To amplify awareness around the creative work of local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, a new spring program series combines people and resources from your library and the local community arts organization Compound Yellow.
Everyone of all ages is welcome to attend these free educational programs funded by an Illinois State Library grant named “A Library for All.”
Who is Compound Yellow & Alt Space Chicago (alt_)?
As an “independent, multifunctional artist-run space and artists’ residency, Compound Yellow is an Oak Park-based experimental art space. Composed of artists, curators, educators, creative thinkers, and engaged citizens, Compound Yellow hosts exhibitions, interventions, performances, workshops, lectures, gatherings, and collective imagining,” according to the group’s website. Learn more about Compound Yellow »
As the spring artists-in-residence at Compound Yellow, alt_ is a collaboration between BIPOC artists Jon Veal and Jordan Campbell. From alt_’s website: “the group began in response to the trauma of surrounding communities and the belief that art could be used as a tool for healing.
Since its inception, alt_ has expanded into an artist-led, Chicago-based non-profit that is dedicated to revitalizing communities through art and culture. alt_ provides an alternative to the dominant cultural narrative, manifesting new opportunities in a time of need on the South and West Sides of Chicago.” Learn more about alt_ »
Visit the gallery, meet the artists, learn bookbinding skills
At the Main Library
- Through April 30, during open Main Library hours: Visit the second floor gallery to experience the new exhibit To Part a Sea, select works by alt_. For more art, visit Compound Yellow, 244 Lake St., Oak Park, Saturdays, 2-6 pm.
- Saturday, April 16, 2-4:30 pm: Learn bookbinding skills with artist Regin Igloria of North Branch Projects »
- Saturday, April 16, 3-5 pm: Meet alt_ artists at an informal reception »
- CANCELLED: Saturday, April 23, 3-4:30 pm: Hear Jon Veal and Jordan Campbell discuss their non-profit initiative focused on neighborhood revitalization through arts and culture.
At Compound Yellow, 244 Lake St., Oak Park
Events below weather permitting; check Compound Yellow for updates.
- Saturday, April 23, 7-9 pm: Listen to Mai Sugimoto, a saxophonist, composer, and active member of Chicago’s jazz and improvisational music scene. Tickets are $15 at the door—cash, Venmo and PayPal accepted—proceeds go to the artists.
- Saturday, April 30, 3-4 pm: Stop by Compound Yellow to borrow materials via Oak Park’s Book Bike. The Paperback Rider will visit just outside with library books, movies, and music that has been selected specially by the artists to share with our community.
- Saturday, April 30, 7-9 pm: At Compound Yellow, listen to Akjai, an improvising quartet incorporating two vocalists and a string trio. Tickets are $15 at the door—cash, Venmo and PayPal accepted—proceeds go to the artists.
- RESCHEDULED to June 24, 7-9 pm: At Compound Yellow, listen to Honestly Same, an amplified acoustic and synthetic quintet, and The Luc Mossley Ensemble, a group utilizing a blend of woodwinds and electronics. Tickets are $15 at the door—cash, Venmo and PayPal accepted—proceeds go to the artists.
