Free Speech

Chicago Artists Say… Feb 1, 2019 opening.. come=engage! ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL

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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 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.

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, 2019 – March 3, 2019 and is curated by Gallery Director Chris Jackson, Assistant Gallery Director Kaitlyn Miller and Gallery Assistant Jordan High.

preview by clicking below on red. yes. I see red.

Exhibition Artwork

CANTV”People’s TV network”NEW ERA!

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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!

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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!.

“…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.

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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” Law pending: Citizens Recording Police -Once again a Felony?

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Citizens Recording Police – Once Again a Felony?

Current news on the “NEW” version of the Illinois Eavesdropping Law now sits at Gov. Quinn desk for either Veto or Signature. Just when we thought it was over..

Recall that Chris Drew, Street Artist, activist and community leader, was charged with the Class 1 Felony for Audio-recording his Own arrest in public, in front of Macy’s while selling art for a Dollar, in a challenge to the Peddler’s Ordinance, expectantly turned into a Challenge to the Ill. Eavesdropping Law, and he won! backed by pro bono attorneys, Weinberg and Kutnick, in the court of Judge Sacks in 2012. and in 2014 the Illinois Supreme Court overturned this law which restricts rights, ultimately to bring evidence in court of any police misconduct. Even Supt. McCarthy, Chicago, was in favor of this saying it protected police and citizens…for more of the background story on this:

https://nancybechtol.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/logan-tv-dan-odonnell-posts-exclusive-art-is-speech-on-11-14-14-see-the-film-on-drew/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20141113135301-319336280-patron-saint-of-street-artists-free-speech-chicago-s-own/edit

New Illinois Eavesdropping Act Still Seems Designed to Protect Cops From Scrutiny New Illinois Eavesdropping Act Still Seems Designed to Protect Cops From Scrutiny

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

No Justice No Peace: Diana Berek Speaks

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DianaBerek_webpostNo Justice No Peace : Berek Speaks

Diana Berek: Artist, Board Member with UM-CAC, Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center, Keyholder of Mess Hall, Occupy Rogers Park, Planning Committee of The Glenwood Ave Arts Festival. Chicago.

He (Chris Drew) wanted the City to re-examine the Harold Washington (Cultural) Plan. To de-centralize culture and bring it back into the neighborhoods. To de-centralize not only the initiatives, but the budgeting.

SEE/Hear Diana Berek

http://youtu.be/NPG7w0H0OjI

© 2012 video – Diana Berek: Chris Drew Legacy Interview #11. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. From the series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life work. © 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #12. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. talks with Diana Berek, speaks about her connection with Chris and a larger circle of concerns including grassroots connections, the early stages/feedback sessions on the Cultural Plan, advocacy for your own interests, Free Speech. Shot on location street side, B1E Gallery-Rogers Park. includes Lew Rosenbaum . Original Patches, designs by Diana Berek. This video is in a series (16) of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.——————————————————————

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

“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” – Little Blue Bird speaks on Chris Drew’s Legacy

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“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” – Little Blue Bird speaks on Chris Drew’s Legacy.

“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” – Little Blue Bird speaks on Chris Drew’s Legacy

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“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” : Little Blue Bird speaksSharonOkeeCheSkolnick_photo_Nancy-Bechtol-115730_wb

“Chris (Drew), he left his mark here, at the Center (American Indian Center)”..“..he was assertive when the call came for it.. ” I remember we were having a PowWow, and I saw him carrying all those TShirts, and on his bicycle!..he always kept his word” Chris was about encouraging people.  ..He will be remembered.”~Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick – Little Blue Bird_ Fort Sill-Apache Sioux

See/Hear Sharon:

http://youtu.be/yIEJkx7e_94

Bechtol notes: While I was deep into the process of editing this major film, Sharon gave me a a ‘doll’ she had handmade , “Comanche” an Apache warrior horse. I gazed upon the horse often, and The spirit of courage sustained me throughout the difficult times. “Where Courage Is Like a Wild Horse: The World of an Indian Orphanage” by Manny Skolnick (Author), Sharon Skolnick (Okee-Chee) (Author) Amazon list of Best Books of 2014 http://www.amazon.com/Where-Courage-Like-Wild-Horse/dp/0803242638/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU9XB5ADTC313

© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick, Artist and Archivist at the American Indian Center. Original Art in this Interview ©Sharon OKEE-Chee Skolnick. On location. The American Indian Center. 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, and participated, and helped bridge the digital divide and develop programs at the AIC. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.

—————————————–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

Media Justice|CAN TV|Chris Drew|Courage: Barbara Popovic speaks

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Media Justice|Courage of Chris Drew | CAN TV’s Barbara Popvic speaks

A moment in his (Chris Drew) life came..he identified for the rest of us, the personal courage it takes..the willingness of an individual to go against power.

There is a power in us to take a stand as an individual. – Barbara Popovic, Executive Director of CAN TV

SEE/Hear Barbara Popovic

speak”:http://youtu.be/yfD72ZPha-w

© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #10. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. Barbara Popovic is the Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV) EXEC Director. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.

Chris Drew, Exec. Director (volunteer) for the nonprofit organization he founded, UM-CAC, Uptown Multicultural Arts Center, was with CAN TV for 15 years -heavily showing with the Live Call in format. His passion for the arts and our rights as citizens, especially for artists, was his lifetime commitment.

The Bill of Rights..Religion, Press, Speech, Right of Assembly…then a pause.. Right to Petition the Government and Right to Redress

The First Amendment’s fifth right will come as a surprise to many. Only 1% of Americans even know that it exists.

The Right to Petition was central to constitutional law and politics in the early United States. It is the First Amendment’s capstone:

“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people …

to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

See more at: the Fifth Amendment. Right to Petition the Government

“People will say they believe in the 1st Amendment until they hear something they do not agree with…”

CAN TV is an independent nonprofit established by the City of Chicago in 1983 as the public’s space on cable television free of commercials, filters, and censors.On our five local channels you can see the diversity of people and ideas that reflect Chicago, including voices often excluded from the mainstream media.The city where neighbors can freely share their passions and talents with one another is the city that works better. For everyone.So step up, http://cantv.org/news/ make, watch, and support the people’s network in Chicago

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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

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