CALL FOR ENTRIES - On The Street Photography Competition

DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2017 Gain Worldwide Exposure.  Enter Fabrik Magazine’s Street Photography Competition, ON THE STREET and exhibit at PHOTO INDEPENDENT 2017 Thirty (30) photographers will be exhibited at Fabrik Magazine’s gallery booth at Photo Independent LA 2017, where thousands of fairgoers and collectors can buy your photography, and where international press and curators can see your work. Have your photography published on a full page of your own in our exhibition catalog. Be considered for a solo show by leading photography curators, then, have your work move into the Fathom Gallery in the Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts District (DTLA) for a prestigious exhibition devoted exclusively to the winners of Fabrik’s inaugural street photography competition, ON THE STREET. First, second and third place winners will have their work featured in Fabrik Magazine. Click here to enter your photos to the competition Judges Include Paul Bridgewater (New York) Founded the Hard Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. in 1973 and has curated over 450 exhibitions including: Spark of Genius for General Electric Research, Temples of the Yoruba, photographs by Phyllis Galembo, The Schoenburg Center, Rockefeller Foundation, NYC and Paint By Number at The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Bridgewater opened Bridgewater/Lustberg Gallery, Soho, NY, in 1987 privately dealing art until the opening of Smart Clothes Gallery, Lower East Side, N.Y. last year. In October 2017, an oil painting by Bridgewater will be featured in a Museum of Modern Art exhibition in NY. Khodr Cherri (Los Angeles) is the master printer and the Creative Director of A&I Fine Art & Photography. He works with artists to create unique, museum quality Chromogenic and Archival Pigment prints.  A graduate of the American University in Beirut, Cherri began his photography career as a film technician and an Art Center student in Los Angeles. As production manager at Nardulli lab, he collaborated with Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Matthew Rolston and Norman Jean Roy.  Cherri has worked with photo editors at Time, Vogue and National Geographic Magazines. Francis Coiro (Los Angeles) directs the Iconix Art Group, an art publishing and creative services company which he also founded in 2014. Iconix operates a boutique art complex in downtown Los Angeles that includes the Fathom Gallery, which represents nearly three dozen contemporary photographers and painters. As part of Iconix, Coiro started two classical imprints, Sugar Press, an art printing partnership specializing in emerging artists, and Lumen Press, a new art venture, publishing limited edition photography monographs. Coiro will oversee the printing of the winners of the competition. Bert Green (Chicago) is the owner of Bert Green Fine Art, a contemporary art gallery exhibiting prominent, emerging and mid-career artists. Based in California for 21 years before moving to Chicago in 2012, Bert Green Fine Art was instrumental in creating the emergence of the downtown Los Angeles gallery district. Green curated the first LGBTQ-themed, City of West Hollywood’s yearly, Out There, exhibition at The Los Angeles Art Association’s G825. His Chicago gallery continues to work closely with artists in Los Angeles to augment his roster of international painters and photographers. Sarah Lee (Los Angeles) Longtime gallerist, art and photography curator, critic and art consultant, Sarah Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea. Most recently, she was owner and director of Sarah Lee Artworks and Projects a photography gallery at Bergamot Station. In addition to being an advisory member of the Queensland Centre for Photography in Australia, Sarah Lee has served as trustee, Executive Director and guest curator at the Korean American Museum in Los Angeles. She has been on the Japan-American National Museum’s advisory council since 1995. Phil Tarley (Los Angeles) is a fellow of The American Film Institute, a member of the photographic Arts Council and an artist member of The Los Angeles Art Association. Tarley, a critic, a curator and a collector, writes about photography for Fabrik Magazine. His series of political and ethnographic videos is housed in the permanent collection of the New York Public Library and has screened in film festivals and museums like the American Film Institute and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Tarley’s writing and photography have also appeared in the LA Times, the LA Weekly, the Advocate, Adult Video News and American Photo Magazines. Submit This Call for Entries is open to all photographers of all backgrounds — professional, non-professional/amateur, student, and mobile photography who shoot street photography. Click here to enter your photos to the competition. Click here to Submit Sponsored By CONNECT WITH US © 2017 Fabrik Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 269 S. Beverly Drive, #1234, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

SAARA'S NEW SINGLE "SUPERPOWERS" OUT TODAY!

