Exhibition: Pilsen Derivas at UIC Maker Space in Mana Contemporary

Pilsen Derivas Map by Elaine Luther, Copyright Elaine Luther 2014, uppermost photo taken by Pietr Buttelman, used with permissionThis weekend the team at Pilsen Derivas had our opening exhibition reception and events.  It was a whirlwind of activity, with a screening of the documentary The Chicago Maternity Center Story, a writer’s workshop led by Peter Pero and a reception menu inspired by memories.

The project has been all about maps, walking around, making discoveries and taking photos.  My map piece, above has pins at the locations of my connections to the neighborhood, and then thread connects the pins with the corresponding photographs.

I also made a fiber art piece:

Photos from Pilsen, fiber art piece, Copyright Elaine Luther 2014

Working with the lead artist, UIC Maker Space Artist in Residence Amanda Gutierrez and the team was such a pleasure and I’m so happy to have been a part of this project!

Want to know more about the documentary, The Chicago Maternity Center Story?  It’s easy to buy the DVD or arrange a screening, find the info. here: https://www.kartemquin.com/films/the-chicago-maternity-center-story

The Chicago Maternity Center, located in Pilsen for over 75 years, is a fascinating part of Chicago history that hardly anyone knows about.

This Daily Kos article is an excellent piece on the history of the center and also links to a 1972 Life Magazine feature. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/29/1069426/-Dr-Beatrice-Tucker-Home-Birth-for-Chicago-s-Working-Class

I’ll post more photos in the Portfolio tab soon!