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As Chicago’s newest arts hub, Epiphany Center for the Arts offers an alternative to the “white box” gallery experience. We invite visitors to explore our 42,000 square foot campus, anchored by the landmarked 1885 former Church of the Epiphany, preserved and creatively reused as a place for people to once again congregate, now as a state-of-the-art cultural center “For the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events.” Thoughtfully designed, Epiphany boasts three distinct venues and a stunning array of amenities, including eight art galleries, a commercial and catering kitchen, cafe and bar, VIP suite and a collection of artistically appointed outdoor spaces: quarter-acre courtyard, spacious terrace and patio with lounge seating.
Located on the artsy edge of Chicago’s West Loop, Epiphany Center for the Arts provides a platform for a diverse selection of artists from Chicago and beyond. Our mission is to showcase the work of women, the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC community, and artists with disabilities. Our highest priority is to curate programs that are inclusive and where established artists can collaborate with emerging ones. Epiphany’s art galleries are unique spaces spread across the campus, providing visitors with the exceptional experience of viewing contemporary art while enjoying live performances, food and all that Epiphany has to offer.
Sharify: AutomataThe Guild Room | September 13 to November 1, 2024. AUTOMATA is a body of work that explores the mind, body, and soul as it relates to the impending technological future, and what that means for human spirituality. How does spirituality move through a future where the human body is more machine than flesh? The goal in making and observing these works is that we can begin to discuss and process a future both incredibly near, and beyond our time - as a theoretical anthropology. The word automata means self-willed, self-driven or motivated - usually relating to machines, and it encapsulates the marching of time, the rate of technological advancement, and the indomitable human spirit as it adapts to its environment; on and on and on and on.Alex Velázquez Brightbill: Ethnic BodiesSlemmons Gallery | September 13 to November 1, 2024Alex Velázquez Brightbill’s ETHNIC BODIES collage series explores ideas of beauty, colonialism, and sexual identity. Alex’s starting point is an observation by the Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu that “the female carries the marks, language, and nuances of their culture more than the male. Anything that is desired or despised is constantly placed on the female body.” So, in this series the female figures show their inner thoughts portrayed in their physical world – a grotesque woman, a cat lady, sexual innuendos, playful absurd fetishes, the physical scarring of a culture, fashion and animalistic language combined with humor. Alex explores the conflicting perceptions of Latinx women based on assumptions from history and from current affairs.Tony Armendariz: Latin ExpressionsSacristy Gallery | September 13 to November 1, 2024Currently concentrating on portraits and figurative work sometimes combined with architectural elements, Tony Armendariz presents the subjects in his paintings in the classic realist tradition, either as portraits or in scenes of life. It is his intent to display their soul, or authentic self, which at times may not reveal itself immediately. Many times, the "window" opens and shows itself not only through the eyes but also through other features that emote the complete range of “expressions of life” that include the mouth, hands and body language. Often it may include clothing and objects from domestic life and work. The range of the narratives can be quiet and simple. Some are dramatic and profound. Latin Expressions presents paintings capturing subjects mostly from Armendariz’ travels to countries, including Cuba and Nicaragua.Unwrapping Lumpia: Deconstructing the Filipino American IdentityCatacombs Gallery | September. 20 to Nov. 8, 2024
In celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month in October, Unwrapping Lumpia: Deconstructing the Filipino American Identity is a group show that delves into the complexities of Filipino American identity and the experiences of individuals within this community. The exhibit provides a platform for Filipino American artists to explore and express their personal journeys and reflections on identity. Through artistic expression, participants can share their perspectives on what it means to be Filipino American, how their cultural heritage influences their lives, and how they navigate their identities in thediverse sociopolitical landscape of America.Preserving the Heritage of the Black Panther Party in IllinoisSanctuary Hall Gallery - August 7, 2024The Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, which began its journey during the tumultuous Democratic Convention of 1968, has made history once again. As the convention returns to Chicago, the Illinois Chapter is the first chapter of the Black Panther Party to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Thematic Listing of the Black Panther Party in Illinois was approved by the state of Illinois and the National Park Service and added to the Register in December 2023. Founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party helped usher in the Black Power Movement and self-reliance and was responsible for extensive changes in legislation. The former Church of the Epiphany, now Epiphany Center for the Arts, was a significant location of the Black Panther Party in Chicago. Students for a Democratic Society held its meetings here, and through this relationship with Reverend Rempfer Whitehouse, "The People's Church" became a major rally site for the Party. On December 4, 1969, Illinois Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton and Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark were assassinated a few hours after their last meeting at the church. In December 2023, the Panthers' history was added to the church's listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Epiphany Center for the Arts has been meticulously restored and is now a featured site on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois. This exhibit, curated by Leila Wills, captures the politics and programs of the Black Panther Party and is a testament to the chapter's enduring legacy.
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