October 7, 2005

Guichard Gallery Opening

by Nykeya Woods - Lakefront Outlook

Bronzeville has gained another art gallery near the corner of 35th Street and King Drive.
On Aug. 12, Guichard Gallery, 3521 S. King Dr., opened in the townhouses connected to the historic Supreme Life building.

"The bar is continously rising," said artist and part owner André Guichard about the opening the 2,400-square-foot gallery. "This is a place where [residents] can come and feel at home because this is their home."

The mission of the gallery is to showcase original African-American art like ceramics, photography and paintings. Guichard along with, art collectors Stephen Mitchell and Stanley Stallworth and Frances Guichard own the gallery.

"Bronzeville is quickly becoming stop for culture in the African-American community," he said.
Some of the 29 artists are internationally known from places like Brazil and France, nationally known from places like New York and 16 locally known. Three floor make up the gallery space and include hanging walls for art displays, a glass ceiling on the second floor and paintings along the stairwell.
As a former Gallery 37 teacher, Guichard said it was important to educate the patrons about collecting art. Five art collectors, including Bronzeville resident Daniel Parker, will be displayed on
the flat screen televisions, that will continously educate prospective art collectors about collecting. Guichard plans to add more collectors in the future.

'Fingerprints," the gallery's debut show will run through Sept. 17. During August, the gallery hosted a four day evert—Aug. 11 was a Collector's Preview; Aug. 12 was the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening; Aug. 13 was the Urban Professional's Preview; Aug. 14 was a Trolley Tour of Art Collector's Houses.

For more information, call 773-373-8000.

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