 NEW SINGLE “SUPERPOWERS” OUT TODAY!
 

LISTEN HERE

 

Check SAARA’s single announcement HERE

 

Based on her lyric “when was the last time you and I did something for the first time?” SAARA is also challenging fans to film videos of themselves trying something new with the hashtag #firsttimechallenge. Follow along with SAARA’s posts on her Instagram and Twitter!

 

Click here to learn more about SAARA

Business changes in the Lake View area of Chicago Illinois

Closings:

Chicago Charlie’s Express 2472 N Clark Street,This is sad to see.I stopped by today to mail a package and they were no longer there.Where do you mail a postal package in the area that doesn’t have a high surcharge?
When asking around the neighborhood, several people stated Charlie’s wasn’t making any money after paying employees,rent,supplies and insurance.Allegedly The Post Office took all. Bad move by the Postal Service will have people using the UPS Store or small businesses opening a UPS or FedEx Ground account for home or business pick up.


Smoque Vapors shop on Broadway near Diversey

Equinox Gifts on Broadway at Roscoe.Another loss for Lake View. This store has great unique gifts.Items are at giveaway prices right now before they close their doors. I guess they too have been having problems with people buying online.

Opening soon:

The Original Pancake House takes over the former Panera Cares on Diversey near Broadway.


Empty....
The former Waffles Restaurant on Broadway near Addison remains closed years after closing at least 3 years ago as does the former Walmart that was across the street.



Doesn't the Alderman's office have any contacts with real estate agents to help get these places rented with new business or sold for development?

Development continues on Clark near Addison with the properties the Rickets family has razed for their new hotel and entertainment offerings that surround Wrigley Field.

Renowned Artist Sheila Elias Makes Groundbreaking Use in the Art World using a Finger and iPad

 

Miami based artist, Sheila Elias, has combined her talents of painting, printmaking, sculptures and photography and has developed a new form of communication using digital media—with just the touch a finger and an iPad, a natural feat no artist has truly ever done quite like she has. She says, “My art, whether it is photography, sculpture, or paintings, has always been a visual interpretation of my internal landscape, which is significantly influenced by external landscapes. Therefore, this collection of work is an indirect reflection of my colorful, turbulent home, Miami.” Miami, where multi-cultural history and the future clash on a daily basis, is a luminous kaleidoscope of raw, sincere emotions and harsh realities; urban tension mixed with profound beauty, compassion and optimism. Evidence of this interpretation can be found in the canvases of “iPaint on my iPad.” Using a touch screen canvas, the tech inclined artist uses the iPad as part of a larger method that integrates digital art and painting to develop images that hang on the walls of the most exquisite galleries. She continues, ““Techne Revelation” is a new technological vision that I am really excited about I have been painting on my iPad since 2010. The iPad differs from traditional media with its immediate, experimental effects. I believe it also stretches one’s mental capacity because the apps have limitations, and one has to work within those perimeters. It is a new medium, which is refreshing for a seasoned artist. I enlarged abstract shapes to take on mysterious, unnatural forms. I painted them without physical tools, by using my finger.”

    

    

Exerts from 2015 series: African Surprise

                   

 

Elias’ series was featured at NYC Mayson Gallery as well as the GRAY AREA Instagram Project, along with the Whitney’s studio party. The shift in art trends is being pioneered by Sheila Elias and other big artists are soon to follow. The younger generation has been drawn to the fad due to the fact that millennials are overtaking the digital space and using it in daily life. The most impressive part is that Sheila’s work across the globe including hanging in the Louvre and at NYC Lincoln Center.

