Connected.

Exhibition Coordinator Andrew Vo interviews Mike Rende and Kimberly Wildner from Oddball Art Labs about the upcoming April exhibit, Exquisite Corpse which is also a fundraiser for Side Street Studio Arts new 62 South Grove building. Along with that, we talk about their organization and the local art scene.

Andrew Vo, exhibition coordinator at Side Street Studio Arts, interviews Christian Campos. He curated the show, I Am the Sun which was on display during the month of November. The show exhibits a collection of twelve artists. In this interview, we discuss with Christian about how this exhibit came to be, his art practice and the current trends of art in politics and AI.

Exhibition coordinator Andrew Vo interviews Laurie Peters. Laurie Peters is a mixed media artist in Elgin who also self publishes "Drawing Near Art", a print portfolio magazine that focuses on creative inspiration and transforms environment through garden design and mosaics. Laurie had a show back in August; "Courting the unknown". Andrew talks to her about how the show came together and discusses the themes of self reflection and nature that embody Laurie's art practice.

Andrew Vo, exhibitions coordinator at Side Street Studio Arts, interviews Renee Kuharchuk. Renee is a female painter and teacher in the Chicagoland area. She is also a member of art ConnectEd through the Illinois High School Art Exhibition team as their Digital Gallery Assistant Director. Her show, Anatomy of Anxiety exhibited during the month of July. The show explored themes of anxiety, sexism, and how Renee engages with them. We dive more into that as well as discuss what growing up with art was like, her art practice and navigating work/life balance.

Executive Director, Erin Rehberg checks in with Advocacy Coordinator, Luiza Moraes a year after their previous conversation. They discuss how Moraes show, Alien Spouse has gone, and how life continues to change and grow.

Executive Director, Erin Rehberg has a conversation with current Artist-in-Residence, Abby Franke ahead of her solo exhibition, Coming of Rage.

Here's something a little different for Connected. The Artistic Director of the Elgin Fringe, Nick Mataragas recently attended the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) conference in Ottawa, Canada. In this episode, he recounts his experience at the con, opening up the festival planning curtain a little.

Executive Director Tanner Melvin chats with Material Messengers guest curator Samuel Shwindt. Sam and Tanner discuss how the new exhibit came to be, the talented artists involved, and why extending your reach is so important. Check it out, and make sure to visit MATERIAL MESSENGERS: Ephemeral Environments, on display at the Side Street Gallery at 15 Ziegler Court AND in the windows of their "new" building at 62 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin from August 2nd-September 1st.

Executive Director, Erin Rehberg has a conversation with artist Javi Azuna. They discuss his journey to Elgin, his growth as an artist, and the reception he receives for his work. Javi Azuna's show, Illegal Artist opens in the gallery April 5th.

Executive Director Erin Rehberg has a conversation with Going Dutch Artist in residence, Luiza Moreas. They discuss Luiza's journey from Brazil to Europe, to Elgin, her approach to dance, and the struggles of becoming a resident.