FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT REGARDING HISTORIC MURAL COLLECTION
We’d like to thank the team at our local school board for entrusting our conservation organization with the honor of handling their historic mural collection. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all individuals who have spoken on behalf of the importance of these artworks. As a company based on the philosophy that “art matters,” observing citizens passionate to see the best possible outcome for this artwork couldn’t have made us more proud. Like most, we’re dedicated to ensuring these community treasures are treated with the highest standard in quality throughout the conservation process.
Our goal – and the goal set forth in our code of ethics – is to stay as true to the artist’s original intention as possible. Whether prominent painter or unknown craftsman, we keep one question in mind when making decisions: “Is this what he or she would have wanted?” Artists put a great amount of labor and love into their work and our preservation aims to cherish that notion, starting with careful cleaning and ending with integration into the community the artist intended to inspire.
These murals are deeply rooted in Chicago neighborhoods and their history doesn’t stop at the conservation stage. And the conservation stage need not exclude the community. We’re inviting the public to join us in the journey of restoration and, though guided tours and workshops, watch these historic artworks return to their original brilliance. Viewed through the eyes of Chicago’s diverse citizens, these cultural treasures will take on new light…and conservation promises them an even brighter future.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LADY AUTHRESSES CELEBRATE END OF GIRLHOOD GRADUATE SCHOOL DAYS WITH QUAINT FICTION READING, DEBUTANTE BARBECUE
On Saturday, August 13, at 8:00pm, Division|Collective presents the public debut of four womanesque graduates (and one “little sister”) of SAIC’s MFA in Writing program. After two years hunched over quill and ink, the apple-cheeked, cherry-eyed, melon-mouthed debs finally toss aside schoolyard shackles! With dainty fortitude, they blossom like literary tulips into their true roles – wives and mothers! To celebrate, the debutantes will offer a final reading of droll, inoffensive stylings at Happy Dog Gallery (1542 N. Milwaukee). Afterward, they will pick bird-like at potato salad, faint from corsets, and promptly be taken home. Anticipate breathless readings by:
Shanita Bigelow (favorite clothing: “anything with whalebone”)
Lesley Dixon (favorite food: “tap water”)
Heather McShane (favorite makeup: “Revlon ‘please don’t touch me’ concealer)
Cynthia Pelayo (favorite Tenet of Islam: “sawm”)
Following the probably-more-disturbing-than-planned reading, guests will be treated to a potluck, Southern-style barbecue and live, non-ironic bluegrass music. Though debutantes will be escorted by beaus (lest they break into hysteria), visitor are asked to bring extra meat. The Debutante Barbecue is open to the public. The ladies request a $5 donation to cover the cost of Sun-In and antidepressants.
Note: Identifying names and information omitted from the above due to undying dedication to client confidentiality
Top left image, Harry Sternberg, Chicago - The Epoch of a Great City, 1938 - conservation by Parma Conservation; photo by David Baldwin via USPS
Top right image, Happy Dog Gallery