Thursday, January 31, 2008

SSCAC Receives Grant from American Express and Partners in Preservation

Chicago (November 14, 2007) – On November 13, American Express, in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) as one of the 15 recipients of a preservation grant. Grant recipients were selected by an advisory committee comprised of local Chicagoland community and business leaders as well as executives from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Thanks to the support of the Chicagoland community and beyond, the SSCAC received a significant number of votes during the public voting process which was a consideration in selection. Additional factors in selection included preservation needs of the site, historic significance, project completion ability and the role the site plays in the community.

The SSCAC, which grew out of the Work Progress Administration (W.P.A) Federal Art Project and is the only surviving W.P.A. art center of one hundred and ten, will use these grant funds to renovate its basement into a museum quality art and archive storage facility. The SSCAC currently owns a significant collection of over 300 original works by African American artists dating back to the 1930’s. The collection includes works by Charles White, Archibald Motley, Margaret Burroughs, and Eldzier Cortor.

Renovations made to the basement of the SSCAC will allow for more appropriate storage and maintenance of this collection of art and historical documents as well as provide better access for public viewing.

Designated a Chicago Landmark in 1994, The SSCAC has operated continuously for more than sixty years, serving artists and the community with exhibitions, art classes, and cultural events. The Center has encouraged and inspired many nationally known artists, and has played an instrumental part at the start of their career. The Center brings art to individuals who may otherwise never have the art-gallery experience or the opportunity to see and learn about original artwork.

2 comments:

Curtis 24thRCT-President said...

ONE OF THOSE EARLY PIONEERS INFLUENCE BY THE FOUNDERS OF SSCAC...
65 years ago (76 now) I decided that the Art's, would be the essence of my life and livelihood then (1965) I took a 3 week vacation to Africa, that lasted 11 years... WHICH WAS LIKE BEING BORN AGAIN. The rest is history. There I was taught the traditional African art of cow horn and ivory carving, a skill which enable me to be self-employed and employer. Now since retiring, I am devoting the remaining days of my life to TRAVELS and PHOTOGRAPHY. revisiting some of the beautiful places I have been blessed to visit during my youth.

Here’s a few from my 76th Birthday cruise:

http://mysankofa.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/bahamas_isles

Just thought I’d shareJ
Enjoy ;-)
Curtis”Kojo”Morrow
http://mysankofa.shutterbugstorefront.com/g/

Also: http://www.youtube.com/kojoman75

Todd Behrens said...

"The SSCAC, which grew out of the Work Progress Administration (W.P.A) Federal Art Project and is the only surviving W.P.A. art center of one hundred and ten..."

Congratulations on surviving, since most did not. But you can find other surviving WPA Art Centers, including my employer, the Sioux City Art Center.

Todd Behrens, Curator
Sioux City Art Center