About Sheila Elias

Sheila Elias is a contemporary artist successful for her multi-media paintings, sculptures and iPad paintings. She doesn’t restrict herself on the tools she’ll use on her paintings -she won’t about reaching for a magic marker or glitter nail polish to use on her canvas.

What makes her art so unique and refreshing is the optimism she paints with as recognized by fans of her art and critic Peter Frank. “My work is about the layers of life and art history, seeking in it a connection between art, aesthetics, and social consciousness. I like to portray a perception of urban tension, raw emotions and harsh realities tempered with gentle optimism and beauty, countering an American dream that has gone a bit astray.” -Sheila Elias

To view more of Sheila Elias’ art and to read more about her you can visit the website below:

http://sheilaelias.com/

 

DCASE Opportunities for Artists and Creative Professionals (Chicago,IL)

 

 

Professional Development Events Lake FX CreativeCon April 21 & 22, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. The Midwest's largest FREE conference for emerging artists and creatives, the LakeFX CreativeCon will feature a keynote addresses by Kevin Liles, co-founder of 300 Entertainment and CEO of KWL Management, in conversation with Kevin Coval, and by comic book writer and artist Alex Ross in conversation with Robert Milazzo. The event offers over 50 interactive workshops and discussion with arts leaders, a brand development presentation by Google and access to one-on-one marketing, legal, financial and career development advice. All events are open to anyone working in (or aspiring to work in) creative fields like music, theater, dance, art and design. Save the date now and visit lakefxchicago.us soon for upcoming announcements and schedule information.   Making a Chicago City Market Workshop: How to Bring Fresh Foods To Your Community  Beginner: March 25, 10am, at Avalon Park, 1215 E. 83rd St. Advanced: April 25, 10am, at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. This first workshop will offer simple tools, training and tips on how to start a successful outdoor market in Chicago. The later April workshop will cover best practices and operation issues for experienced market operators. More information at chicagofarmersmarkets.us.   ChicagoMade Music Collective: Gospel Music Edition   April 12, 6:30-8:30pm at Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, 825 N. Christiana St. Join local music industry professionals and working musicians for FREE series of networking events that combine a panel discussion on an industry topic and a showcase performance by several local artists. This Gospel edition of the series will bring together experts from the gospel music industry to talk about the current trends in marketing and public relations for gospel music artists, working musicians and music business owners. Panelists include award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence; Cathy Carroll, senior director of promotion and strategy at RCA Inspiration; and Dani Jackson, senior integrated producer at Havas Chicago.   Calls For Artists Chicago Jazz Festival Art Fair  Application Deadline is March 31, 2017 Known for its artistic creativity, the Chicago Jazz Festival showcases FREE live performances by Chicago's vast jazz talent alongside national and international artists. The event's Art Fair takes place Friday, September 1, through Sunday, September 3, in Millennium Park's Wrigley Square from 11am to 9:30pm. Application and guideline information can be found at chicagojazzfestival.us.     Calls For Filmmakers  ChicagoMade Short Series  Application Deadline is March 31, 2017 The Chicago Film Office is now accepting entries from local filmmakers for the Chicago Made Short Series that screens one independent short film prior to each feature screening of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, Tuesdays, June 13-August 29. Selected short films will screen once to an audience of 8,000-10,000 and receive a screening fee of $250. Chicago-based filmmakers are invited to submit original, entertaining short films no longer than 8 minutes at chicagofilmoffice.us. Calls For Musicians  Performance Applications Open for DCASE Festivals  Applications are open for some performance opportunitiesat DCASE festivals and venues. Please check cityofchicago.org/dcase for more information. Calls For Arts Organizations & Creative Businesses  Call for Public Art Youth Corps Worksites Informational Workshop: March 30, 4-6pm at the Chicago Cultural Center Application Deadline is May 15 Is your organization producing a public art project, program or exhibition the summer in honor of the Year of Public Art. Could you use some extra help to get the job done? Apply to host a Public Art Youth Corps intern through Mayor Emanuel's One Summer Chicago Program. Youth Interns may fulfill a variety of duties including administrative support tasks as well as work directly with artists fabricating and installing artwork. If interested, please join us for an informational workshop on March 30 or visit onesummerchicago.org and click the companies/organizations icon.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, 78 E. Washington St., 4th Fl., Chicago, IL 60602

