Authors and Artists Kickoff Reception- Fine Art, Fine Wine, Fine Music, Fine Fun…

Glenn Murray, NBC5 Street Team

Enjoy an evening of art, music and much more as Kreations will host a kickoff art reception for the 5th Annual Authors and Artists Chicago. Friday September 19th at the Ven Sherrod Image Gallery 1908 S. Halsted The Reception kicks off the 5th Annual Authors and Artists Chicago and features talented artisans from all over the Chicago area along with a special performance from Just Infinite, the talented neo soul fusion band that shatters all boundaries the event promises to be “most fun you can pack in three hours”. The event is Hosted by Pilar Audain Reed, owner of the Northside boutique Kreative Souls and on air personality for WKCR radio.

Artists scheduled to appear Clifton Henri, Rashawn Taylor, Cheryl Toles, Basheer Alim, and S. Teresa. Each will have works on display for sale. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a limited edition work of art valued at over $400 in a special prize drawing. A portion of the proceeds benefit author Omar Tyree’s Urban Literacy Project

For More Information
www.authorsandartistlive.com

1-866-533-9884

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The 220 Report – The Hot List…People and Places You Should Know

Glenn Murray, NBC5 Street Team

What’s hotter than a July day in Chicago? The people, places and things that you’ll find on my monthly  “Hot List”.  Without a doubt, the music at the Ven Sherrod Image Gallery in the University Village neighborhood last Friday night added a few extra degrees to the temps inside the tri-level venue. ”.The smooth jazz and soulful R & B of Llae-F performing at the After Hours Wine and Chocolate Tasting ( part of a monthly tasting series around the city).  The crowd was whipped into a frenzy (a combination of wine, from  the South Loop Winestyles, thanks to owner and “Wine Diva“ Tracye Hinton, the humidity in the air, and smoldering sounds produced by the trio of musicians). Llae –F is headed by Junius Paul and features William Kurk on keys and frequent guest Corey Wilkes on trumpet. Catch them soon, you won’t be disappointed. The band’s next performance is August 15^th and 16^th at Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 East Hubbard.

“Kreatively Hot”: Kreative Soul owner and jewelry artist Madame Pilar is on a major hot streak.  She was recently featured on the cover of N’Digo Magapaper and her store, located at 3744 North Broadway, was selected by Uptown Magazine as a Chicago traveler’s destination for 2008. Pilar is also the host of  “Meditation Mondaze”  on WKCR Internet Radio where she’s interviewed everyone from Gospel superstar Yolanda Adams to rising stars like Dwele.  Other “jobs”  this renaissance women holds include hosting events (she happened to be the host of the “Music and Lyrics” event) and being a loving,devoted, wife and mother. And her talent knows no boundary as she can lay down a mean verse on the mic!  Find out more about Kreative Soul:  www.kreativesoulsbypilar.com 

I  remember last year accompanying photographer Clifton Henri to the famed Harlem Book Fair. At that event he wowed New Yorkers with his unrivaled ability to create provacative images.  This year, the man we like to call the “Young Gordon Parks” (his idol and inspiration)  has taken another city by storm. Besides showing at every major art event in the Chicagoland area, he ventured to New Orleans during the 4th of July  and was featured at the Essence Music Festival’s Art Pavillion. Artists are selected by the magazine to display at this very high profile exhibit and judging from the work he’s produced over the past few years, he won’t be turned down soon.  See more of Clifton’s images at: http://www.kreationsart.com 

That’s my hot list and I’m stickin to it…speaking of hot, I’m off to Milwaukee to catch the Cubs and Brewers.

Until Soon… Glenn

Dwele and Pilar

“Jazz Branching” by Clifton Henri

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Artropolis

Liz Holland, NBC5 Street Team

If you haven’t made it to Artropolis… you have two days left. There is something for everyone with five exhibitions of antique, modern, and contemporary work of over 2,000 artists. The space is massive and almost difficult to take in all at once with the many interesting pieces. I have to admit, there is some great people watching if you can pull you eyes away from the art!

I loved the antiques and work of emerging/independent artists - most whom were there to share their thoughts and inspirations. Chi Town was in representation with my favorites being Clifton Henri, Gabriel Mejia, and Jeremy Tubbs. Also, check out Fahamu Pecou with his critique of modern hip hop and pop culture through self portraiture and Elizabeth McClancy with The Democratic Principles Project, a series of paintings capturing a vivid likeness of national leaders in social-change debate.

You undoubtedly will get tired along the way, but there are various food and wine stops throughout, as well as bluprint restaurant in the lobby. Also, when your feet get weary, take a load off at the shoe shine where they proclaim, “We are artists in motion!”

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Artropolis

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza

April 25-28, 2008

http://www.merchandisemart.com/artropolis/

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