FLOURISH FINE ART ACCELERATOR HOSTS BUSINESS OF ART
Read this week’s newsletter in its entirety here.
Flourish Fine Arts Accelerator hosted their first Business of Art Seminar on Saturday, October 12th at the offices of the law firm Baker McKinzie in Chicago. With spectacular views from the firms 50th floor overlooking Lake Michigan, Tammi and Oscar Bedolla brought together art world insiders in support of BIPOC artists and curators working to grow their entrepreneurial practices.
The event opened with remarks from Kelly Evans of the Chicago Urban League, a partner to Flourish Arts Accelerator. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Baker McKenzie attorney Alexandra Davis with Candace Hunter, Artist & storyteller; Pugs Atomz, artist & musician; Patricia Andrews-Keenan — Founder Pigment International; and insurance executive Ellen Ross.
A series of workshops followed the panel discussion with industry experts leading discussions on Business Planning, Partnerships and Contract, Branding and Fine Art Insurance. The attendees gleaned many nuggets to incorporate into their artistic practices including how to weather downturns in sales, form collaborative partnerships or diversify their practices to included branded products and how to secure museum placement for BIPOC artists.
Other presenters included Jerilyn Gamble, Gallagher Insurance; Loren Johnson — Vital Care Industries; Michael McIntosh, PwC Consulting; Dorian Orr, Microsoft; and Sommer Sharpe, Ackerman.
Flourish’s mission is to grow diverse artists and curators by providing grants, mentorship, and
professional services. We believe direct investment in diverse creatives will accelerate their growth as entrepreneurs and create a more equitable creative economy. Founded by Oscar and Tammi Bedolla, Flourish leverages their expertise from the corporate world and their shared passion for the arts. Oscar, a management consultant, has crafted strategies to drive local economic growth and empower underserved communities. Tammi, an insurance executive with over a decade of experience, specializes in managing complex risks and contracts. As a Women’s Board member at the Museum of Contemporary
KEVIN “WAK” WILLIAMS OPENS THEN AND NOW TO A STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD AT CONNECT GALLERY
Chicago welcomed home one of its favorite artists on Saturday when Kevin ‘WAK’ Williams exhibition “Then and Now premiered at Connect Gallery in Hyde Park. The solo exhibition was the first in the city for the Atlanta based artist who has gone on to national acclaim for his hyper realistic portrayals of Black history and cultural.
“Then and Now” is a testament to Williams’ remarkable career, which began on Chicago’s Southside. From his early days as a young artist with a vision to create meaningful work to his status as a living master, Williams’ art has consistently pierced the soul with raw, unbridled elegance.
The exhibitions striking backdrop of black and white was curated by Rob McKay and Martha Wade. Joining Williams was Sol Aponte of LA based Art Melanated. Art Melanated will be debuting more of Kevin’s work in Memphis later this month. Additionally, Williams worked with Art Melanated, creating artwork for the Celebration of Stevie Wonder in LA in April.
“Kevin A. Williams is an American treasure,” says Gallery Director Rob McKay. “His work not only celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black life but also challenges us to confront the untold stories of our shared history.”
The exhibition will feature a curated selection of Williams’ work, highlighting his evolution from airbrushing cars in the 80s to his masterfully created large-scale oil paintings today. Through these pieces, Williams tells a powerful visual narrative of cultural pride, personal struggle, and the celebration of Black life.
In “Then and Now,” viewers will be immersed in Williams’ signature style, where hyperrealism meets emotional depth. The collection explores themes of love, perseverance, identity, and community, offering a profound glimpse into the multifaceted beauty and strength of Black culture. His fusion of realism and storytelling has cemented his position as one of the most important artists of our time.
Exhibition Dates: October 12 — November 23, 2024
Location: Connect Gallery, 1451 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615
The gallery is open Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12–6 p.m.
COMER YOUTH CENTER HOSTS ANNUAL HARVEST DINNER FEATURING PROMINENT CHICAGO CHEFS
Gary Comer Youth Center hosted its Harvest Dinner on October 10th featuring food grown by their youth-led urban farm by our Urban Agriculture interns and prepared by our Culinary Arts apprentices under the mentorship of distinguished Chicago chefs, including James Beard Award Winner, Constance Simms-Kincaid (5 Loaves), Chef Mychael Bonner (CMB Catering), Chef D’Andre Carter (Soul & Smoke), Chef Michael Ciapciak (Bang Bang Pies) , Chef Tigist Reda (Demera), Chef Rafael Esparza (FAFO) and Chef Javon Nicholas (Egg Rolls, etc).
The event featured handcrafted cocktails and small bites and live music overlooking the center’s farm and rooftop garden. Pigment International is a community partner to Comer providing mentorship to students in its arts program.
