The Beverly Area Arts Alliance is hosting the 13th annual Beverly Art Walk this Saturday, inviting residents and visitors to explore a vibrant showcase of over 150 artists from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event spans the neighborhoods of Beverly and Morgan Park on Chicago’s Far South Side, highlighting home studios, pop‑up galleries, a public elementary school, a Chicago Park District fieldhouse and a variety of local businesses.
Curated Experience for All Ages
Sal Campbell, curator of the art walk and co‑founder of the alliance, says the event is designed to let guests experience the best of South Side artistry, hospitality and small‑business districts. “There are so many different types of locations and so many different types of artists … I do feel like there’s something for everybody,” Campbell explained.
Because the walk stretches a considerable distance—from the “Victory Bird” sculpture at 9105 S. Prospect Square northward to Envision Unlimited at 11150 S. Western Ave. south—Campbell recommends breaking the tour into manageable sections, parking near clusters of venues and moving on as time allows.
Family‑Friendly Activities and Craft Market
At Sutherland Elementary School (10015 S. Leavitt St.), families can enjoy music, interactive crafts and street‑art projects. Just nearby, the Uprising Craft Market on the 10300 block of South Wood Street will host more than 40 vendors offering handmade goods.
Gallery Exhibitions and Special Shows
The Beverly Arts Center (2407 W. 111th St.) will present the group exhibition “Holding Space: Grounded” in the Simmerling Gallery. Curated by Kimberly Leja Atwood of Elephant Room Gallery, the show features work by 27 artists exploring self‑care and personal reflection. “It’s a show about artists reconnecting with themselves and what they think of when they think about holding space for themselves,” Atwood said.
On the second floor of the Ridge Park Fieldhouse (9625 S. Longwood Drive), the John H. Vanderpoel Art Collection—about 600 works by 400 artists, including pieces by Mary Cassatt and Lorado Taft—remains on display rent‑free thanks to an agreement with the Chicago Park District. The Vanderpoel Art Association will host a trio of Chicago collage artists—Paloma Trecka, Nellie Seigel and Lisa Barcy—who will present “Incantations,” a show inspired by devotion, memory and humor.
Live Art and After‑Party
Jacob Ryan Reno, the Logan Square creator behind the popular “Terrible Portraits” stand, will draw live portraits at Running Excels (10328 S. Western Ave.). The shop will also sell four pairs of running shoes painted by Campbell and her husband, with proceeds benefiting the art walk.
The evening will conclude with an after‑party at Nicky’s of Beverly (10500 S. Western Ave.), featuring a performance by Mucca Pazza, a 30‑member band that blends marching‑band traditions, street‑theater spectacle and rock sensibilities.
Supporting Local Culture
Campbell says the art walk not only celebrates artistic talent but also strengthens the community’s cultural fabric. “When I walk around and I see everybody enjoying themselves, all the beautiful artwork and music, it makes me feel really good,” she said. “It’s probably my favorite day of the year.”
For a full list of participating venues and additional details, visit the Beverly Area Arts Alliance website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
