ACTIVATE is a popular annual series of pop-up arts programs launched in 2014 by Chicago Loop Alliance that transform alleys and other unexpected places into creative exhibition spaces. This public block party located in the Symphony Center alley embraced the sensational spirit of drag. In celebration of the City of Chicago’s Year of Chicago Theatre, top drag queens and kings performed iconic songs from beloved musicals, all in the majesty of larger-than-life pop art, inflatable sculptures, and eye-popping set designs. This event was curated by A Queer Pride and White Mystery as a project of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation and Presenting Sponsor The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
VIDEO
Video by Paige Brunsen.
PHOTOS
Photos by Diane Alexander White. Click here to see more!
Not so fast! There’s no need to vacate the Loop straight after work. For a sixth year, the Chicago Loop Alliance and curators will organize interactive, pop-up art exhibitions in downtown alleys. Click here to read more on Curbed Chicago’s page.
The ACTIVATE curators sat down with CLA to share their thoughts on this year’s “Backstage” theme, their favorite performances, and more. Click here to read the interview on Loop Chicago’s website.
Peek behind the curtain in the Loop’s most unexpected places with ACTIVATE: Backstage. In celebration of the City of Chicago’s Year of Chicago Theatre, join Chicago Loop Alliance for a series of four summer nights inspired by the art of performance. Experience interactive art, live music, and immersive audience participation in unusual urban spaces around the Loop. Click here for more on Loop Chicago’s website.
Join us in the basement at Wayward on Saturday, April 13th for a free event to celebrate the opening of “The Freedom Machine” Vol. 1, an art exhibit by Duffyleg.
White Mystery are siblings Miss Alex White and Francis Scott Key White, a Chicago based garage rock duo formed in 2008. Omaha artist Mike Kronberger (link his name to https://mikekronberger.com/white-mystery) created this poster in 2015 for their Omaha show at the Reverb Lounge with pretty much just a pencil adding the colors in digitally. The hair pattern was later used as a background graphic for the Miss Alex White custom signature fuzz pedal “Firekeeper.”
If you’re looking for an amazing off kilter, darkly humored and devilishly weird place to buy original art, housewares, broaches, pins, and music, look no further than Witchsy.com. (more…)
