What do you get with an amalgam of art patrons and artists together in a single space? The birth of an art project called “Not Just Another Pretty Face.” Thirteen friends of the Hyde Park Art Center opened up their homes to over 250 artist and patrons. What resulted over shared meals and neighborhood fellowship were 86 commissioned pieces of art work on display in Gallery 1 & 2 at the Hyde Park Art Center.

One of the most moving exhibits for me were three powerful color portraits created by Bronzeville artist, Floyd Atkins. Atkins, explores how the African-American feels perceived in the abstract by – and thus isolated from – most of mainstream America.

Not Just Another Pretty Face exhibit will be held from October 18, 2008 to January 11th, 2009. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 S. Cornell, Chicago, IL. 60615. 773-324-5520. www.hydeparkart.org