What: “Virtual Rainbow”/Chicago Artists Month
     Redefining the LGBT community in the digital age through art and performance.

When: FREE – open  daily –    NOW  – November 15.

Where: in the 2nd and 3rd floor art galleries at Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted in Chicago




Featuring a collaboration of emerging and established LGBT artists, “Virtual Rainbow” offers a group show expressing the diversity of inspiration taken from new technology and the Internet.  Highlights will include Doug Smithenry’s “Coming Out Online” project and the premiere of “No Exit,” an opera co-produced with Chicago Opera Vanguard. 

Additional programming will feature multi-media performances in song, dance and spoken word, as well as a workshop focusing on artists who embrace digital dissemination of their work. Other local artists being featured in the gallery show are Archer Coe, Ryan Kododziej and Jay Boeldt. 

Upon a recent visit to Center on Halsted,  everyone on third floor seemed  taken by artist  Archer Coe’s  unique  images!  Originally from Michigan, Coe has lived in Chicago for 8 years. 

A self  taught photographer, Archer holds degrees in painting, illustration and computer graphics.  His candid captures of everyday people in the steps of everyday life grew from a series of events, some life threatening, that led him to question the steps of his life and “what it all means”.

As many as 400 photos are used to create one composite image, moving the resulting image toward a time based narrative. His current works stem from his love of the city of Chicago and the uniqueness of each inhabitant.

Chicago Artists Month is an annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual arts community during the month of October.  Over 200 events will take place throughout the city.  More information is available at  Chicago Artists Month.


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