Category > Consumed by Creativity
Elise McAuley can be found dancing her little heart out in the ballet (she’s been at it for 17 years), behind the camera or occasionally photo blogging on Things and Stuff. Write her an e-mail and her response will drip with color, sweetness and sincerity. These characteristics of her personality are definitely reflected in her photographs, which closely resemble the most candid elements of our society; her eye is trained to take in the emotion that most people omit in …
Anna Peters is usually the one behind the camera. The photo on the right is a part of her collection and it is how she is seen by others when taking photographs. But starting tomorrow, you will get to see a part of Peters that isn’t always on display: her art. Art Coop will be hosting a show displaying her paintings, photographs, sculpture and installation, including other artists Maria Verdos-Petrou and Ryan Michael Fraser. And now Smile Politely brings you …
Both in and out of the office, Damian Duffy and John Jennings have an unbridled passion for graphic novels. One might call them fanatics, but really, they’re professionals. Coming this Saturday, April 12, the two gentlemen will be at the Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St. in Urbana, for the library’s Big Read series from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Interviewed separately, their answers are oddly similar in style and content. And perhaps that’s why they have decided to …
Amanda Paulson gives the viewer barely enough information in her imagery to define a specific time or place: it is almost ghostly and the majority of her work encompasses everyday scenes with strikingly banal tendencies. And yet, they are anything but bland. Next week, her newest exhibition, “Seeing the Unseen” runs at the Independent Media Center. It is a collection of paintings and collages for her BFA Thesis Show that re-examine the quietness of our Midwestern landscape and lifestyle, and …
DJ Delayney, or Douglas Layne to his friends and family, spins some of the best records in town. Growing up, inspired by his father and brother’s penchant for music, Delayney came into his own and rooted himself in turntablism. Delayney gets frank and truthful, in no particular order, for Smile Politely about certain aspects of Champaign-Urbana. And if he comes into enough cash and conjures up “God’s scheduling abilities,” you will find me at his dream bill. I’ll probably be …
If Jason Patterson isn’t sleeping, he’s probably painting. And if he’s not painting, he’s most likely at work. And if he’s not at work,... well, you get the idea. Patterson is originally from Champaign, but has made his home over in Urbana and is a rabid artist. The ideas surrounding his paintings are bold, sometimes even verbalized through the use of font on the canvas but mainly, through repeated use of people, Patterson reveals humanity. See for yourself: Consumed by: …
Zsolt Bognar is from Urbana and his brilliance at the piano is stunning. This Sunday, Bognar will return to his hometown and perform at the Krannert Center. He ever so graciously answered a handful of questions for us about his time living here, his undying passion for music and the multiple roles he must play as a musician. His answers below, resemble his performance style: nothing short of eloquent. Consumed by: A constant desire to make my music-making more natural …
With places like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters gobbling up artists’ ideas and designs and calling them their own, originality seems hard to find these days. As I was feeding my craving for handmade jewelry online, I came across Bumblesea and instantly fell in love. Not only is the jewelry stylish and modern, it’s also local. How delicious is that? Designer Jennifer Morris pleasantly answered a few questions for Smile Politely: Name: Jennifer Morris Age: 20 Hometown: St. Louis, but …
Most Recent Arts Comments
Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…
Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…
You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…
And boom goes the dynamite.
I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…
Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…
I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…
“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…
On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…
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Most Recent Comments
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
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Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…