Art Patch Project

CANTV”People’s TV network”NEW ERA!

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 CANTV16_visit (1 of 1)-2

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NEW Era for CAN TV. “The Peoples TV” is here! People of Chicago, are you READY? See you on TV!

CAN TV’s (Chicago Access Network TV) finally has a new home and it is impressive! It has been a long struggle to get its own building and it has been worth the wait. Be part of the  equalization of TV, come for the access, and share/add  your voice to the grand diversity that makes Chicago! Shout out welcoming, to individuals, community groups and nonprofits all over Chicago.

“CAN TV is an award-winning, highly successful, independent nonprofit, recognized as one of the finest public access centers in the country. We the people of Chicago have access to this opportunity to share our visions.” – (CANTV website)

I recently visited the brand new location now located in the Illinois Medical District Area at 1309 S. Wood St. between Damen and Ashland. It is easy to park in the free CAN TV lot, which is accessible off 13th Street, and there is also plenty of metered street parking. Public transportation via CTA bus and train lines with stops that are a short distance away.  It is oddly quiet and almost with a rural feeling. Then you see the elevated and skyline in the distance…Admittedly, it has been a while since I connected with CANTV and it was like a reunion. I was one of the first certified indie producers back in 1986. I have continued over the years to show my artistic and social films in this incredible venue. I started shortly after my MFA from the School of the Art Institute, back when video was difficult, expensive and heavy! I have stayed with CANTV over the years and watched the changes. Ah, history!

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At my arrival, Hugs all around with Barbara, ( New City Film names CAN TV Executive Director Barbara Popovic one of Film 50 2015: Chicago’s Screen Gems, “the creative thinkers, and more importantly, doers” representing “action and movement in every form of Chicago media.”) and Lesley Johnson, Program Director, Mary M. Stack, Assoc. Executive Director. and thanks to Joe Szentivanyi, Cable/Traffic Coordinator and Joe Garcia, Network Administrator.with a shout out to all the other good people there for many years, like Greg Boozell, Technology Director, (who I missed seeing in person-very busy guy) and fellow SAIC Alum. They all seem exhausted, leaner and even more determined – if that is possible – with the move this last yr from the Green St./Halsted area.

The facilities are state of the art. Chicago has a new tool for equalization in the system.  When I saw the giant room filled with the  Green Screen Wall, I was overwhelmed with a myriad of possibilities –  the WOW factor of grand special effects opportunities! (no more drippy crumbled difficult green screen curtains!)

The full switch from using videotape to all digital will be a leap for some to make. But as you know, digital media affords current technology and many benefits. The staff who works here are passionate and educated and highly dedicated about what they do and always most helpful.

I got a quick tour of the facility, which is in the final stages of “getting ready” With boxes still unopened, and everthing with the “ fresh smell of media” you can see what lies ahead is nothing short of game-changing for the people who will use it.

Growing pains are part of the process, and now the final push to get it all fully ready.

Cablecasting accepting contact for programs now.. but always Call ahead, (no doorbell yet, so bring your cell to call for entry 🙂 (smile) and check out the website for more information.  

http://cantv.org

Nonprofit CAN TV’s main number: 312-738-1400 email: info@cantv.org

SEE you on TV!

(yes, I have a “special” in March…stay tuned!= yes…maybe you can guess what it will be…) (And..Chris Drew, Street Artist and Deborah Drew BOTH spent many years with community interactions on CANTV on the “Hotline” for social justice and free speech issues) ok, a hint..coming soon to CAN TV!

