Through our Artful Giving initiative, Artful Living partners with an artist each quarter to offer an exclusive art print to our readers with a portion of proceeds benefiting a nonprofit of the creative’s choice. This quarter, we’re featuring Heather Polk, a Chicago-based artist known for her mixed media work. To honor the organization’s 80th anniversary, Polk has selected the South Side Community Art Center in Chicago as the beneficiary of the proceeds from her exclusive print, “Love is an Action Word.” Here, SSCAC Executive Director Monique Brinkman-Hill discusses the center’s driving mission and how our community can best support its efforts.
Photography provided by South Side Community Art Center
What is the mission of the South Side Community Art Center?
The South Side Community Art Center’s mission is to conserve, preserve and promote the legacy and future of African American art and artists while educating the community on the value of art and culture.
What types of programming and exhibitions does the center feature?
SSCAC showcases established artists and nurtures emerging creators. Through educational and artistic programs, exhibitions, talks, tours and more, the center strives to engage, educate and connect community members to African American art and artists.
Photography by Heather Polk
What does the future look like for SSCAC?
The future looks very bright for the South Side Community Art Center. With an 80-year history dedicated to African American artists, the center is excited to continue to carry out our mission while at the same time creating new ways to celebrate, educate, and highlight art and the artists that we serve.
How can people get involved and support the center?
The South Side Community Art Center is fueled by and dedicated to community. There are many ways to get involved, and we welcome all to immerse themselves in our rich history and exciting present. The easiest way is to visit our website to donate and become a member or volunteer, which helps us continue to engage and connect more lives to the legacy and future of the South Side Community Art Center.
