unique art studio offering classes, artwork, private events & gallery shows
Experience art, community, & creativity at Wicker Park's Six Corners
IN THE GALLERY: GABRIEL MEJIA (through 12/22)
About the Artist
Gabriel Mejia is a visual artist/ educator/ activist/ spoken word coach. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, and MFA from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He has exhibited his art work in Chicago, California, Wisconsin, and Toronto, and has taught in Chicago Public Schools for 15 years.
With this body of work, Gabriel Mejia is exploring identity, tradition, and trauma through the visual language of Día de Muertos. 2 years ago, following the death of his father, Enrique Mejia, Gabriel returned his father’s ashes to Mexico. After spreading his ashes at the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, the artist traveled throughout Mexico City and the town of San Andrés Mixquic during the Día de Muertos celebration. The paintings and drawings in this exhibition are a result of street photography and documentation of this pilgrimage as seen through the eyes of a son in mourning, a father looking to end generational trauma, and a second generation immigrant who is of mixed race and is always navigating in a complex space of cultural and familial identity.
ExhIbit and Opening Reception
We are excited to announce the solo show of Gabriel Mejia, coming the First friday of November-just in time for Dia de Muertos. See a brand-new selection of Gabriel's paintings and drawings- a series focusing on real people, often family and friends, celebrating Dia de Muertos in his native Mexico. We will also have several of his powerful ballpoint pen drawings on display.
Come celebrate Gabriel's work and Dia De los Muertos at our November First Friday opening. The reception will be 5-9pm.
About LMN Wedge
background: origins
Laura Mae Noble has been building on her way of creative living since her origins in Vermont's strange and beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Her "she shed", Studio LMN, has always been key to the idea of being artistic (and indeed, human) in this world. "A Room of One's Own" is essential: whether a truly separate space like a studio, a "space" inside a personal journal, or simply the area of safety and peace within one's own mind. In this iteration of her studio, she's been called to show and promote the work of fellow artists, as Wedge Gallery. This is not a "white box"-style gallery, but a lived-in, eclectic habitat that is neither objective nor neutral; it is deeply subjective, organic, and hopefully, inviting and nurturing to others. LMN moved from her former flatiron space into Suite 206 (former space of "I'll Cut You" hair salon, and previously, Jojo) in 2024. The names: "LMN" refers to her initials, Laura Mae Noble; Wedge Gallery is an homage to the Flatiron Building's shape, as well as a cheeky nod to the concept of a lemon (LMN) wedge. The space and building itself have fabled histories too rich to go into here, but we hope to explore those stories properly in the future.
foreground: intentions
At Studio LMN / Wedge Gallery, we showcase art from a diverse range of established and emerging artists. Our mission is to provide a unique platform for artists to share their perspectives and for art lovers to discover new and exciting pieces. Our classes and events are offered in the spirit of discovery, community, and play. Whether learning to draw, building an upcycled terrarium, or attending a musical event, guests of all ages and experience levels can grow in confidence and curiosity at whatever they choose to explore. We hope to offer a sense of joy and hope, and humanity, in our own peculiar way, that encourages people to relax and let their good inner selves out to play and connect with others.
Laura is on faculty at SAIC (School of the Arts Institute of Chicago), where she teaches figurative illustration in the fashion department. Other teaching and collaborative associations include: Evanston Art Center, West Elm, SOHO House Chicago, Chicago Shambhala Center, Foxtrot, Picnic Wine & Provisions, Lycée Francais, and Tied House/ Schubas.