Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. @ Around the Coyote
Quit Your Job and Become an Artist
Opening Night Screening Party and Artist Talk
Saturday, June 13 from 7 - 10pm
Join Around the Coyote, Brown Finch Films, and Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. as we screen the film Proceed and Be Bold!. The film will be followed by an artist talk and Q&A at 8:30pm. All events will be held in the new Around the Coyote Gallery at the Splat Flats, featuring over 1,000 posters hand printed by Kennedy. Snacks and Peroni beer will be provided. RSVP recommended, as there are a limited number of seats.
For reservations contact: Anne.
$5 suggested donation at the door.
About Quit Your Job and Become an Artist:
Around the Coyote and Brown Finch Films announce an exhibition of over 1,000 posters by letterpress printer Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. at the Splat Flats, screenings of the documentary film Proceed and Be Bold! covering Kennedy's journey as an artist, and a discussion panel with artists from Sonnenzimmer and The Post Family about quitting your job for your art.
Kennedy quit his job as a computer programmer and left behind his comfortable middle class life to work in the lost crafts of letterpress printing and bookmaking. His colorful posters crisply declare his brash yet simple messages that explore and question issues such as race, gender or artistic expression. In his latest series for Around the Coyote, he explores the issues of motivation, economics and the working life of an artist.
The film “Proceed and Be Bold!” by Brown Finch Films is an explorative biography of the artist and the choices he made for his art. Kennedy's art and practices are refractions of the American dream, American consciousness (or unconsciousness) and through his posters, he opens important issues of race, class, and the value of art. The film spends time with Kennedy, fellow artists and admirers, family, and friends, to analyze why he creates his work.
Over 1,000 hand-printed posters by Kennedy will be put on display by Around the Coyote at the Splat Flats, including a new theme exploring the phrase “Quit Your Job and Become an Artist.” Kennedy will be present on June 13th , during a screening of “Proceed and Be Bold!” and will discuss his choices as an artist and the journey he has taken for his art, as explored in the film. He will also be present at the June 27th closing Cash-and-Carry Poster Sale to speak to patrons and sign posters.
Members from the screen-printing duo Sonnenzimmer and the art collective The Post Family will present a panel to discuss their own transitions from working in a “typical job” to working as artists in independent and collaborative spheres within the traditional economy.
Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. is a journeyman letterpress printer living in the extremely rural town of Gordo, Alabama . His works range from letterpress posters to art books, installations, and calligraphy.
Events Summary
All events are held at Around the Coyote Exhibitions at the Splat Flats Gallery, 1817 W. Division St., Chicago , IL
- Opening Screening Party and Artist Talk Saturday, June 13 at 7pm, $5 suggested donation. Join Around the Coyote, Brown Finch Films, and Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. as we screen the film “Proceed and Be Bold!” at 7pm, to be followed by an artist talk and Q&A at 8:30pm. Featuring over 1,000 posters hand printed by Kennedy. Snacks and Peroni beverages will be provided. RSVP recommended, as there are a limited number of seats. For reservations contact: Anne
- Panel Discussion Wednesday, June 17at 6:30pm, $3 suggested donation. Hear members from Sonnenzimmer and The Post Family discuss their own transitions from working in a “typical job” to working as artists in independent and collaborative spheres within the traditional economy. Refreshments provided by Peroni.
- Artist Networking Event - Hosted by Fernwork Arts Incubator Thursday, June 25 at 6-8pm, Free and Open to the Public. Please join Fernwork, Brown Finch Films and Around the Coyote for an informative discussion of funding for artists and networking opportunities with like-minded Chicago artists of all disciplines.
- Closing Party and Cash-and-Carry Poster Sale Saturday, June 27 from 12pm-6pm. Free and Open to the Public. Please join us at the Cash-and-Carry Poster Sale, where you will be able to meet Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. and purchase posters at $15 each. Posters can be signed by the artist. Enjoy beverages by Peroni and music from the Manley Diehl at this free event.