Hearth Restaurant & Lounge >> Easter Brunch in Evanston Illinois

 

Easter Brunch in Evanston

Easter Sunday is nearly upon us and with it comes a reason to indulge in benedicts, buffets and bloody marys.  Instead of toiling away in the kitchen, spend the day enjoying the company of your family & friends over a professionally prepared brunch (no clean up required!)

On Sunday, April 16^th Hearth Restaurant & Lounge will be serving Easter Sunday Bunch from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.  Upon being seated, guests will be treated to complimentary freshly baked breakfast breads before moving on to a variety of sweet and savory dish options.  Executive Chef John “Woody” Linton recommends starting with one or two shareable items like Green Eggs & Ham Deviled Eggs with Basil Pesto & Crispy Prosciutto or Scallion Buttermilk Biscuit Bites topped with Country Gravy. From there, diners can move on to their choice of entrée, such as:

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cream Cheese Glaze | Brown Sugar Crumble  

Skirt Steak Benedict

Homemade Steak Sauce Hollandaise | Wilted Spinach | Root Hash

 | Poached Egg

Braised Chicken Crepe

Brown Butter Crepe | Mushroom | Ragout | Arugula

Avocado Toast

Cured Salmon | Dill Crème Fraiche | Soft Boiled Egg

Waffle Sandwich

Maple Pork Sausage │ Cheddar │ Hot Guacamole │ Egg

Served with Potatoes.  

Those looking for a boozy brunch experience can order up a Mimosa (Cava with choice of Orange, Grapefruit or Cranberry Juice,) Bloody Mary or Seasonal Bellini.

Non-alcoholic beverages including Coffee, Tea and Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice will also be available.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (847) 570-8400 or via OpenTable.  Hearth Restaurant & Lounge is located inside The Homestead hotel at 1625 Hinman Ave. in Evanston, IL.

For more information or high resolution images please contact Samantha Crafton Public Relations (SCPR) directly.  Chef John “Woody” Linton is available for on-air cooking segments upon request.

About Hearth: Located inside the historic Homestead hotel (1625 Hinman Ave.,) Hearth Restaurant & Lounge is a contemporary eatery and bar that offers exquisite food and imaginative drinks in a warm and welcoming setting.

Chef John “Woody” Linton’s eclectic yet cohesive menu draws inspiration from international styles of cooking including Italian, Asian, Czech and French influences.  Highlights include Cured Salmon Crostini with Apple, Horseradish Cream & Mustard, Macadamia Mahi Mahi with Baby Bok Choy, Fried Rice, Bacon & Soy-Orange Garlic Ginger Sauce, Saffron Tagliatelle with Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, Sage & Pepita and Svickova made with Beef Tenderloin, Garlic Spaetzle, Wild Mushroom and Sour Cream Dill Sauce.

Many entrées are available in half orders, allowing guests to enjoy a small plates-style dining experience and sample multiple different dishes.  “Our menu is a break from the traditional structures found in so many other restaurants,” says Chef Linton.  “We want to give guests the flexibility to choose what type of meal they want to have.”

The newly revamped lounge, which was unveiled in 2016, features clean lines, contemporary furniture and décor in muted tones, providing an appealing contrast to the dining room’s decidedly rustic aesthetic.  In the lounge, patrons can enjoy one of Beverage Director Ryan Scheler’s craft cocktails or choose from a carefully curated list of wines and beers.

