PSC Celebrates 30 Years of the Christopher Art Gallery

Crystal R. Alston
calston@prairiestate.edu
(708) 709-7801

Prairie State College Celebrates 30 Years of the Christopher Art Gallery

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. – Prairie State College is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Christopher Art Gallery, marking three decades of connecting students and the Chicago Southland community with art, artists and educational experiences.

Located in the Main Building at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights, the Christopher Art Gallery has served as an educational and cultural resource since 1996. Named for donors Bob and Marty Christopher, the gallery features exhibitions by local, regional and national artists and gives students opportunities to experience art, meet working artists and exhibit their own work.

Beth Shadur served as gallery director for 12 years and curated a wide range of exhibitions. During her tenure, the gallery exhibited work by MacArthur Fellowship recipients and artists included in the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious international art exhibitions.

“I felt that the gallery was a wonderful educational asset to the students, staff, faculty and larger community,” Shadur said. “It was great to be able to bring such work to the South Suburban area, and I was particularly moved when visitors expressed their enthusiasm.”

Current Gallery Director Javier Chavira reflected on the gallery’s 30-year milestone and its role on campus today.

“It is an honor to be part of the Christopher Art Gallery as we celebrate 30 years of serving Prairie State College and our community,” Chavira said. “Although I have been director for just over two years, I see my role as building upon the strong foundation established by those who came before me while looking toward the future.”

For Chavira, one of the great joys of the gallery is seeing students engage directly with exhibiting artists and their work.

“Art is a powerful form of human communication and connection. It should inspire us, challenge us and invite us to ask questions,” Chavira said. “I am proud to help carry this important tradition forward into the gallery’s next 30 years.”

Currently on display in the gallery is Corazón de Papel (Paper Heart), featuring colorful and imaginative sculptures by Gloria Contreras. The exhibition runs through Oct. 14.

The Christopher Art Gallery hosts exhibitions throughout the year and is free and open to the public. For information about the gallery and current and upcoming exhibitions, visit https://prairiestate.edu/community/christopher-art-gallery/index.aspx.

#