Epiphany Center for the Arts Celebrates Mission-Driven
Accomplishments Surrounding its Visual Arts Programming
With a focus on diversity and inclusion, Epiphany’s robust lineup of art offerings
serves to unite community and artists alike, while “Bringing Chicago Together”
CHICAGO (March 18, 2022) – Always striving to provide a platform for a diverse selection of artists from Chicago and beyond, Epiphany Center for the Arts is committed to showcasing the work of women, the LGBTQIA+ community, artists of color, and artists from the disability culture. With this focus in mind, Epiphany is proud to announce the recent accomplishments surrounding its visual arts programming, all of which hold true to its goal of “Bringing Chicago Together for the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events.”
Under the leadership of Aaron Baker, Epiphany’s director of art & programming, Epiphany featured 20 exhibitions across eight gallery spaces from September 2020 through December 2021. The landmark venue also exhibited 139 artists during this time; conducted 29 separate art events including openings, lectures, panel discussions, DJ performances, tastings and gallery walkthroughs; and partnered or collaborated with 12 not-for-profits and other organizations that support the arts.
All of this programming reflected Epiphany’s strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, representing women, artists of color, the LGBTQIA+ community and the disability culture in significant numbers. It was grounded in the support of local artists, but also included many internationally-known individuals. Emerging talent, mid-career artists and art world veterans were featured, in many cases all in the same exhibitions. Additionally, Epiphany launched its Resident Artist Program during this time, holding three exhibitions curated or sourced by metalsmith and jewelry artist Kiff Slemmons, who is known internationally for her art that is made from non-precious materials.
“Our goal with Epiphany’s visual art programming is to provide a forum for a diverse group of artists, and to engage all of Chicago’s communities with exhibitions, artist talks, classes, a local residency program and a wide array of public events,” said Baker. “We are intentional about curating a program that is inclusive and grounded in experiential learning, and being a place where established artists can support emerging ones. We are so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish this past year, and look forward to sharing more thoughtful and compelling work with the local community in the coming months.”
Upcoming 2022 programming highlights include:
- Family Resemblance, The Evolution Of Chicago Style Graffiti: through May 7
- C.J. Pyle, Skin Tight: March 18 – April 30
- Mary King, Curious Home and Soap Is A Noun: March 26 – April 30
- Juan Fernandez, Line, Shape, Form, Repeat: March 26 – May 7
- Marc Benja and Jesse M Bell, Unencountered Clouds: May 13 – June 25
Additionally, Epiphany will feature solo exhibitions from artists including Ani Afshar, FATIMA, Czr Prz and Cesar Conde throughout the summer and fall. Details on these exhibitions can be found at www.epiphanychi.com/exhibitions as they become available.
Viewing appointments for Epiphany’s art programming can be made Tuesdays through Saturdays. To check availability and make a free reservation, or to inquire about purchasing artwork featured in any of the exhibitions, contact art@epiphany.com.
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About Epiphany Center for the Arts
Conceived with the vision to return Epiphany to a place for people to congregate, the shuttered, historic Church of the Epiphany has been preserved and adapted into the Epiphany Center for the Arts, an iconic cultural hub “For the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events.” Thoughtfully designed, the exemplary 42,000-square-foot campus located on the artsy edge of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood boasts three distinct venues (Epiphany Hall, The Sanctuary and The Chase House) and a stunning array of amenities. The campus also features eight galleries that serve as a platform for a diverse selection of artists from Chicago and beyond. Epiphany’s exhibitions showcase the work of women, the LGBTQIA community, artists of color, and the disability culture. Epiphany’s top priority is to curate programming that is inclusive, while providing a place established artists can collaborate with emerging ones. Epiphany’s programming serves to unite community and artists alike while “Bringing Chicago Together.” Visit www.epiphanychi.com to learn more.