CANTV16_NewsDesk_nbechtol

Chris Drew’s prosecution documented / Ill. Eavesdropping Law- Cited in Wikipedia : State Attorney Anita Alvarez

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Chris Drew UMCACreads tribune news Ill Law decared unconstitutio

photo and indie film features true story: “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” (99 min) by Nancy Bechtol–Released/premiered 2014 at Logan Theatre, Chicago

this is excerpted from the Wikipedia Article:

Alvarez had prosecuted individuals under the Eavesdropping Act for recording police in public. Chris Drew recorded his non-violent arrest for street peddling of art. The peddling charge was dropped and Alvarez pursued the much harsher charge of recording police officers voice’s without their permission.[9] This charge could have a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.[10] Criminal Courts Judge Stanley Sacks dismissed the case on 2 March 2012, stating that the eavesdropping law was unconstitutional and that it was too broad and criminalized innocent behavior. Alvarez announced that she would appeal the ruling.[11] The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois successfully sued Anita Alvarez and she was ordered to stop prosecuting the ACLU employees and their agents under the Illinois Eavesdropping Act.[12] Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled that the Illinois Eavesdropping Act, 720 ILCS 5/14, violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution when used as a method to prevent the open recording of law enforcement’s audible communications in public places while performing official duties, or the communications of others that are incidentally captured.[13] It was ruled that Cook County would have to pay the legal fees of the ACLU which amounted to $645,549.[14]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Alvarez

INVITE to connect from beyond? CDrew Artist/Activist (RIP 1950-2012)

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INVITE to connect from beyond? CDrew,Artist/ Activist (RIP 1950-2012)

Jul 22, 2015

Coincidence?? Truth always stranger than “made up stuff”

 LinkedIn sends me an invite to connect with

Chris Drew…

only issue– he passed on 2 years ago.

Do you believe in the power of  the spirit beyond physical death?  

and I shout back to Chris, “your story will be told and have a longtime impact on many!”

https://youtu.be/2ncu2AjO5ok

..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 

http://dfbrl8r.org/about

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!

——————————————————————————————-

Here is his LinkedIN profile:

Chris Drew

Executive Director at Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center

Greater Chicago Area Arts and Crafts

Previous
  1. NAES College
Education
  1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

68connectionsConnectSend Christopher InMailMore optionsRelationshipContact Info

  • Invited 1 year ago

Background

Summary

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.

Experience

Executive Director

Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center

– Present (28 years 7 months)

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!

Faculty – Computer Basics

NAES College

– (4 years 8 months)

Taught computer literacy and basic office applications to beginning and intermediate students.

Computer Lab maintenance.

Education

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

art, journalism, arabic, chemistry

Additional Info

Organizations

Chicago Artists’ Coalition, ACLUbechtol film_small posterWEB

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

cropped-actfreechris_occupy-chicagonotxt_aic.jpg

“…you say you want a Revolution?” FREE SPEECH permit may be required in Chicago!

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“…you want a Revolution?” FREE SPEECH permit required in Chicago

Photo on 1-13-15 at 9.33 AM Free-SPEECH-Poster_Revolution_1_2415WB

The NYC/Chicago connection on declaration of “Art IS Speech” issue:

Chris Drew, Street Artist (1949-2012) who  for 25 years as an artist and founder of the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center was trying to create a vibrant art scene in Chicago, especially downtown, where selling art is prohibited in the most viable locations without a “FREE SPEECH PERMIT”!

reference, Sam Love, Chris Drew Legacy video:

http://youtu.be/E3uTfAbf0ew

Yes, the permit is FREE, but restricted to 7 locations downtown, must be pre-approved, and you Still may not get it! In a recent screening of my socio/political documentary (1/24/15) at Revolution Books, Chicago “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist”(99 min)– http://youtu.be/HCD_f32k8RI a deep postfilm discussion which included myself, an engaged audience, and probono attorney, Mark Weinberg,http://youtu.be/-BwV5tadZQ0

(note: team included Joshua Kutnick, http://youtu.be/HCD_f32k8RI

probono attorney for the Criminal Defense, and won vs State Attorney Alvarez, by Judge Sacks ruling as the law was UNCONSTITUTIONAL, 2012)–was engaged on how rights varied with location, profiling, and topics

reference recent article by Deanna Isaacs, Chicago Reader:

http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/illinois-eavesdropping-law-warrantless-surveillance-aclu/Content?oid=16244806 such as…”

Hey, the New Illinois Eavesdropping Law is Back!

In NYC it is OK to tape Cops at all times?” (the answer is YES!)

Verified by the man who was arrested over 40 times..and won!

Robert Lederman,President and founder of A.R.T.I.S.T. NYC (Artists’ Response To Illegal State Tactics) working since 1993 in order to fight the legal and political struggle for full First Amendment protection involving the creation, display and sale of art on NYC streets and in Parks

http://gothamist.com/2008/11/24/robert_lederman_artist_activist.php

I recently got an email from Robert who stated:

I’m sure police all over the US see a “need” to restrict the public’s

right to tape them, especially with all the recent videos depicting

violent police overreactions.

Fortunately, here in NY there is no ambiguity. The NYPD’s own

documents describe the public’s right to tape them at all times

so locally this is a non-issue.

– Robert Lederman – Jan 2014.

————————————————————————————-

So you say “..you want a Revolution?” (Beatles lyrics, you can sing loudly now) well, you many want to reconsider, since there is this FREE SPEECH permit required in Chicago—so that may delay or restrict your right or negate your free speech, Well…hope that is not TOO inconvenient—————–

‘NEW’ Illinois Eavesdropping Law -Why is it back? who/what is protected?

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Illinois Eavesdropping Law -Why is it back? who/what is protected?

Remember the Old Illinois Eavesdropping Law? It was hotly contested by many in Illinois, major public interest, local and international media and social media all were astounded by the arrests and prosecutions under this law. including the case of Chris Drew, Street Artist’s battle against unexpected charges–Prior to this, hardly anyone even heard of this law, This STILL is a hot topic, since rearing its ugly head to major notice in 2009. .

reference: early posting on APA site, for background on first showing of film:

http://www.americanpressassociation.com/a_columbia_college.php

I saw this first hand. I documented Chris Drew (1949-2012) and his journey stating “Art IS Speech” He was selling Art for a $1 to protest the Peddler’s Ordinance but was charged with a Class 1 felony faced 4-15 years in prison , for audio recording his own arrest! he Spent 2.5 years in the court system – defended by Mark Weinberg, on Civil Rights, and then Joshua Kutnick, for the Criminal Defense–and he won! vs State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez (“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” documentary film, 2014)

https://www.youtube.com/user/madpalX

and many others in Illinois, including Tiawanda Moore and Michael Allison were brought in on charges and had to challenge their arrests in courtThe media buzzed locally, social, national and international on his case and many others.

The law that was declared unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court in March 2014. Now fast forward, New Illinois Eavesdropping Law approved by majority in the House and Senate and signed into Law by outgoing Gov. Quinn Dec. 2014.

The ACLU of Illinois opposed the new statute

Unfortunately, compared to the last version of the Illinois eavesdropping statute, the new statute significantly expands the circumstances when police and informants may record and intercept private conversations and phone calls without all-party consent or a warrant. We know of no evidence that the prior version of the statute, which required police to seek judicial approval, was any impediment to law enforcement in these instances. We are concerned about the expanded number of cases where no judicial officer will provide a check on police. On this basis, the ACLU of Illinois opposed the new statute.

http://www.aclu-il.org/eavesdropping-bill-passes-in-illinois/

So in 2015 and we have the New Illinois Eavesdropping Law leaves many in the land of freedom..now in the land of uncertainty-especially in Chicago and Illinois.

Why is this law back? I have been trying to grasp this issue, and reading many articles, including the Law itself. I write this to bring awareness, and may you come to your own conclusions, So, how can the Original Illinois Eavesdropping Law, in March 2014, be thrown out as unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court and now be back ?

http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/12/illinois-governor-signs-new-law-for-recording-private-conversations.php

My overall perspective is that the new law has ambiguous language, making it easier to have options for confusion, leaning strongly on the side of police and courts for interpretation. You will need a good lawyer, for sure.

