A unique and historic record of Chicago will be on display in Lubeznik Center for the Arts' semi-circular Hyndman Gallery through April 10. When the exhibition opens on Friday, February 18, it will be the first time the work has been shown in public since its unveiling in 1967.
A folio of 100 black-and-white woodcut prints, One Hundred Views of Chicago is the work of artist Bronislaw Bak.
A polish immigrant, Bak, and fellow artist Hedi, settled in Chicago with their two sons in 1952. They eventually established Studio 22 Printmakers Workshop, where they conducted classes, organized a gallery and provided an important center for Chicago artists. In December 1967, 500 portfolio editions of One Hundred Views of Chicago were hand-printed, collated, signed and sold literally "off the press."
The culmination of a full year's work, this collection of landmarks, people and street scenes evokes a sense of Chicago's history, difficult to match in any other media. The Tribune's Skyline magazine wrote:
"Bak has interpreted the city through its people... a Gold Coast denizen walking his poodles... a group of slightly intoxicated workers watching the world from a tavern doorway... an elderly gentleman enjoying the afternoon sun... the 100 pages provide an in-depth, overall graphic description of the Chicago scene."
Although the woodblocks themselves are long gone, Lubeznik Center for the Arts is thrilled to be able to share one of the few remaining copies of this compelling portrait of the Windy City. Bronislaw Bak: One Hundred Views of Chicago will be on exhibit February 19 through April 10. An opening reception will be held Friday, February 18 from 6 until 8 p.m. (Central).
What Will Your Legacy Be? Margaret Burroughs Prints and an exhibition of wood turned objects titled Through the Woods, Around the Block will open on the same evening. Admission is free.
For more information visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or phone 219.874.4900.
The Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. All times are based on Chicago time.