"My space: West Chicago" is the Compelling Theme for Upcoming Artist in Residency Program

Photo courtesy of Jorge Rojas,
My space: Guadalajara.

West Chicago, Illinois: April 27, 2009 - For a second consecutive year, the West Chicago City Museum, in collaboration with artINcorporators, will bring a compelling Artist in Residency Program to downtown West Chicago. This year the program will feature the internationally exhibited New York-based artist, Jorge Rojas, who will work with the West Chicago community to create and influence a unique multimedia art project, My space: West Chicago.

My space: West Chicago is the fourth installment of an ongoing series of community-based projects in which Rojas creates environments where communicative and social encounters between the public and the artist/artwork can take place. These works form part of a series of interactive pieces entitled Live Gestures.

For My space: West Chicago, Rojas and the City Museum are inviting the West Chicago community to take part in this collaborative experience. Starting with an opening reception on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 6:00 -9:00 p.m., Rojas will collaborate with the community on a number of projects which incorporate new media, installation, mixed media and performative action as they explore three main issues: how technology is changing the way we communicate, how we view and interact with art and each other, and the importance of process in art and our daily lives and communities. My space: West Chicago will celebrate the importance of human interaction and participation within our communities.

Rojas will be working out of the City Museum from May 8-16, 2009. Museum hours will be extended for this special event. An artist talk and goodbye reception will conclude Rojas’ time on Saturday, May 16, 2009 following the Blooming Fest festivities. This project is a brain child of, and collaboration between, Museum Registrar Sara Phalen and West Chicago resident and internationally exhibited artist Anni Holm. To get involved, or for more information, please contact the Museum at (630) 231-3376 or museum@westchicago.org. More details will be released as they become available, and those interested may follow the emerging project on the City of West Chicago’s website, www.westchicago.org.

Jorge Rojas' website: www.jorgerojasart.com

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org