'ARTS OF LIFE’ HOSTS GALLERY OPENING AND DINNER | April 6, 2012 | a Chicago non-profit organization fostering artistic growth in developmentally disabled adults

How We Make It’ Gallery Event Celebrates the Life of Its Founding Artist

The Arts of Life, a Chicago non-profit organization dedicated to fostering artistic growth in developmentally disabled adults, is pleased to announce the opening of its latest art show How We Make it at the Arts of Life Studio and the Kinzie Corridor Arts Gallery at 2010 W. Carroll Ave. The opening event, taking place on Friday, April 6th from 6 pm-10 pm, will also serve as a heartwarming celebration of the studio’s founding artist Veronica Cuculich.

How We Make It will showcase the talents of the Arts of Life staff, interns and volunteers in recognition of the support they’ve given the studio and its artists. Some of the participating artists are working on their art pieces side-by-side in the gallery from March 16th to 30th to further demonstrate the spirit of creative collaboration.

Accompanying the art opening will be a memorial for founding artist Veronica Cuculich whose extraordinary life and art continues to inspire the Arts of Life community. During the event, there will be a viewing of the documentary feature Life and Where I’m At: The Life and Art of Veronica Cuculich, which showcases Ms. Cuculich’s important role in the creation of the Arts of Life.

Afterward, guests will perform in a themed open mic limited to songs written or inspired by Elvis, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ms. Cuculich herself. There will also be a potluck dinner featuring all of Ms. Cuculich’s favorite foods—pulled pork, Italian food, fruit, macaroni and cheese, Oreos, pizza, pudding and coffee.

The opening is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.

The following artists will have their work shown in a slide show in San Francisco next Saturday the 31st of March at a screening of Art Slam 2012. This takes place in the de Young Museum’s Koret Auditorium during the Open House and Disability Arts Festival.
Daniel Brendel
Stefan Harhaj
Carolyn Kelley
David Krueger
Bill Lilly
Shannon Mallers
Mike Marino
Kathy McDonald
Ridley Mondala
Christianne Msall
Adam Pick
Frances Roberts
Linda Ruzga
Kristopher Schenkel
Alexander Scott
Kelly Stone
Tim Stone
Benjamin Torres
Debbie Vasquez
Bobby Verran
Marianne Wehr
Jean Wilson
Joshua Wykes
Christina Zion

For more information visit 'The Arts of Life" at:
http://www.artsoflife.org/