Older Blog Posts: South Chicago Art Center

April - May 2008 Blog Entries

Friday, May 30, 2008 ~Congrats Lizeth!

Congratulations to Art Center participant, Lizeth.
She received an award at school for having perfect attendance.

Thursday, May 22, 2008 ~ Fundraiser

Teens at the event

Thank you to everyone
who attended our fundraiser last night.
To read more about it, click here.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 ~ Could this cute face be bad? Yes.

Every Wednesday morning, three classes from Our Lady Guadalupe School come over to the Art Center to have art class. These first, second, and third grade classes are taught by local teaching artist, Maria Villarreal.

Last Wednesday Ms. Martello's third grade class was disruptive (talking without raising hands, not being focused, talking loudly, etc.). Students were very sorry for their bad behavior and wrote apology letters. Click here to read a few.

Friday, May 16, 2008 ~ Berkowitz Award Footage

Video footage of the award ceremony for the 2008 Susan Berkowitz Award at Francis W. Parker School is now up on YouTube. YouTube only allows 10-minute increments so it is four parts. Click here for part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4. Video still of Sarah's speech

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 ~ Coming Up Taller Semifinalist

logo for text The South Chicago Art Center has been chosen for recognition as a 2008 Coming Up Taller Semifinalist by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
If selected, we will receive a plaque and a $10,000 award at a ceremony in the fall/winter. In a letter to the Art Center it states, "Your program's selection as one of the 50 semifinalists distinguishes it as one of the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours."
The jury expects to notify this year's award recipients by the end of June.

Monday, May 12, 2008 ~ Fancy Invite to Event

Want to see our fancy invite for the event on Wednesday, May 21, 2008?
Click here. Spots are still available!

Friday, May 9, 2008 ~ Mural Class at the Art Center

Every Friday students from DePaul University will be working on a mural at the Art Center. They are currently working inside on the layout and design of the mural but will soon be working outside on the actual wall. The mural will go on Family Dollar on the corner of 91st and Commercial. This mural project is lead by Brother Mark Elder, a DePaul professor and mural artist and supported with a STAR grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

Friday, May 2, 2008 ~ 2008 Berkowitz Award Winner: Sarah Ward

This year's Berkowitz Award recipient is a woman who has devoted her life to helping underserved children through the medium of creating art. Sarah Ward, founder and director of the South Chicago Art Center, has won the hearts of many through her tireless work as an art teacher in the schools and in her free, after-school art program, where children may find a safe place to grow not only as artists, but also as strong individuals.
Read more here

Thursday, May 1, 2008 ~ A donation from the north sent with love

A few weeks ago we received a large donation of art supplies. The 5th Grade Art Club at Johnsburg Junior High School in Johnsburg, Illinois had made a concerted effort to collect supplies specifically for the South Chicago Art Center! We received 8 boxes full of new and slightly used art supplies.

We appreciate their dedication and kindness. As a thank you, several Art Center kids created this trophy for the Art Club. Thanks again to Mrs. Reith and the 5th Grade Art Club!

Thursday, May 1, 2008 ~ An interview with Sarah on chicagoartistsresource.org

Sarah was recently interviewed by the Chicago Artists Resource website for an Arts Professional Story. Click here to check it out.

Friday, April 25, 2008 ~ Get Your Stone On! With a grant from Metropolitan Family Services, the South Chicago Art Center conducted a stone carving class after-school at Bowen High School."Get Your Stone On" was lead by local artist, Roman Villarreal. About a dozen students worked twice a week for six weeks to learn the art of stone carving.
	Using chisels and drills, students worked on 30 lb. slabs of alabaster to create animals, figures, and other creations of their own design.
The class culminated in a display of the work in the lobby of Bowen High School on April 16. Visitors were quite impressed with the stone carving skill of the youth! Antonio (right), age 18, is an intern at the South Chicago Art Center and assisted Roman with the class.