EdgeUP: A dynamic art festival that celebrates Edgewater and Uptown

October 2013

“where democracy occurs does matter
in how democracy occurs” 

EdgeUP kicks off Chicago Artists Month’s spotlighting Edgewater’s and Uptown’s unique diversity.  Through exhibitions and artistic encounters at the lakefront, in unique spaces, and on the streets, we connect neighbors and artists to dynamically build community through art. 

People Tend to Sit Where There are Places to Sit
Lawrence and Wilson Red Line L stops
Artist Annie Feldmeier Adam’s moveable outdoor chairs, based on urbanist William H. Whyte’s studies of public space, create public seating in Edgewater and Uptown and construct social space through art.

Piano Playing in Public 
FLATS Studio space
Free participatory piano playing, free piano lessons and programmed performances. Piano generously provided by Keys 4/4 Kids.

Be All You Can Be: Skill Shares 
4660 North Broadway
Chicago Studios’ visions for Uptown are displayed. Throughout October, self-empowerment talks, skill-shares, and performances are led by artists, actors and entrepreneurs including Keith Buchholz, Iker Gil, Karen Faith, Tom Burtonwood, Carlos Matallana, etc. Brandon Alvendia’s mobile printing studio documents the conversations.

Englewood in Uptown
Lawrence CTA Red Line station viaduct, 1117 West Lawrence, 2013
Artists Amanda Williams and Chelsea Culp collaborated on and completed a public, interactive mural based on colore(d), an exploration of artistic and commercial color choices in Englewood, and Joseph Albers’ color theory.

Sunday Afternoon at La Gran Manse 
6018North
These weekly public studio visits at 6018North pair professional artists with self-taught artists to provide critical conversations about art making and how to navigate the contemporary art landscape. Participating artists: Jane Georges, Claude Lawrence, Hoyun Son, Annie Feldmeir Adams, Katrina Petraukis, Claire, Phil Peters, Gregory Chapusiat, Licha De La Pena, Jenny Kendler, Indira Johnson, Kirsten Leenaars, Judith Brotman, Philomena O’Halloran, and Marissa Lee Benedict

Silent Dance Party
Dance with me…  is an interactive installation of a silent dance party by artist Meg Duguid with Artist Carl Warnick as DJ. 

Kuramoto Model Bike Gatherings
Artist David Rueter’s customized, interactive blinking LED lights with microcontrollers and radio units broadcast a radio signal creating a kind of blinking, synchronized mass when gathered together, like certain species of fireflies.

Dissecting Norton
Combining two operas at the same time, this performance, organized by musician Julia Miller, creates unexpected, improvisational moments within order.

Swing Set Drum Kit
6018North
Dave Ford’s interactive sonic sculpture encourages kids and adults to build rhythmic sounds through swinging. 

One Long Scarf
Berger Park, Margate Park, and Clarendon Park
Knit and crochet in the parks to create a 2 mile scarf connecting Edgewater to Uptown. At the end of October, the scarves are distributed to social agencies in the EdgeUp area.