Hearth’s central location and proximity to public transportation makes it the ideal Happy Hour spot for commuters.  Hearth’s Happy Hour program is available in lounge Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 pm – 6:30pm and features $8 specialty cocktails, $6 glasses of house red and house white wines and $5 select beer.  A number of food specials, which change on a daily basis, are also available.

--

Chicago City Markets - not just Farmers Markets, kick off in May at Daley Plaza + Maxwell Street (Chicago,IL)

 

 

 

              

 

:         

 

CHICAGO CITY MARKETS PROVIDE ACCESS TO FRESH PRODUCE,

CHICAGO-MADE PRODUCTS, RARE FINDS AND MORE

Farmers and community markets kick off the summer season on Thursday, May 11, at Daley Plaza and

Sunday, May 14, at Maxwell Street Market

 

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce a new program framework and name for Chicago City Markets presented by COUNTRY Financial®–uniting all of the City of Chicago-managed outdoor markets under one program, including Chicago’s longest running farmers market at Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market and community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago. Across the city, Chicago City Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and, in the case of Maxwell Street Market, rare finds and retail merchandise. The markets will kick off the season on Thursday, May 11, at the Daley Plaza Market and Sunday, May 14, at the Maxwell Street Market. A complete list of city-run markets, along with dates and times are listed below and at chicagofarmersmarkets.us and maxwellstreetmarket.us.

 

“Chicago City Markets are farmers markets and more,” said Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “Our markets provide residents with access to fresh and healthy food – and unique Chicago-made products and other merchandise – but they also bring communities together, many offering live music and other cultural activities.”

 

The official kick-off of the Chicago City Markets will take place at the Daley Plaza Market on Thursday, May 11, at 11:30 a.m. Among the activities, COUNTRY Financial^® will announce the winner of the 10th Annual Reusable Bag Design Contest, and will provide free, reusable bags to market goers. This year’s winning design from a Chicago Public Schools student will be based on the theme “Give, Grow and Be Green” and will be featured on thousands of reusable bags distributed throughout the season. Deadline to submit a design is 4 p.m. CST on Thursday, April 6. Visit the link countryfarmersmarket.com for instructions on how to enter and official contest rules.

 

“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring our 11^th opening day of the Chicago City Markets,” said Mike Fisher, Agency Vice President of Community Business Development at COUNTRY Financial. “The markets offer such a fun experience. It’s the best time of the year.”

 

Maxwell Street Market (800 S. Desplaines St.) offers an eclectic mix of merchandise—from tools to tires, plus fresh produce, furniture, clothing, rare finds and collectibles—and some of the best Mexican and Latin street food in Chicago.. Open year-round on Sundays, 7am–3pm, the Maxwell Street Market will kick off its summer season on Sunday, May 14. Programming details will be announced soon. Visit maxwellstreetmarket.us for more information.

 

Additional neighborhood Chicago City Markets take place in neighborhoods across the city from Roseland to Lincoln Square, with new locations this year in Austin and Bronzeville. Many markets serve communities with limited access to fresh produce and areas designated low-income, low-access by the

 

U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). This year, all of the City of Chicago-managed market locations will accept LINK and will distribute double value coupons with every LINK purchase in a partnership with Experimental Station.

 

The City of Chicago-managed markets opening in May are the Daley Plaza Farmers Market at 50 W. Washington St. opening on Thursday, May 11; the Division Street Farmers Market at Division St. and Dearborn Pkwy. opening on Saturday, May 13 and the Federal Plaza Farmers Market at Adams St. and Dearborn Pkwy. opening on Tuesday, May 16. Most community markets open in June. Maxwell Street Market operates year-round on Sundays.

 

For additional information on Chicago City Markets’ downtown and community farmers markets, visit chicagofarmersmarkets.us and join us on Facebook at Chicago Farmers Markets. Vendor applications are available online and the deadline to apply is April 10. A schedule of all independently-run farmers markets happening throughout the city will be available later this spring.

