The creative, entrepreneurial spirit that has come to pace the latest generation of Chicago artistry has made waves across the country and the world. This Saturday, September 16 that spirit comes full circle as Timberland teams up with Dream Town Shoes (4042 W. Madison St.) for a day of events and artist talks that bring together a contingent of talented locals including recording artists GLC and Kaye Fox, artist Brandon Breaux and more to celebrate the store’s Dream Big, Give Big event.
The event, which takes place at the west side Dreamtown location, focuses on the intersection of art and business, a sentiment that comes at a premium in the third biggest city in America where traditional creative foundations can often be sparse or spotty. Also included on the roundtable discussion are Alan Brothers of the Remix Project and B96 morning host Producer Gabe. Running from 12-5, festivities include facepainting, balloon animals and back-to-school supplies for kids and parents; as well as live painting and shoe painting from Chicago-based artists Jas Petersen and Adam Holzrichter plus a DJ and plenty more
To be sure, the Dream Big, Give Big event is indicative of the direction the city has long been heading with it’s collective artistry. While the music scene has long illustrated the ease with which coastal acts can access proper resources, the pervasiveness of the Midwest bubble is not exclusive to audial experiences. Chicago is a city that has made a claim to Renaissance status through hard work and perseverance that is often produced on it’s own and incubated within communities. Only after succeeding in these arenas does anything get picked up for larger forays.
For their part, those on the panel perfectly embody the spirit of the event. GLC is a veteran rap artist who is as well-known for his smooth speaking style and never-ending positivity as he is for his art. Breaux made a name for himself by working with those in his community to find traction with his visual pieces, eventually handling the cover art for all three of Chance The Rapper’s albums (10 Day, Acid Rap, Coloring Book) and most recently teaming up with Bud Light for special Chicago-based bottles. Kaye Fox is a well-regarded name in R&B who worked extensively on J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive albums well as alongside the likes of Kanye, Nas, Common, Rick Ross while Producer Gabe worked his way from intern to morning show host at one of the city’s top radio stations, B96. Meanwhile Alan Brothers has helped turn Remix Project in Lacuna Artist Lofts into a progressive breeding ground for young talent. Together, they represent a patchwork of styles, strategies and drive that complement one another well and speak to the renaissance each is invariably involved in.
For more on the artists and the event itself, click here or get out this Saturday, September 16.