When you read this, it may just start you thinking too..Who is being protected? Why is Illinois only one of a few states that keeps a law like this?.

As always, more questions than answers.

YES you still can photograph/videotape/audiotape police in public…but there is text in the new law which makes you wonder– about the definitions of Public VS Private.

a few references- the interpretations vary:

http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/08/new-illinois-eavesdropping-act-still-see?n_play=54860340e4b0d638699edce4

http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/12/illinois-governor-signs-new-law-for-recording-private-conversations.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-johnson/the-illinois-eavesdropping-law_b_6336984.html

http://benswann.com/new-illinois-eavesdropping-law-distorts-ability-to-record-law-enforcement/

Free Speech it is our constitutional right!

Bring on the bodycams for police? Evidence on both sides is important. Keep videotaping! evidence is important. as you know..

“It is never over when it comes to fighting for your rights” – Chris Drew, Street Artist

Pursue peace through justice.ChrisDrewMayDay_PatchesSDNChris Drew UMCACreads tribune news Ill Law decared unconstitutio

©2012 NATO. first time legal to audio record police in public in Illinois

©2012 NATO. first time legal to audio record police in public in Illinois

cropped-actfreechris_occupy-chicagonotxt_aic.jpg

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/

Gandhi and Drew Connection: IMDb says..

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Gandhi and Drew Connection: IMDb says

Nov 18 2014
  • Gandhi-and-DrewWell, this really blew my mind! Just saw this –powerful connection. This is on IMDb, (Internet Movie Database) I am not making this up! this is a frame grab off the site.

IMDb says..

People who liked this also liked…

Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist (2014)

99 min – Documentary | Crime | History

Gandhi (1982)

– Biography | Drama | History – 25 February 1983 (USA)

Biography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.

IMDb also posted:

Take The Quiz!

Test your knowledge of Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist.

Chicago’ “Free Speech..”Film Thanks:..a painfully gritty true story

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Chicago ‘Free Speech’ Film thanks: a painfully gritty true story

Nov 16 2014

FILM-_Bechtol_Logan-BIGPOSTER-WEBxAll_Posters_Lobby_-Logan-Theatre-Bechtol_Post-Image11.14.14 Marked Chicago and World Premiere of “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” screened at the Logan Theatre. Local is best. Special thanks To the media the Reader, Sun-Times, Logan TV and DNAinfo, Chicago Talks, Mark Thomas of the Alley Stores for the great collector buttons given at the premiere, and all those who blogged and grassroots rallied to support this journey and NOW indie feature film. You are the best! The thank you list is a good 3 pages long on the film credits, several of Chris Drew’s former students were there, Lew & Diana – with beautiful flyers and ongoing People’s Tribune tributes to Chris, as well as his widow Deborah, attorney Mark Weinberg, and (includes spiritual advisors and inspirations) John Lennon, Martin Luther King and Gandhi, his probono attorneys Weinberg and Kutnick, Music courtesy of Hey Now Records/’Paper Airplane’, by Behind the Sun-Alton & Mansfield, ( along with the ACLU, APA, CANTV, Occupy Critical Mass and our Public Servants(who legally can and will be recorded in public), and more. so many more…all listed in the film ) Special thanks to the crew who supported the film Ron Grenko and Hermann Wieland, and David Bechtol, Technical Supervisor and fixer of all things, without him this film would not have been made. Thanks for all who were there in person and in spirit! an excellent audience, we nearly filled the 102 seat theatre. very well attended! What an experience to see so many people and, most I did not know… that was amazing. The film is now for history, forever.

above, is the Poster in lobby next to all the REAL movies! 27×39″ mine is 2nd from the left….”into the woods” ah yes, the journey was long to make this DIY indie, but worth every joy and sorrow, those who make films, know deeply what I mean. Peace through Justice. May the Chris Drew story of social justice radiate. The truth IS out there. Art IS Speech! In any way you can, tell the stories of our lives. ~Nancy Bechtol

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