The Hyde Park Art Center will feature Artists Run Chicago, an exhibition showcasing the energy and audacity of some of the most noteworthy artist-run spaces that have influenced the Chicago contemporary art scene over the past decade on view from May 10 - July 5, 2009 in Gallery 1. Chicago has long been known for cultivating a strong entrepreneurial/Do-It-Yourself spirit in business and the arts. The participating artist-run venues have transformed storefronts, sheds, apartments, lofts, industrial spaces, garages and roving spaces into contemporary art galleries testing the notion of exhibition while complicating the definition of art. Coinciding with the Hyde Park Art Center's 70th anniversary, Artists Run Chicago reconnects the Art Center to its beginnings as an artist-run space by bringing much deserved attention to those outstanding spaces that continue to reinvent the mold unique to Chicago.

Details TBA; doors open at 7 PM and will include performance, screenings, and a DJ Dance party to follow.

On the 13th of June, we will officially close our doors at this location. It has been an incredible experience running this space, and it would not be possible except for the support of the community; whether you came to visit, or volunteered, or hung your work here, collaborated, schemed, purchased, donated--whatever, this space, in some sense, belongs to everyone and for that reason, it's worth having an awesome party about it. While the details are still being worked out, mark your calendars. We're going to try and kick it off in the afternoon with some sort of BBQ, whereupon we will begin to make toasts, reading from the zine that Rachel Shine and Young Joon Kwok are so awesomely putting together. Of course, improvised on the spot toasts will be encouraged, and if you would like to create some sort of performance comemorating or reflecting on the Green Lantern, or similar spaces, let me know (lantern.g@gmail.com) and I'll try to fit you into the schedule. Basically this is an opportunity for everyone to think about and celebrate what these organizations mean. In addition, there will be some readings from the Gazette, and (knock on wood, if all goes well) from Terri Griffith's forthcoming (debut!) novel, and (again, knock wood) live music. There will be no cover; refreshments are available by donation and everything will shut down at 2 a.m.

Again, the goal is to re-open in the fall of 2010, so keep your fingers crossed! (and thank you again and again)