MaryAOsborne.com

Some find little merit in the graffiti that adorns the walls of abandoned buildings or the sides of subway trains here in Chicago.   And yet the graffiti artists persevere, wielding their cans of spray paint, creating spontaneous arabesques and turns in various colors.

At the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport, from Friday, Jan. 18 through Saturday, Feb. 9,  you can take a look the work of 20 some graffiti artists who started forging their urban style and gaining notoriety in the 80’s and 90’s.   Now they’re all grown up, mature visual artists who have exchanged the thrill of spraying a subway train for the comfort of painting in warm studio space.  Having pioneered one of the most controversial and influential urban art movements of our time, they continue to expand their artistic vision

Read the full article on the Examiner.com HERE

The new year, still unwritten, looms large and open and full of promise.  Miracles can happen if you imagine them, if you work hard enough, if you try over and over and over again.  So make a wish, write it down, put it in a safe place, and believe.

Handcolored image by Adam McLean

If the old world is ending, as the Mayan calendar suggests, then a new world is beginning.  Celebrating this auspicious day, 12-12-12, Hilton  | Asmus  Contemporary is hosting a stunning exhibition which opens tonight, 5-9 p.m.  Artist and poet Arica Hilton explores the ancient mystery of body and soul in her latest works.

Throughout the history of Western thought, philosophers, perhaps beginning with Plato, have sought to define the human soul. Following the ancient tradition, artist Arica Hilton aspires to express this ineffable essence of life.

Read the rest of the article on the Examiner.com here.

Imagining 12-12-12, this auspicious day, as the beginning of a more just, peaceful, awakened world.  Sending good wishes to the light workers, to all of you who go about your work, quietly making a difference.  Let it be the end of the world as we know it, let it be the start of something entirely new.

You can shop for the usual mass-produced items this holiday season, or you can head over to the Winter Arts and Crafts Expo in Evanston, where over 100 selected artisans will offer unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Read about the Expo here, in my latest Examiner.com article.  Painter Molly Cranch and ceramist Lisa Harris are two Chicago artists who will be exhibiting at this year’s event.

Painting by Molly Cranch

Tile by ceramist Lisa Harris

The rich and exotic flavor of Cuba, with its glittering nightclubs, conga beat, cigar scent, rum haze and tropical sunlight, inspired artist Rick Garcia to create a nostalgic series of paintings celebrating his heritage.

Read the complete article, as published in the Examiner.com, here.

Ciunas by Beth Shadur

Ireland–misty land of green mountains, ancient stones, mysterious lakes, and magical creatures.  Drawing from her artist residency in this mystical country, Beth Shadur has created “Away with the Faeries:  Mixed Media Paintings.”

Read the rest of the article about Beth’s work, posted on the Examiner.com, here.

Hand by Beth Shadur

Touch, feel, and see the light! at the Bridgeport Art Center on Friday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.  Read all about the exhibit, which is held in conjunction with Chicago Artists Month, here, on the Examiner.com.

Ten Equal Sides, not a decagon,

I do love the Ravenswood Artwalk, and it may very well be my favorite art festival of the year here in Chicago.  Not just because you can stroll along Ravenswood Avenue on a beautiful fall day, but because you meet some of the most talented, off the grid artisans who are fearlessly committed to their crafts.  Here is a link to my article on the Examiner.com about the annual “Tour of Arts and Industry.”  Please consider stopping by on Saturday, Sept. 29 or Sunday, Sept. 30.

Love Box by Bill Moran

Sunflowers by Agnieszka Kubiak