C2E2 2013 – Ant Lucia

Meet the master of modern pop culture Pin Up Art, Ant Lucia! We caught up with Ant at the C2E2 Comic-Con in Chicago at the Artist’s Alley, where we were able to finally hit him up on his artistic inspirations (Vargas, Petty, and the Horror Film posters of the 40’s and 50’s), and see some of his latest works.  Check it out… He’s a great guy, and a fantastic interview!

C2E2 2013 – Terry Huddleston

It was truly a pleasure to meet artist Terry Huddleston in the Artists Alley, table # C18, and we hope to see more of him in the future!  His re-imaginings of Superhero portraiture, inspired by the works and ideas of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, are a 360 degree return to where pop art began in the 60’s, and it just feels so right. We hope you enjoy this peek into his work!

Tom Scarff – Dangerous Profession

Check out the latest “THE ARTSIDERS® RAW” installment, clipped from an interview with Chicago Artist and Sculptor Tom Scarff.  The Clip is called “Dangerous Profession”, and I guarantee you’ll get a kick out of what he has to say about the dangers of artistic life!

Tyehimba Jess

Tyehimba Jess

Tyehimba Jess’ first book of poetry, leadbelly, was a winner of the 2004 National Poetry Series. The Library Journal and Black Issues Book Review both named it one of the “Best Poetry Books of 2005.”  Jess received a 2004 Literature Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and was a 2004-5 Winter Fellow at the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center. He won a 2000 – 2001 Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in Poetry and the 2001 Chicago Sun-Times Poetry Award. Jess is an Assistant Professor of English at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Cave Canem fellow.

Gloria Araya Quinlan

GloriaQuinlan2

Gloria Araya-Quinlan is an International Presenter and Choreographer, who has traveled the world teaching and educating other professionals in the field of fitness and dance.  She has been nominated for Best Presenter in Switzerland and recognized by her home town as Best of Chicago by Chicago Magazine.  She has also served as spokesperson for the American Heart Association, targeting the Hispanic Community, to increase public awareness of the risk of heart disease in women.  One of Gloria’s trademarks is her ability to fuse art and health. She received “The Woman of the Year Award” by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for her efforts to raise funds on behalf of the foundation, and organized “Arts for Life”, a variety benefit concert which gave local Chicago-Area artists the opportunity to contribute to the community by sharing their artistic talents.  She is also a passionate supporter of Literacy, the Arts and Education.

Her goal is to Spark Creativity and Inspiration through Movement, and she uses dance to maintain a healthy Mind, Body and Soul. Close to her heart is the work she does with children. She has worked as Artistic Director of Choreography for The Happiness Club, a multicultural not-for-profit children’s group where members write, sing, and perform their own material, and which has performed for former President Bill Clinton, General Colin Powell, Bill Cosby, and Tiger Woods, among others.

For More Information, Please Visit:  www.glomundo.com

Will Simms (II)

Will Simms

Will Sims II received his B.F.A. from North Carolina A&T State University and his M.F.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Theatre.  He was last seen at Alabama Shakespeare Theatre Festival in SANTIFIED. Previous credits include Congo Square’s BLACK NATIVITY, SEVEN GUITARS (which won three Jefferson Awards for best director, best production and best ensemble),  THE ISLAND, THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT (which won him a BTAA award for best featured actor), A SOLDIER’S PLAY, PIANO LESSON, BEFORE IT HITS HOME, and WEDDING BAND (which was a  collaboration with the Steppenwolf).  He also recently reprised the role of Avery in PIANO LESSON at Madison Repertory Theatre.