Following great enthusiasm and success, the Hyde Park Art Center was pleased to present the third installment of Not Just Another Pretty Face (NJAPF), a commissioning project. This dynamic year-long program began with the Center arranging commissions between patrons and artists. The result was a group of engaging and personal works (from traditional to most untraditional) culminating in a grand unveiling benefit event, an exhibition in Gallery 1, a catalogue documenting the process, and a series of free public programs exploring the idea of collecting art.
The 2007 year of Not Just Another Pretty Face had created an interesting, accessible, and personal way to participate in collecting contemporary art as well as an opportunity to learn about the broad and creative pool of contemporary artists working in Chicago. The 2007 year of Not Just Another Pretty Face had created an interesting, accessible, and personal way to participate in collecting contemporary art as well as an opportunity to learn about the broad and creative pool of contemporary artists working in Chicago. Throughout the course of NJAPF‘s events and programs, a new and diverse group of people have begun to think of themselves as patrons of contemporary art and have, with the assistance of the Center, started building lasting relationships with artists. NJAPF also provides all of the artists involved with greater exposure to a wider audience and the possibility of inclusion in a major exhibition and catalogue. The Art Center is proud to be a facilitator of these new creative interactions and to be instrumental in bringing about new situations for creativity.