C.O.C.A Events: Immy Mellin at Cuatro -- Afro, Latin, Soul, House with Cordell Johonson

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

from 4pm-9pm 4-7pm (art opening)

Complimentary wine and cheese 1st hour.

$5 Sangria all night.

2030 S. Wabash

Chicago, IL 60616

www.cuatro-chicago.com

312-842-8856

C.O.C.A Style Events: Shades of Love

Shades of Love

The Valentine's Day celebration where there will be live musicians performing original music ranging from Jazz, Soul & Hip Hop to original Art by Lindsey E. Bates. There will be food provided by Fratinelli ... drink responsible and enjoy good people!

Saturday, February 14
7-11 p.m.
Artistic Jeanius
1711 South Halsted Street

Monday Morning Art: Max Sansing

KIPP LEAD creates poetry lounge in honor of Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines, lifelong educator and mother to hip-hop artist, Common (Mural created by: Max Sansing, David Cho and Everett Bates)

Max Sansing, David Cho , Daris Jasper(Artistic Jeanius) & Everett Bates

(photos courtesy of : Dickyp.com)


Max Sansing is a Chicago native born in 1981 and raised on the South Side’s Avalon Park area. His father and mother were both artist and Max naturally picked up the love for painting from the early age of ten. Fueled by the desire to create Max would later go on to teach himself how to paint, followed by two years of formal college training at the American Academy of Art. (1999- 2000) He would further expand his talents by creating mural throughout Chicago and by translating art electronic media by becoming a graphic design artist. Max work has been displayed at art galleries and special events though out Chicago.

Max’s portraits are often represented in monochrome and full color with colors conveying the emotions and energy that he feels make for more of a deeper senses stasis than just common skin tone. He tends to start a piece with a portrait and it dictates and tells the story, design, and concept of anything that follows it on canvas. His life and the lessons that he learns ultimately inspire his works. -Artistic Jeanius

COCA STYLE SUPPORTS ARTISTIC JEANIUS

Artistic Jeanius Where Art Lives

What is Artistic Jeanius? Is a question owner Daris Jasper is asked plenty of times by first time visitors since opening the doors at the end of September of 2007. The first few months he would have told you it’s an art gallery and clothing boutique. If you ask now he’ll tell you that he defines it as an art-house; a sanctuary where art breathes and lives.
Another question often asked by customers is do you live here? The question is raised because as you enter the store you immediately encounter a bed in the middle of the room with designer pillows and clothing on top of it, two chairs in the window, and artwork by local Chicago artist along the walls. As you continue towards the back you enter a small, fully functional kitchenette and bar then ending up in a walk-in closet large enough to make any fashion lover envious. “I tell them no it’s strictly a commercial space designed to simulate the very place you keep your clothes - the bedroom and closet. I planned it this way to make shopping entertaining, more enjoyable, and relaxing. I also wanted it to be a place where customers would be exposed to up-and-coming artists and designers in apparel and art,” said Jasper.
Since opening, Artistic Jeanius has gotten the reputation of being one of the best galleries in the Chicago Arts District’s and it’s because each of the artist’s vision breathes, eats and lives to express their version of creativity. Each exhibition hosted at the gallery has gotten better each time for the reason that each artist attempts to out do the last show. Working with Chicago artists Paul Alexander, Chris Diers, and artist collectives RK Design, Molotov Cartel, and Get Knifed has proven to be a successful formula. Jasper states, “I’m highly anticipating the month of May show with Chris Roberts titled the “Ski Mask Way” It represents a new era for young Chicago artist by making a statement through an aggressive force of art.
Artistic Jeanius is also becoming known for their fashion events entitled “Bodies in the Trunk” presented by Ill Buckles and TresBelle. It’s a live mannequin fashion show with DJ’s, art, food, tattoo artist, free giveaways, and more. It’s a night of pure Chicago lifestyle and culture under one roof. Coming soon are cooking classes/demonstrations and independent film night exposing customers to the many genres of “art”. In addition, Artistic Jeanius is also available for corporate events, birthdays, showers, photo shoots and charity events.
The art-house engages all senses giving you a real experience into the world of art. They have other products for sale from scented candles, home furnishings, apparel, accessories, and fine art. When asked what is Artistic Jeanius’s IMAGE Jasper answered, “It’s the image of Chicago. Everything you love about Chicago’s culture from music, art, fashion, design, and culinary housed in one place known as “Artistic Jeanius -The Art House” where art truly lives.




































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Artistic Jeanius
1711 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Tel: (312) 912-1444

Available for Events/Parties

Monday Morning Art: Immy Mellin

We are glad to present another COCA artist for our Monday Morning Art feature. This time its comes with a little Latin favor. We introduce Immy Mellin.
Born in 1958 in Acapulco, