Opening night reception on September 15 to celebrate the ten featured artists with open mic performances, artists talks and light refreshments
The 첥Ƶ presents “TEN TOES DOWN,” the debut group exhibition from the Englewood Arts Collective (EAC), a group of ten multidisciplinary artists with deep roots in the Greater Englewood neighborhood. The exhibition celebrates the rich art production happening across Chicago by local artists in the parks.
The public is invited to view the exhibition from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 26 at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive, during regular cultural center hours. The opening reception will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15. The exhibition is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the live performances, light refreshments, surprise merchandise giveaways and house-party atmosphere.
“With exhibitions like TEN TOES DOWN, we are proving that spaces like the South Shore Cultural Center are community anchors that bring valuable experiences to our parks and provide platforms for local groups and organizations to showcase their talents,” said Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent and CEO of the 첥Ƶ.
Building on years of collaboration between the Park District’s Culture, Arts and Nature Department and EAC, this exhibition will shine a light on the original ten cofounders of the award-winning artist-led collective. From photography and ceramics to murals, design and paintings, visitors will get a portfolio snippet of each of the ten cofounders’ multiple disciplines, as well as a visual tribute to the collective’s impact in the city.
The ten EAC cofounders include: JustFlo, Rob Smooth, Tanya Ward, Tonika Johnson, Pugs Atomz, Cujdah, Janell Nelson, JoVonna J, Glenn W and Demetrius Berry. Each artist brings a distinct perspective that contributes to the full catalog of the exhibition. Seven of the cofounders have been involved in Park District programs over the years as guest artists, muralists or artists-in-residence at other park exhibitions.
This activation is among the highlights for the group, celebrating eight years of pursuing a self-appointed “Joy-Curators” mission to reclaim space, spark belonging, and build community through creative expression. The exhibition is more than just a portfolio, it’s a creative placemaking and identity preserving catalog of curated joy.
“This showcase is a snapshot: A reflection on what we’ve built, a reminder of who we are, and a call for ALL of us to keep working together,” says Janell Nelson, Director of Englewood Arts Collective. “TEN TOES DOWN is our creative footprint — rooted in Black joy, place keeping, and story.”
Learn more about the exhibit at Ten Toes Down.