Art in the time of Corona: Chris Froeter Paints Portraits of Small Business Owners in Evanston

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Evanston Made member artist Chris Froeter has found a creative way to support small businesses in Evanston during the stay-at-home order.

He’s taking requests for commissions on Instagram @chrisfroeter_art to paint a shop owner's portrait, for $200 each. He’s asking people to send selfies instead of taking their photos himself.

When the portrait is done, he gifts the portrait to the shop owner along with $200 cash! Can you imagine anything nicer? A free portrait and cash. John Kim of Backlot Coffee is one such store owner who has benefited from this project!

Listen to our conversation about this giveback project and where the idea came from.

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Up to something interesting? And a member of Evanston Made? Reach out to thelisadshow[at]gmail.com with an interview request!

Evanston Made is designed to connect Evanston artists and creatives with the public through programming, events, exhibits and more. Join as an artist, arts producer, arts patron, etc. at evanstonmade.org/membership/

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The Lisa D Show podcast features interviews and conversations with Lisa Degliantoni and creatives living and working in Evanston, IL. Recordings typically happen in the 1100 Florence Gallery at 1100 Florence Ave in Evanston, IL.

Katherine Gotsick with Main Dempster Mile

I often ask the question ... can a neighborhood have a personality? Yes it can! Here's how...

I have watched with interest the Main Demspter Mile SSA in Evanston come to life in the last several years. (SSA = special services area). Last November MDM hired Executive Director Katherine Gotsick and she has brought a certain kind of energy and creativity to her job. It's an exciting time for the MDM SSA!

In this interview we talk about how MDM is making positive changes to the commercial strip of Chicago Ave. in Evanston from South Blvd. to Greenwood, east/west on Dempster and east/west on Main. The MDM Vision: To be a creative urban environment with an iconic small town personality. These changes include creative place making projects (a mural by Ruben Aguirre thanks to Evanston Mural Arts Program outdoor seating, donation stations, etc.), fundraisers (Charity Wine Walk), Small Business Saturday and more.

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"The Lisa D Show" is a podcast celebrating creatives, featuring 20-minute, unedited conversations that mimic the live-radio vibe, very low tech on purpose. Reach out to host Lisa Degliantoni at thelisadshow[at]gmail.com