museums & ISM Chicago

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Illinois now in “Code Black”:  An emergency situation involving personal threats to safety of one or more persons in a  public place, including assaults, confrontations, hostage situations and  threats of personal injury or attack on Art or Culture of a People.

On 10. 14. 15  I am standing outside the now shuttered Illinois State Museum of Chicago in The State of Illinois Building, the Thompson Center and reflecting on the many times I had visited and even had the opportunity to show my work in several exhibits and screenings, alongside other Illinois Artists. A great number of artists were encouraged by this venue, as well as visitors including school groups engaged this resource with visits, panels, and artist talks. I thought of Jane Stevens, a long-time curator of ISM groundbreaking shows, too many to mention, but the likes of “Electronic Immersions” with groundbreaking visionaries like legendary Dan Sandin, IP (Image Processor Creator-who StateIll BuildingredChair-1brought it to share with iconic Phil Morton (mentor) giving rise to artist/students at SAIC -founder of Video Dept). There are so many artists and shows that would never have had a voice. Jane’s visionary curatorials with the American Indian Center Community has, for years, been intensely important. This includes shows which originated at the ISM-Chicago and traveled to linked museums, including Lockport, and the Illinois State Museum in Springfield. Jane is currently a Scholar at the Newberry Library and active in several projects for arts, history and culture.

 I cannot help but find myself reflecting on the state of art and culture in Illinois. What worth is given to it in Illinois? Evidently very little by the current administration, as I hear Gov. Rauner thinks this Helmut Jahn building is a “tear down”. Think of history. When all else is gone, the culture/art of a people tells the story for lifetimes.

For REFERENCE and more thought provoking topics:

Will Gov Rauner sell the building?http://www.bettergov.org/is_rauner_planning_to_sell_thompson_center/?CategoryId=1

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/rauner-wants-to-sell-downtown-chicago-state-office-building/article_e258e7fc-71d2-11e5-aa4a-e7c27679e317.htmlStateIll BuildingfromthedonotTouch-1StateIll BuildingWeRegret-1StateIll BuildingBaumSIGN-1

Beloit Daily News: Rauner wants to sell downtown Chicago state office

 October 13, 2015 12:45 pm | Updated: 12:51 pm, Tue Oct 13, 2015.

Rauner wants to sell downtown Chicago state office building

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to hold a public auction to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which houses state government offices in downtown Chicago.

Rauner made the announcement Tuesday in the 16-story glass-paneled building’s large atrium, calling the building “ineffective” and a “very wasteful, very inefficient use of space.” He said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million annually. He called it a “good move” for taxpayers.

 As a historical note of interest:

The stunning building also gave rise to suicides, and as I look up I imagine the leap to the target tiles 15 floors down.StateIll BuildingTargetbig15-1StateIll BuildingTargetbig-1

http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/10/11/the-fatal-attraction-of-the-james-r-thompson-center Excerpt from an article by Deanna Isaacs, The Chicago Reader. 10.11.11.“The James R. Thompson Center, which houses the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, was shut down during a reception for an exhibit …after a woman plunged to her death from the 15th floor of the building’s spectacular atrium.According to Illinois State Police, it was the fifth suicide since the building opened in 1985.At 16 stories the Thompson Center is dwarfed by the city’s real skyscrapers, but architect Helmut Jahn managed to create an interior that gives the impression of startling, vertiginous height. The 54-year-old jumper, who was not a state employee, apparently climbed on a chair in order to get over a protective barrier between the open offices that rise in a dizzying, multistory semicircle around the atrium and the inviting void, with its marble-floor target so far below. A state police spokesperson said the last previous suicide there was in 2001”StateIll Building-1

 

These actions to shut the Illinois State Museums and destroy the Thompson Center is like State Suicide.

 It says, “just jump”  

 Life in Illinois is in the balance.

American Indian Center of Chicago-4/30/15.thurs 6pm: Special Screening of “Chris Drew-Free Speech” Film!

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American Indian Center of Chicago-4/30/15.thurs 6pm: Special Screening of “Chris Drew-Free Speech” Film!.

OTL #433: Who is.. Listening?: WGN 720 AM -New Illinois Eavesdropping Law and more..

