Sketchy Business Student does the Arts District
Looks for Girls, Finds Art
Rags Vadali, '07
Issue date: 2/16/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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During my Competitive Strategy class last Friday, my mind drifted to thoughts about how I could gain an edge in the brutally competitive world of the looking-to-be-unsingle single male at the GSB. An appraisal of the current state of affairs was, well, quick. Bleak, even, to put it generously. So, the strategic thinker-in-training that I am, I looked to the future. Rumor has it that the incoming class is 40% female. Aha. Opportunity, there art thee. At this point my intuitive faculties took over.
Arts. n. Artful devices, strategems, and tricks.
What better way to influence future outcomes than influencing those who can influence future outcomes? A devious plan birthed, I sought out one of the most powerful people at the GSB - an incoming CWiB co-chair. There she was, studying by the fireplace. I approach gingerly (OK, I admit, that was added for literary effect). Having done my research, I knew that she was interested in art. As in, like, Art. So, I ask her if she wants to go to a few gallery openings later that evening after the LPF. No malicious intent here, just burnishing my well-rounded-ness credentials. For, you know, future reference purposes. The Yes received, I headed home to unwind before the downtown LPF.
And I fell asleep!
Woke up and it was too late to keep my appointment. Damn. Having shot that chance to the high heavens, I decided to at least make something of the evening. But, Plan B didn't fare any better. It would have helped to know that the 'friend' I called was now in a relationship. And, she wanted her beau to come along.
In some sense, it was for the better. Bereft of these distractions, the evening turned out to be about what it was should have been about.
Art. n. The products of human creativity.
My destination was the Chicago Arts District, which is located at the intersection of 18th and South Halsted. The neighborhood abuts Pilsen and is filled with artist live-work spaces and art galleries. Every second Friday they hold the eponymous Second Fridays - an evening of open houses at a bunch of these galleries. While the art is the undisputed star, there is a hidden delight to exploring this neighborhood - these galleries open out at the back onto award-winning private gardens studded with fountains and more art.
I started my artwalk at 4Art Studio, 1932 S Halsted. They are in the last month of an ongoing exhibit called Xclusive Group Show featuring a dozen local Chicago artists. This was my second visit to the same exhibition at this beautiful two-level space. If you, like me, have a particular fascination for chess sets, I would highly recommend gallery owner Robin Rios' mixed media creations. Then, I headed upstairs to artist Jim Miclot's loft filled with comfortable leather couches, a very friendly cat, and art covering every inch of the walls. I was fascinated by some of his work that depicted oceanscapes - the paintings were highly textured yet had a lightness of being that could transport one to faraway places.