Chicago attracts some amazing talented people to the city. Attending the smARTshow on a warm but rainy Saturday night helped validate my theory. On the corner of North , Milwaukee an Damen Avenue houses over three dozen working Chicago artist from around the world. And that night, I became officially anointed by the artist spirit.

The first artist’s work that moved me was Jeffrey Baumgartner. Jeffrey was introduced to the world of painting as an actor four years ago. Working on a very long production, he decided to take a painting class. Inspired by the woman’s figure, this twenty-five year professional actor has now masterfully added drawing and oil painting to his portfolio of talents.

Jeffrey Baumgartner stands in front of his art exhibit.

The next Flat Iron art resident that touched me was Lidoska Guietti. An Italian native, Lidoska has been painting for 17 years. A camera-shy, but yet beautiful and talented artist has a unique trademark signature in her works; A small puncture hole that becomes a part of her artwork.

Lidoska Guietti exhibiting at the smARTshow 2008.

Karen Gagich,  another talented Flat Iron artist, like myself, took art classes at Harold Washington College. Karen entertained me with conversations about the expressions of her paintings; How she sees movement in her works. Her painting seem to display a Picasso-type influence.

Karen hams for my picture at the Flat Iron Project’s 2008 smARTshow.

Aristeo Jaure, a native from Wyoming, migrated to Chicago to find an outlet for his creative self-expression. A self-taught artist, Aristeos’ paintings display an interesting capture of the faces of society.

Aristeo Jaure poses next to one of his painting displays at 2008 smARTshow.

Aaron Kobiella, an amazing young artist who has lived as an artist in Hawaii, exhibited some amazing art pieces made from wood. As he tried to explain the process of how he pieces his art together, I noticed the amazing texture of bright colors and interesting shapes of his art. Aarron was gracious enough to encourage me to continue to pursue the artist’s trek that I’ve journeyed on.

Aaron Kobiella exhibiting at the Flat Iron Project’s smARTshow in Wicker Park.

Rine Boyer, born in Portland, Oregon exhibited her drawings and paintings on the third floor hallway walls of the Flat Iron Arts Building.  Rine expresses through her artwork the cultural movement that she observes. She takes an iconic symbol and blends that into her art.

Rine Boyer exhibits at the 2008 smARTshow in Chicago.