CHICAGO – Pop-Up Art Loop, a new initiative from Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) that launches this week, will transform vacant Loop storefronts into public art galleries, exhibits and studios, showcasing Chicago’s diverse artistic community.

“Pop-Up Art Loop represents win-win collaborations,” said Ty Tabing, executive director of CLA. “Artists are able to display their work in prime Loop locations and property owners gain temporary tenants who bring energy and life to otherwise unused spaces.”

This program is designed to facilitate partnerships and collaborations between local artists and Loop property owners. Artists occupy storefront properties free of charge while space remains available. When a property is no longer available that gallery may be relocated to another Pop-Up Art Loop location, resulting in a constantly changing series of cultural experiences in the heart of the city.

Check out what’s popping up first:

• “Wabash Gallery,” 220 S. Wabash: Chicago-based performance and installation artist Sara Schnadt presents Network. Inspired by the idea that we simultaneously live in a real and virtual world, and that the virtual is infinitely expansive, Network uses large quantities of electric yellow twine and mirror to suggest a virtual network landscape cutting through an otherwise ordinary space.

• “CUFF – Inside Out,” Sullivan Center, E. Monroe St. between State and Wabash: Visitors will have the chance to glimpse greatness from 15 years of The Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF). The exhibit features the most compelling short films as well as eye-popping scenes from CUFF’s best feature length films. CUFF is an annual event showcasing independent, experimental and documentary films from around the world.

• “Chicago Photography Collective,” 29 E. Madison: What started as a group of four photographers having lunch once a month has turned into the “Chicago Photography Collective:” A group of twenty-five Chicago-based professional photojournalists and fine artists who have come together to build a sense of community among photographers. The group’s exhibition includes compelling portraits, abstracts, nature, black and white and color photography.  

Beginning Tuesday, November 24, these three galleries will be open to the public free of charge. The galleries will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays for the rest of the year.

“This is only the beginning,” said Lou Raizin, president of Broadway In Chicago and chairman of CLA’s Board of Directors. “As Pop-Up Art Loop continues to expand, it will be an ever-changing, evolving showcase of Chicago’s best artists.”

Pop-Up Art Loop is in search of its next artists, gallerists and exhibitors. Applicants may submit proposals at PopUpArtLoop.com or call 312-782-9160 for more information. This program is made possible through the generous support of downtown property owners. All of the storefront properties are prepared and maintained at little to no expense to the owner. To submit a property for consideration, please call 312-782-9160 and reference the Pop-Up Art Loop program.

To learn more about Pop-Up Art Loop, the galleries and the artists, please visit www.PopUpArtLoop.com.

Editor’s Note: Interviews are available with participating artists and representatives from Chicago Loop Alliance.

# # #

About Chicago Loop Alliance
The mission of Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) is to strengthen the Loop’s competitive position as a mixed-use destination and contribute to Chicago’s standing as a world-class city and tourist attraction. CLA supports and advances the interests of its members through advocacy, networking, partnerships and promotions. For more information, visit www.chicagoloopalliance.com.

Resulting Coverage:

http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/art-design/81003/pop-up-art-loop-program

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/galleries/1960699,pop-up-art-loop-122809.article

http://video.wttw.com/video/1372441345/