Historic Art Center to Hold Annual Fundraising Event

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Located in the heart of Bronzeville for more than 71 years, The South Side Community Art Center, the oldest African American Art Center in existence, (SSCAC) is gearing up for its 48th Annual Art Auction & Fundraiser.

The SSCAC is the only remaining center, of 110 total Federal Art Project's centers that stemmed from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). In the late 1930's, the WPA was a national program that operated its own projects in cooperation with state and local governments, which provided 10%-30% of the costs

"The auction is our main fundraiser," said Heather Robinson, SSCAC's executive director. "It keeps the legacy of the Art Center and African American Art alive. It also keeps the original mission of the Art Center alive and supports the lives and careers of artists."

Scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 8, the event will be held at the Illinois Institute of Technology, 3211 S. Federal St. and will feature art from established and emerging artists, including such nationally recognized artists as Elizabeth Catlett, Eldzier Cortor, Romare Beardon, Margaret Burroughs, William Carter, David Driskell, Irene Clark and Allen Stringfellow.

In addition to its annual fundraising event, Robinson said the Art Center has survived over the years through community support, donations, corporate and private funding and yearly grants.

Funds raised will support the organization's mission: to preserve, conserve and promote the legacy and future of African American art and artists, while educating the community on the value of art and culture.

The Auction also gives emerging artists the opportunity to have their works viewed and purchased alongside nationally and internationally established artists.

When asked what the Center means to the community, Robinson said, "It's a living history of the neighborhood and arts in Chicago and America. It's an important resource because of that. It's also a place where people can create and hear lectures right here in the neighborhood."

Honorary Chairs for the event are Commissioner Michelle Boone, City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell. NBC 5 Chicago's LeeAnn Trotter will be the evening's emcee.

SSCAC Board member Diane Dinkins Carr will be honored for her long-term service to the SSCAC, including serving as President of the Board of Directors (1998 - 2011).

Since 1940, SSCAC has been teaching the visual arts and providing art education and programming to Chicago's metropolitan area youth, adults and seniors. SSCAC helps to fill the void resulting from the reduction of art education programs within the public school system and increased museum and class fees. For the first time, this year's auction will include art submitted by city high school students and college students.

Tickets for the event are $65 in advance and at the door. For more information, contact SSCAC at 773-373-1026 or visit www.sscac.us.

By Deborah Bayliss

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