CHICAGO (CBS).- Chicago’s visual artists may already be familiar with the nonprofit organization LATITUDE Chicago.
It also has an accessible digital photo development and processing laboratory in West Town.
In March of this year, the organisation turned ten years old. To celebrate, they’re hosting a photography exhibition at the Chicago Art Department, curated by Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Asha Iman Veal.
Veal said, “Participating in that role involves not only doing shows or exhibitions at home but also visiting other locations around the city,”
“I am a good student.” [Asha] Through the School of the Art Institute and Museum of Contemporary Photography connections. Latitude is a foundation with many photographic roots. Therefore, it makes sense to partner with a curator with photographic roots.” Colleen Kehrm, executive director of LATITUDE Chicago, said.
Latitude helps students and hobbyists scan and print their work. By the ease with which their resources and space are available, Latitude studio is a focal point in Chicago’s photographic scene
The membership fee is payable at the time you come to the Adobe office. Once you have paid your dues, you can sit down and start using the Adobe products. Scan film and family files with the scanners. The scanners can also be used to scan film or family archives. We have other equipment, such as printers as well as artwork documentation. Donations are what give us the ability to see this space. Keihm stated that a large portion of technology is donated by local schools.
The technology featured in this article is expensive because it’s not possible to buy the parts. Keihm stated that by having the technology donated and having someone with technical knowledge to repair it, they have been able build over the past ten year.
Latitude was the inspiration for Latitude’s anniversary show. Veal said she wanted to capture the spirit and creativity of the people who make the space an exceptional haven for artists from all walks of the spectrum.
“Do you know people who are in this game for over 30 years? Maybe five to ten years. They’re there as part the community and use the facilities. Guggenheim Award Winners. Veal stated that you have Vogue magazine photographers alongside people who are coming from undergrad, grad school, or somewhere in-between.”
It is possible to do different things with curatorial projects or exhibitions. But this show was more about LATITUDE. So it wasn’t a thematic one and was really focused on who we can show off in our community. It helps people see that LATITUDE is not just one city, but the entire community. And hopefully we can sort of accomplish that through the arrangement and works,” Veal stated.
It can be someone new to the field, who doesn’t necessarily see it as a job, but a hobby, all the way to those who have made it big in their industry. And I think that’s a microcosm of what LATITUDE does we want to make sure the tools are accessible to anybody who’s interested in making images, not only photography but graphic design– really anything,” said Keihm.
To be there, you don’t even have to be an expert photographer. Keihm stated that anyone with questions is welcome.
It can be very interesting to see artists’ lives being self-driven. It is not necessary to go to a place that has all of the resources. They have to be sought out. Veal stated that LATITUDE provides the space not only in equipment but also for people.”
This installation will remain up through December 8. You can check the Chicago Art Department’s website to find out their hours as well as any other community events they are putting on.