art
An originally blank gallery space has been transformed by Lonnie Holley, an outsider artist from Alabama, into a breathtaking venue. Holley arrived in Chicago in May as Intuit's first artist in residence. During a two week period he gathered discarded materials from around the city and environs, and combined them to create this significant environment.
Lonnie Holley's evolution into a respected artist was difficult, replete with poignant episodes of a struggle for survival itself. He was one of a large group of siblings from an impoverished family and began his serendipitous career making sandstone tombstones for family and friends.
Over the years he's done painting, sculpture, and assemblage. The photo
at right, courtesy of Bill Bengsten shows the finished project at Intuit. During Holley's two week visit here he involved groups of Chicago school children as well as the general public in his creative process.
To learn more about Holley and listen to an NPR podcast as well as all manner of things about Intuit, access www.art.org.
In the adjoining Intuit gallery you'll find an exhibit of recent gifts to Intuit's permanent collection. It's fun to peruse this captivating work. Included among other pieces is an exceptional early sculpture by former Chicagoan, Mr. Imagination.
(In the interest of full disclosure you should know that I am both a founder of Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art and a member of its' Board). Notwithstanding, you should get on over to this non-profit organization's space for some of the most exciting art activity in the city. And definitely join while you're there!
Intuit is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-5PM; Thursday 11-7:30PM. The Lonnie Holley exhibit closes September 1.
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