For a truly unique art experience, head over to Chicago's 1901 Gallery and Theatre. The 1901 offers a healthy dose of left-of-center art & subculture, doubling as a gallery and performance art theatre space. From burlesque showcases, alternative art fairs, gallery openings and figure drawing forums, there is always something exciting happening at this independent art haven. Vine, one of the 1901 Gallery and Theatre principals was kind enough to provide us with some more insight into their brand of Chicago art culture. If your artistic inclinations lean toward the eclectic, the renegades at The 1901 Gallery Theatre are certain to entertain. 

When was the 1901 Gallery established

This Xmas will be our 5 year anniversary, ringing in our 1st Wicked Winter Gallery show!

Do the owners/operators of the 1901 Gallery produce original artwork?

Yes, Guisef & myself (Volium & Vine) are a photography team and I also paint. ~E~ is a pin-up watercolor Zombie freak! Myself, Guisef Volium & Johnathan Stitch are all in a band called Faerie Wunderpuss

1901 Gallery hosts a variety of subversive, alternative and burlesque themed events, what specifically drew the gallery owners to cater to these subcultures?

Well, we basically thought "where would we like to venture on a weekend that includes something dark, erotic and daring?" We drew our magnetic fingers to the sky and out came sexy naked clowns and death-defiling nuns!

In your view, outside of it's obvious form of derisive performance art, in what context does the neo-burlesque movement exist within the art world? More specifically, is burlesque a vehicle for reimagining what performance art and a visual narrative can achieve? Or does the 1901 Gallery view art and burlesque as mutually exclusive?

We like to call our particular brand of burlesque "goth-erotic burlesque theatre" (emphasis on theatre)...meaning, on our stage, old school vaudeville performance art with dark comedy, horror and erotic fantasy bend are all thrown in!

Tell us more about "The Living Flesh Drawing Pad" Is this a non-traditional life drawing seminar? How can artists get involved? How did this workshop evolve?

We thought to ourselves..hmmmmm - it sure is fun to draw a magically delicious female figure! Let's create a monthly club, because we know that so many others agree! It's pretty traditional, actually. Our models are regulars at The 1901, so they aren't there doing a j.o.b - they are fans of our space, which makes the energy real and positive!

Anybody can join us
The last Tuesday of every month,
8-10pm,
BYOB
$10 donation (for the model & to keep our lights on)

What kind of visual artists are represented at 1901? Is there a theme or visual style that remains generally consistent in all curated shows?

We prefer the odd, the twisted, fetish-oriented, a nod to horror, and heavy doses of eroticism! All formats: paintings, photography, sculpture & prints.

Please explain the "Craft Fairy."

The Craft Fairy is a recurring event (1st Sunday of every month, except for July 4th), where local Artisans and Crafters bring an awesome variety of unique handmade items that are totally cool and affordable! It's open from 3-8pm and there is always an ever-changing group of vendors. A perfect place to buy a gift for somebody difficult to please, or more importantly: a treat for yourself! I bought the coolest floral hairpiece ever and a bloody cute teddy bear zombie doll from this event!

What does the 1901 Gallery appreciate about the Chicago artist community?

There is ALWAYS something to discover. From the impressive number of little storefront theatres to the multi-faceted events that feature live music, Art vendors & performance (all-in-one!). There is never an excuse to stay home and feel bored! We are touched whenever people come into our space and comment on how cool the vibe is. But of course it's not the 4 walls that do it, it's the spirit of all the curious and adventurous pervs and Art enthusiasts (ourselves included) that bring the chill!

Do the 1901 Gallery have any advice for Chicago visual artists?

Do what you want, and do it now. Whatever your budget, there is a way to bring your ideas to light. If it's in your bones, it will speak to you. More importantly: "If you are doing Art with the intention of being 'famous' or 'rich', please get the f*** out now. You are not an Artist, you should get into law and work in coloring books on the weekend!"

Many people mistakenly think The 1901 is funded by some external entity, or that we own the building. While yes, this is true (it's funded from the pockets of we four loyal Artists), we do not own the building or have any sort of grant, etc. Donations and our own personal scraps are the only way we keep The 1901 doors open...so please come on out and enjoy! For the love of Art.

1901 Gallery Theatre
1901 West Belmont Ave.
Chicago IL, 60657
847-460-8182
www.the1901.com
info(at)the1901(dot)com

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