Leading the Way-Art Exhibit

03 Aug Leading the Way-Art Exhibit

An art exhibit. An alderman’s office. What is the connection?

Northwest Arts Connection (NAC) brought them together. NAC is curating an art exhibit to be installed on the walls of the 36th Ward office. Alderman Gilbert Villegas is proud to support the great arts community in his Ward. “We are surrounded by talent, and we can’t wait to display some of that great talent in our office.”

NAC is excited to be participating because the show brings together works by Keith Pollok, a well-established artist, and the paintings of some of his talented students in the After School Matters program.

Photo by Grace Pisula

Keith has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Studio Arts from the School of the Art Institute.

Particles of Space by Keith Pollok, acrylic on canvas

The After School Matters artists are high school students at Steinmetz Academic Centre High School. Keith has been “leading the way” for these students for several years, guiding them and serving as an example of a working adult artist.

Beyond the Scale by Matthew Galloza, Jesus Garcia, Anyela Jaramillo, Michelle Marin, Jazmine Rivera-acrylic on canvas Beyond the Scale (triptych) by Matthew Galloza, Jesus Garcia, Anyela Jaramillo, Michelle Marin, Jazmine Rivera, acrylic on canvas

In May 2016 NAC presented the 2nd annual Around the Corner, exhibiting work by students just “around the corner” from their adult lives. Four Northwest Side schools were represented: Steinmetz Academic Centre High School; Luther North College Prep; Lydia Urban Academy; and Aspira Early College Prep.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas was a sponsor of the Around the Corner exhibit. When he expressed an interest in having local artists display their work at his office, NAC was able to reach out for Keith and his students to participate.

Keith was eager to give his students the experience of having their work included in the show.

Today the paintings were installed. Keith and several students joined NAC representatives, and the process went quickly. The previously bare walls were transformed.