Artscape '96: Five-day fest of artists at work

The public is invited to join in the creative process when over 300 artists in various media participate in Artscape Hyde Park '96 from Wednesday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 22. Spectators are welcome to watch the artists at work throughout the five-day event, in which artists will compete for cash prizes. Artists will mostly congregate on 53rd Street and in the Harper Court area.

Artists interested in participating can register by mail or in person beginning Saturday, Sept. 7, at Art Werk Gallery, 5300 S. Blackstone Ave. The entry fee is $25, with a discount for students with valid identification. Two grand prizes of $1,000 will be awarded, plus other smaller cash prizes. Artists can choose any subject matter they like, as long as it is inspired by the atmosphere of Hyde Park. All art presented must be created during Artscape. No previously made artwork may be sold or shown.

Works will be judged Saturday, Oct. 5, in the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Hyde Park, 1448 E. 53rd St., by an independent panel composed of art professionals. Works will be judged in two categories: General Art, which includes painting, drawing and sculpture, and Photography. Winning entries will be exhibited this fall at the Smart Museum of Art.

Artscape Hyde Park '96 is sponsored by Art Werk Gallery, Harper Court Foundation, Hyde Park Art Center, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, Hyde Park Bank and Trust, the Hyde Park Herald, the Museum of Science and Industry, Regents Park by The Clinton Company, the Smart Museum of Art, the South East Chicago Commission, the University of Chicago and University National Bank.

For more information, call Joe Clark at Art Werk Gallery, 684-5300.