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The Power of We Opening in Chicago + Tonika Johnson Artist Talk!

  • The 606 1805 North Ridgeway Avenue Chicago, IL, 60647 United States (map)

Chicago, IL – We, Women: The Power of We, a free outdoor community art exhibition, will launch in Chicago on The Bloomingdale Trail at The 606, at the St. Louis overlook, following two successful public exhibits in Brooklyn Bridge Park, NY and New Orleans, LA. This exhibit, created by We, Women, highlights 18 impactful socially engaging projects which examine crucial issues on the minds of many Americans: immigration, education, climate change, race, motherhood and family, healthcare, religion, criminal justice reform, gentrification, sexual assault, and more. The photographic display comprises 380 feet of imagery that will reach tens of thousands of people through its summer run.

The exhibition’s grand opening will take place on Saturday, June 18th, on The 606, St. Louis overlook, with an afternoon of programming starting at 1:30 pm. The day's final event will feature a gallery talk by Chicago-based social justice artist Tonika Johnson. 

The full schedule is below:

  • 1:30-2:30 - Family program featuring sun prints project. Please feel free to bring small objects to use on your prints or use some of ours.  For more info visit sunprints.org.

  • 2:30 - 3:30 - Dance and music performance featuring AfriCaribe

AfriCaribe is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, research, promotion, and development of Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures through music, dance, theater, and other artistic media.

Tonika Johnson is a photographer, social justice artist, and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood. She is also co-founder of the Englewood Arts Collective and Resident Association of Greater Englewood, which seek to reframe the narrative of South Side communities and mobilize people and resources for positive change. Tonika’s art often explores urban segregation, documenting the nuance and richness of the black community to counter media depictions of Chicago’s violence.

In case of inclement weather, programming will take place at the Kimball Arts Center. 

The complete list of artists included in the Chicago exhibition are below:

The work will be displayed along the Bloomingdale Trail at The 606 at the St. Louis Overlook. Please check www.nightoutintheparks.com for additional information.

                                            

The We, Women: The Power of We exhibit and opening ceremony is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Celebrating 10 years, the 2022 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 120 local artists and organizations, present 700+ world-class events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. The full schedule of events is available to view at www.nightoutintheparks.com and on the free Night Out mobile application My Chi Parks™.

Earlier Event: July 21
Walking Tour of "The Power of We"