Chicago Police

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

Featured 1 Comment

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!

Leave a comment

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..

Featured Leave a comment

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!

1 Comment

“…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—————–

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

1 Comment

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

1 Comment

Chris Drew speaks on “?” of Peddling to Felony

FILM-_Bechtol_Logan-BIGPOSTER-WEBx

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

Leave a comment

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

1 Comment

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

#ChiCritMass ~ right/ride on! Raven Roberts speaks on Chris Drew

3 Comments

@ChiCritMass~right/ride on!| Raven speaks on DREW

Raven Roberts-Potawatomi-Miqma-Onedia – Speaking on Chris Drew and Critical Mass link. Heralding the love of bikes and support surrounding both. Raven is a Native American artist, Educator. She knew Chris since she was 5 years old, along with many members of her family and friends from the American Indian Center. Raven was also a community artist with the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center (UM-CAC)© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #6. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist.

Raven Roberts_ “it was good to see all the love and support…” a lot of bikers, knowing Chris was a biker too.

http://youtu.be/GPFZj5VLijQ

Original art patch by Raven and clips from the Critical Mass Memorial Bike ride in honor of Chris featured in this video. On location Chicago Downtown. Filmed at The American Indian Center. Uptown, Chicago.

Chris Drew, was the Exec. Director of the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center (volunteer position) located/housed at AIC for 25 years. on the 3rd floor and was a part of the community and taught many how to silkscreen for free, use and repair computers, helping Bridge the digital divide, and participated, and helped develop programs at the AIC. This video is one in a series of several people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.

Now the story of his art, activism and love of Free Speech.

1.14.14 Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre! indie feature documentary, by Nancy Bechtol “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” (99 min)

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 felony trial for recording police, will premiere at The Logan Theatre on November 14. 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.

%d bloggers like this: