John Podmajersky, Jr.
This weekend, my husband and I attended the 37th Annual Pilsen East Artist’s Open House. (http://chicagoartsdistrict.org/events_4.asp) Over 50 art galleries line Halsted Street between 17th St. and 19th St. I remember taking potential investors into the neighborhood 15 years ago. And though I knew that there was an incipient artist community in the area, Bucktown and River West (both areas are now heavily gentrified and way too expensive for “starving artists”) were also considered to be incipient artist communities. Given my perspective of the area from 15 years ago, I was surprised to see it being marketed as “Chicago Arts District”. I considered it to be a marketing ploy. Curious, I wanted to see what was really going on. Far from a marketing ploy, it is reality! And these are not “faux artists” fresh out of school trying to find their voice - these are real artisits with a real voice. It was a fabulous afternoon! And, indeed, if you were to do it justice, you would have to spend the entire weekend exploring the galleries.
The fellow that apparently is primarily responsible for this transformation of the area is John Podmajersky, Jr. (http://www.podmajersky.com/about.htm) He started out 50 years ago buying up buildings along Halsted St. in a crusade to prevent the area being given over to “urban renewal” - a notorious trend in the late 60’s. It’s a fascinating story. This is a link to an interview he gave on the occasion of his 80th birthday, May 7, 2002. Who is it that said “So you don’t think one person can make a difference? Indeed, it is the only thing that CAN!” Mr. Podmajersky rambles a bit, but his story is truly inspiring. Check it out! http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7723327581487845137
“All Things With Exuberance!”
mary!
