“The great thing about contemporary art,” said Chuck Thurow, “is that the artists are still alive.” Thurow, Executive Director of the Hyde Park Art Center and the Board of Directors invited the public to an unveiling of original works of art, a memorable party and a chance to meet these living artists at the opening for Not Just Another Pretty Face.
Public programming for Not Just Another Pretty Face started with “Collecting: From the Medici to Me,” on November 20, 2002, a roundtable discussion with private collectors, curators and art educators, moderated by Victoria Lautman. In February, for “Good Cheap Art: Buying off the Grid,” start-up galleries discussed the installations of young artists that challenge conventional ideas about art and art-making. March brought a discussion of “Second Opinions: Art Dealers, Consultants and Just Good Friends,” while in April, “Making an Artful Collection” put special emphasis on creating a great African American collection. Finally, in May 2003, the Art Center hosted “Not For Sale: Art Outside the Gallery,” with artists, theorists, arts educators and administrators from arts organization serving adults, children and teens. In addition, public and private events were held to introduce the artists to a wider audience.