 

For additional information about the historic Maxwell Street Market, visit maxwellstreetmarket.us and follow us on Facebook at Maxwell Street Market.

 

The Chicago City Markets presented by COUNTRY Financial® are produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by 93XRT, CBS 2 Chicago, WLS 890 AM & 94.7FM, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Chicago Tribune.

 

2017 CHICAGO CITY MARKETS

(City-run community and farmers markets)

 

SUNDAYS

Maxwell Street Market

Desplaines St. & Taylor St.

Year-round; 7am–3pm

 

Bronzeville Market - NEW LOCATION

47th St. & King Dr.

July 16–September 10; 8am–1pm

 

 

TUESDAYS

Federal Plaza

Adams St. & Dearborn Pkwy.

May 16–October 31; 7am–3pm

 

Columbus Park

Congress Pkwy. & Central Ave.

July 11 – September 12; 2–7pm

 

Lincoln Square

2301 W. Leland Ave.

June 6–October 31; 7am–1pm

 

North Lawndale Market

1420 S. Albany Ave.

August 29–October 31; 2:30–5:30pm

 

 

WEDNESDAYS

La Follette Park

1333 N. Laramie Ave.

July 12–September 13; 2–7pm

 

Pullman

111th St. & Cottage Grove Ave.

July 5–October 25; 7am–1pm

 

Roseland Market

109th St. and Wentworth Ave.

August 30–November 1; 2:30–5:30pm

 

 

THURSDAYS

Daley Plaza

50 W. Washington St.

May 11 – October 26; 7am–3pm

 

Austin Market – NEW LOCATION

Chicago Ave. & Mayfield Ave.

July 13–September 14; 2–7pm

 

 

SATURDAYS

Division Street

Division St. & Dearborn Pkwy.

May 13–October 28; 7am–1pm

 

Englewood/Anchor House

76th St. & Racine Ave.

July 15–September 16; 8am–1pm

 

Lincoln Park

Armitage Ave. & Orchard St.

June 3–October 28; 7am–1pm

 

Printers Row

Dearborn St. & Polk St.

June 17–October 28; 7am–1pm

 

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602 United States

Invitation to Cocktail Reception: Unveiling "MULTIVERSE" and Introduction to GREENHEART INTERNATIONAL (Chicago,IL)

 

