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Artists of the Corridor brings many different artistic genres to Urbana
4:00 am Jul 1 - by Illana Strauss – buzz Writer
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Urbana City Building Council Chambers »Address: 400 S. Vine Street Urbana, IL 61801
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The University of Illinois is filled with culture in almost every form – music, art, theater and other entertainment. Many students don’t realize that nearby areas also have their fair shares of culture.
The City of Urbana is hosting an art exhibit space called “Artist of the Corridor” in the City Building at 400 S. Vine Street. The upcoming artist, Betsem Atiback Benjamin, will feature his artwork on Friday, July 2. It will be on display until August.
According to the City of Urbana website, a reception was held in the City Building at 4:00 on June 16 to meet Benjamin and view his work.
Anna Hochhalter, Public Arts Coordinator for the City of Urbana, said two-dimensional artwork will be exhibited in the Urbana City Building first floor hallway.
“The exhibits are on display for all who enter the building,” Hochhalter said. “Foot traffic is pretty steady all week.”
According to the City of Urbana website, artists apply to the program by submitting digital images and a letter of interest.
“We are interested in creating a space for Urbana artists of various backgrounds and experience,” said Hochhalter.
After receiving the images and letter, Hochhalter meets with the mayor to discuss the exhibit schedule. Exhibit rotate every two months. Michael Fuerst was the last artist featured.
The City of Urbana website said the program was launched in March as part of the Urbana Public Arts Program, a program establish by the City Council in April 2008 to “foster a city where all residents—emerging artists, established artists, and “non-artists” alike—may engage with the arts and where artists thrive and are valued.”
The “Artist of the Corridor” program idea had been kicking around local government for a while but was only put into action when the Public Arts Program was created.
“It is an idea that various City Staff members have discussed on and off for about ten years,” said Hochhalter.
The program, while young, is off to a good start. Hochhalter said the program has been a success.
“The program has enlivened the City Building main corridor,” she said. “The gray walls are now filled with interesting artwork.”
So while University of Illinois students can have a great time exploring culture on campus, they might take a moment to step into town and enjoy what Benjamin and other local artists have to offer.
More information can be found by visiting the City of Urbana’s website at http://urbanaillinois.us/artexhibits or its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/urbanapublicarts.
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