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0utFinImageStephen_INOutside the Loop Radio Interview #433: Listening?:WGN 720 AM

http://wp.me/p2OIZP-shJ

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

http://www.outsidetheloopradio.com/2015/02/01/otl-episode-433-chic-a-go-gos-1000th-episode-illinois-new-eavesdropping-law-aldertracks-latest-local-election-bechtol film_small posterWEBCops_and_Citizens_Record_2012_NancyBechtol-Photo

Chris Drew on location Silkscreening at May Day Rally ©nancy bechtol

Chris Drew on location Silkscreening at May Day Rally ©nancy bechtol

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5th Anniv Tribute – Patron Saint of Street Artists!

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C Drew 5th Anniv rememberance buttonX (1 of 1)

5th Anniv Tribute – Patron Saint of Street Artists

photo by Nancy Bechtol

photo by Nancy Bechtol

https://nancybechtol.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/chicago-free-speech-film-thanks-a-painfully-gritty-true-story/

Patron Saint of Street Artists|Defender of Free Speech|Chicago’s Own

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Patron Saint of Street Artists | Free Speech|Defender of the 1st Amendment  Chris DREWFILM-_Bechtol_Logan-BIGPOSTER-WEBxReader Listing for Chris Drew film

The Legacy of Chicago’s Own: Chris Drew, Street Artist. Artist, Advocate and Activist

…Upon hearing of his VICTORY over the Class 1 Felony Eavesdropping charges, after showing his passion, his determination to ensure and declare “Art IS Speech” , for his Challenges and mandate to abolishing the Peddler’s Ordinance (which he never got to challenge due to the most unexpected switch to felony upon arrest) to his withstanding the trials of grueling 2.5 years of court battle, (with probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, and probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick, his most strong archangels in defense) to his faith that the people, especially those who are most vulnerable against the dark forces, that all shall have 1st Amendment Rights, to Free Speech”

Chris Drew RIP (1950-2012) was heralded Patron Saint of Street Artists (first proclaimed by Kingdom, a street artist himself) and additionally, Defender of Free Speech!

and now the truth, the rest of the story, for all time, for history, as given to me, slowly revealed in many ways, and sometimes through dreams by all the powers that be, I now give you the film.

11.14.14  Friday. Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre. doors open 6:30 screens at 7:30 p

Recommended by the Chicago Reader

~Nancy Bechtol, artist, inspired educator, filmmaker

Chris Drew: TRUTH on the “?” of Switch from Pedding Charges to Felony Eavesdropping

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Chris Drew speaks on “?” of Peddling to Felony

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I need to share with you this clip, it is very raw and intense. Deep. Chris Drew speaks on “? “of Peddling to Felony This video clip marks/reveals the beginning of the legal journey, shot shortly after he was released on bond and started to redirect his energies on the challenges ahead. date: Dec.29, 2009. He is carrying on the workshops and getting the word/truth out by blogging, going to events, and meeting with counsel, bracing for the court proceedings. Backed by first his probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, for the Constitutional Challenge/Peddling-Civil Rights, then for the Challenge of Felony Eavesdropping (4-15 yrs if convicted), criminal defense, probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick. This court proceeding went on for 2.5 years. He gave his life to the cause. He won. we all won. But Chris would say “the fight is never over when it comes to your rights.”

Nancy Bechtol

See/Hear the raw interview with Chris:

http://youtu.be/G-K_dTlzs5M

Chris would call me and ask that I record him throughout the journey. I told him I would so here it is. He wanted a record of it all, and towards the end, asked me to “tell the story” I agreed. I accumulated countless hours in 5 different formats, from cell phone to DSLR (in the latter part for a few interviews) now the 99 min film you now will see– It is his story, it is the story of Free Speech. this clip is when I talked with Chris at the beginning of the ordeal, as he was out on a $20,000 bail and facing the 1st Class Felony Eavesdropping Charges. He speaks on the reasons he believes his challenge to the City’s Peddling Ordinance were dropped, and the Felony was imposed. his charges were deeply involved with others faced for years under this same law. Filmed on location The American Indian Center, Chicago location of the nonprofit he founded, the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center, where he helped bridge the digital divide and inspire and teach for 25 years.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

http://logansquare.tv/?p=903

An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.

Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.

Trailer for the film:

http://youtu.be/2ncu2AjO5ok

IDEA MAN>Grimm Reaper| Free S.A.M|Schupp & Drew

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RonSchupp_Idea-ManIDEA MAN >Grimm Reaper| Free S.A.M | Schupp & Drew

Chris Drew knew how to include other people…he was a very all inclusive person…Chris would call me the Idea Man, since I would come up with all sorts of ideas for artwork..(etc.) that is what I do in the movement (Occupy).

He would ride his bike and have all these saddle bags and have all this screen print stuff, and we would go to different festivals..and he would be out there (UM-CAC Art of the TShirt) screenprinting and doing the patches (Art Patch Project)..and I would hold up patches and talk to people..

..always out there, always resilient, always in the face of the system..

© 2012 video – Ron Schupp: Chris Drew Legacy Interview #13. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. Organizer for Free SAM. Free Speech Artists Movement. (note: “Chicago Five” case and the felony charges mentioned in this video –they were acquitted after 7 months through the judicial system) From the series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life work.

SEE/Hear Ron Schupp:

http://youtu.be/85ArMl69kjI

—————————————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

http://logansquare.tv/?p=903

An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.

Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.

Trailer for the film:

http://youtu.be/2ncu2AjO5ok

“First Amendment 2-Fer” : Curtis Black speaks

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CurtisBlackGrab.jpgWB“First Amendment 2-Fer”:Curtis Black speaks

Is a new generation of Artists and Activists going to step up and push this? Is the City Council going to take another look at this Street Peddler Ordinance and make it a little less onerous for artists ( abolish/change the Street Peddler Ordinance)

See hear/ Curtis Black

http://youtu.be/Av9D2AE7utADemo

..(Chris Drew) He had this wise-ness, and sort of wild-ness to him, which made a big impression on me. He had this cause, which was revising, reforming this very draconian was the Street Peddler’s Ordinance, which has a lot of intricacies which don’t foster free expression..

First time I wrote about him was in Dec. ’09 when he was arrested. He was held for 2 days in Cook County jail, and he finds out they are dropping the charges on the ordinance he wanted to challenge-and they were charging him with this Felony for Eavesdropping, which was an amazing thing to find out that that law existed. So the piece I did was the “First Amendment 2-Fer” He wanted to make one First Amendment challenge, and he’s ending up making a very serious second First Amendment challenge at the same time.

So one of his legacies is that Anita Alvarez (Ill. State’s Attorney) is kinda on the spot on this and a number of other areas where she’s not pursuing police misconduct, in fact, she seems to be protecting-covering up police misconduct..

another (legacy of Chris) is that he was part of questioning this Eavesdropping Law, and that has gained so much momentum..

in a large part, due to his efforts.

Update: March 2014. The Illinois Eavesdropping Law was abolished by the Illinois Supreme Court.

Curtis Black speaks© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview . by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life. Chris Drew Legacy Interviews (16) Curtis Black, at the time of this interview, was Editor of Newstips and with the Community Media Workshop. shot on location at CAN TV..—————————————————————————-

Chris Drew, Exec. Director (volunteer) for the nonprofit organization he founded, UM-CAC, Uptown Multicultural Arts Center, his dedication to community helped bridge the digital divide for those who did not have access to computers. He ran workshops on computer use/internet at the American Indian Center, Uptown, Chicago started in the 90s aimed at people who did not have access to the technology. He taught hundreds how to silkscreen, and was active/founder of the Art Patch Project (The Art Patch Project (APP) uses art to promote social justice and free speech rights. Originally started by Chris Drew, a champion for First Amendment rights, APP is a unique project combining art, grassroots organizing, participatory learning, community building and entrepreneurship to raise awareness about free speech rights and other social justice issues and the FREE SAM (Free Speech Artists Movement) His passion for the arts and supporting our rights as citizens, especially for artists, was his lifetime commitment.———————————————————————————————–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

http://logansquare.tv/?p=903

An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm 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 Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community

Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.

Trailer for the film:

http://youtu.be/2ncu2AjO5ok