FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRISM CONTEMPORARY GLASS
1048 W Fulton Market
Chicago IL 60607
312-243-4885
e: info@prismcontemporary.com
Contact: D. “Scott” Patria

Synopsis: NEW gallery, PRISM Contemporary Glass, will host its Grand Opening Friday, September 10, 2004 at 1048 W Fulton, in Chicago’s hottest/hippest new neighborhood, with a group show of sculptural glass entitled “Aperçu”*

Opening Reception:
Friday, September 10, 2004, 6:00 - 9:00 pm. No fee.

Exhibition runs through October 31, 2004
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm, other times by appointment.

PRESS PREVIEW: Wednesday, August 18, 2004. 1-5 pm
RSVP Appreciated
Image Inquiries: 312-243-2780

After two years of growth in Chicago’s exciting, eclectic Fulton Market neighborhood, Function + Art is undergoing mitosis!

To better serve a growing, loyal glass clientele, September 10 will mark the public opening of a new “sister” gallery, PRISM Contemporary Glass, at 1048 W. Fulton. PRISM will feature artists such as Alex Gabriel Bernstein, Brian Russell, and Toland Sand on a full-time basis, no longer sharing an exhibition schedule with Studio Furniture and other fine craft media at Function + Art.

PRISM’s focus is on emerging and established (but under-represented) artists; the new gallery’s artist(ic) roster reads as a Who’s Who of emerging and established talent, innovative processes and cutting-edge techniques- yielding artworks from sensual to architectural.

The new gallery’s first show, “Aperçu”, will offer a broad survey of the artists and works to be featured at PRISM in the coming year. New artists on the roster include Stephen Dee Edwards, Martin Rosol, Robert Mickelsen, and Greg Fidler. With such a strong and varied lineup, PRISM aims to set a new standard for glass art in Chicago.

Why the expansion & split? “There’s just been such strong demand for both media”, says Patria, “we had to do something! People have been hungry for unique, functional art furniture and lighting... And of course, glass is perhaps the hottest medium to collect right now…”

According to Patria, Chicago is experiencing a surge of public interest in sculptural glass since Dale Chihuly’s Garfield Park Conservatory installation in 2002. “Obviously, Chihuly’s fantastic creations are beyond the financial reach of most people”, says Patria. PRISM, he says, will showcase an array of stunning works by several dozen artists – at a variety of pricepoints (from several hundred dollars to just over $10,000).

Rather than show the same 20 or so artists that “everybody else” does, PRISM will feature tomorrow’s “stars”… today. With a deep talent pool of emerging, and under-represented established artists in both fields, Patria felt the need to dedicate floor space to both media simultaneously. “These galleries are about access… Access to the next generation… Really, my only regret is that I couldn’t take MORE space”, he says.

The two galleries will offer a variety of work at a wide range of price points -ideal for anyone searching for interesting art, from first-time buyers to seasoned collectors. Function + Art and PRISM also work with numerous corporate art buyers, architects, and designers to choose site specific works of art that are perfect for both residential and corporate clients.

CALENDAR NOTE: PRISM will share the limelight on Sept. 10th with FlatFile Galleries at 217 N. Carpenter (just around the corner) and Linda Warren Gallery, at 1052 W. Fulton also hosting opening receptions.

PRISM’s “parent”, Function +Art, at 1046 W Fulton Market, will continue as a leading showcase for Studio Furniture as well as ceramic, wood, and metal objects and sculpture. Its current exhibition, “Diversity: Studio Furniture –part 1” has been extended thru Sept. 30.

More information about Function + Art is available @ www.functionart.com
PRISM Contemporary Glass: focus on the future.

*Apercu: (1). A discerning perception; an insight
(2). A short outline or summary; a synopsis