welcome          biography             paintings              exhibitions              press              videos             3d virtual gallery               blog Join us for a special cocktail reception for the opening exhibition  MULTIVERSE Thursday  *  March 16  *  5:30 to 8:00 PM Introducing  GREENHEART INTERNATIONAL wine and catering by EXQUISITE BITES click to view video of THE ART OF CONNECTION with Arica Hilton Dear Friends,   I would like to personally invite you to a special cocktail reception for the opening of my MULTIVERSE exhibition AND to introduce you to one of my favorite organizations that is doing incredible work to make in a change in the world. As you some of you may be aware, I have recently become spokesperson for GREENHEART INTERNATIONAL, a Chicago-based nonprofit, supporting a variety of initiatives that connect people and planet to create global change through volunteerism, youth development, cultural exchange, fair trade and travel. This goes hand in hand with my philosophy of living consciously and making every moment count towards bringing issues to light that we can find solutions for if we work together in harmony an understanding.   This is a perfect segue to my MULTIVERSE exhibition, which is not only about alternate or parallel universes, but also the various universes we live in our daily lives on our planet earth.  I feel very fortunate to have a voice in the artistic community, and look forward to showcasing the contributions of peace-building, tolerance, and love that Greenheart does in our local and global communities.      I would like to personally invite you to learn more about Greenheart and founders, Laura Rose and her husband, Emmanuel Kuntzleman, who have dedicated their lives to raising environmental awareness, promoting cultural understanding and advocating for world peace.  Greenheart provides educational opportunities and scholarships for children from the inner cities, teaching them to not only care for their environment but work towards transforming the world.  They are personally invested in providing cultural immersion programs that change lives, advance careers and create leaders.  Greenheart has partnered with some 250 organizations in 97 countries.     Please join me for the opening of MULTIVERSE on March 16, from 5:30-8:00 PM. I will be unveiling my latest works featuring my own eco-conscious materials, such as recycled plastic.  I will share more about the roles both Greenheart and I are playing in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable world through art and education.  Join us for a glass of wine and some of EXQUISITE BITES for what will be an exciting glimpse of how we can make our world a better place not only for ourselves, but our children and their children.  I look forward to seeing you on March 16!   With my warm regards,  Arica     ______________________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT EXQUISITE BITES: Exquisite Bites creates unique and elegant cuisine for clients with discerning taste. The exceptional, culturally, diverse team is best known for creating international-inspired cuisine with delicious flavor combinations   Native Chicagoan Elaine Barnes brings 20 years plus experience in the hospitality industry working at many notable Chicago restaurants including Narcisse, RL and Prosecco. Over a seven year period, Elaine honed her skills and attention to details staging in several European outlets. In 2015 Elaine earned her Associate's degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Blue.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________   MULTIVERSE MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST/POET ARICA HILTON OPENS SOLO EXHIBITION  March 16 HILTON | ASMUS CONTEMPORARY "Since the dawn of man, human beings have sought the very nature of existence. As the seekers of truth compounded  their knowledge, they offered the possibility that there may be other worlds that exist beyond our tangible and visible  world and they called it a MULTIVERSE."  ARICA HILTON, Chicago-based multi-media artist/poet opens her solo exhibition at HILTON ASMUS CONTEMPORARY, 716 N. Wells, located in the River North Arts District in Chicago. The exhibition features a series of oil on canvas and acrylic on acrylic paintings infused with recycled plastic. The theme, MULTIVERSE, comes from Hilton's love of the theories of Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, and Multiverses; and the connection between human beings, the mechanics of the brain and the infinite or parallel universes yet to be discovered.  Hilton has created a series of eco-conscious paintings using recycled plastic water bottles infused in her oil and acrylic as a commentary on the effects of discarding plastic without thought to where it will end up. As in the cycle of life, birth and rebirth, the plastic becomes the water in her paintings. Poetry may be the springboard to her works, but Hilton finds the current state of the world a powerful catalyst to create something of value; to society, to individuals, to humanity in sometimes subtle, sometimes highly audible ways.  Describing Hilton's paintings, Rose McInerney of WomanScape writes: "We start with a big bang as Hilton takes us deep into the universe, its constellation of stars, and the rich, poetry-filled, pages of history. The art of poet/painter Arica Hilton is as grand in scale as her mythical journey. Arica invites us into her illuminating quest for larger truths about our existence and understanding of self in what can only be called a fantastical tour de force! Her innovative talent for melding past and present is echoed in the weaving strokes of her paintbrush and her creative gift for poetry. Both present a luminescent tapestry of storied history as effortless as cool waters trickling down a verdant hill. In them, we escape to another world. Her paintings illustrate the subtleties of her gift as we slide through soft, easy movements focused on elemental forces like water, earth, wind, and sky images. But don't be deceived by their quiet ability to disarm and penetrate. Much like a beautiful Venus-fly-trap, they force us to look for meaning in these same life forces. This theme, a communion between nature and self, is central to all of Arica's work."  Hilton states, "We grew up learning that our world, as we know it, is called a "UniVerse." Uni, defined as "one; having or consisting of one," and VERSE, defined as "a group of lines that form a unit in a poem or song; a stanza" or "each of the short numbered divisions of a chapter...." Scientists before us may have been poet/philosophers who regarded their work in discovering the worlds beyond our imagination in not only a theoretical way, but with a sense of artistic spirit. From their foresight, we should imagine our singular world to be a romantic amalgamation of poetry and song, a revelation that defines our very existence.  click here to read more

ARICA HILTON, 716 N. WELLS ST., Chicago, IL 60654