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CHICAGO — Navy Pier is honored to welcome the Women’s Live Artist Studio as a permanent partner tenant on the Pier. The grand opening celebration is slated for 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, kicking off the Pier’s 1980s-themed Summer Night Market. A special live art performance, music, and speeches are planned.
Women’s Live Artist Studio originated to highlight female leadership and small business during Women’s History Month 2023. The brainchild of artists Dana Todd Pope and Martha Wade, who have honed their creative talents into beacons of hope for the next generation of artists, the studio concept and its beautiful representations of women in art quickly sparked the support of the community.
“Women have unique obstacles when it comes to exhibiting their work,” said Pope. “Supporting women in the arts in tangible, life-sustaining ways is at the core of what we do. We provide ways for women to turn their passion into profit.
“This is a wow moment and full circle,” Pope added. “We went from a pop-up table in a neighborhood artisan market to a full-fledged Navy Pier tenant. It’s a huge opportunity for us as business owners and for the women we serve. Navy Pier’s visitors are from all over the world. Our impact is instantly international.”
Located in the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion at Navy Pier, the Women’s Live Artist Studio will feature the artwork and products of local Chicago women artists and makers. Every day will feature a new artist, painting live and providing guests with a window inside the creative process.
“I grew up drawing and remember, at age five, watching my dad create art,” said Wade. “Being at the Pier has great vibes; it feels like a dream come true. We gain exposure and get to educate people on fine art.
“Seeing other artists succeed, especially women in the arts, is hugely gratifying,” added Wade.
Women’s Live Artist Studio is a community of Chicago-based female artists who are passionate about creating and sharing their art with others. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and mediums but share a common goal of empowering women in the art world. Pope and Wade believe women deserve equal recognition and opportunities and work to make that vision a reality in Chicago’s art scene.
Click here for additional information about Women’s Live Artist Studio at Navy Pier, including store hours.
The grand opening of Women’s Live Artist Studio on June 28 will be one highlight of a jam-packed Wednesday evening on the Pier. Summer Night Market will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pier Dance is slated for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the evening’s Summer Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m.
Click here to access Navy Pier’s press kit, including b-roll, photos, media parking map and logo.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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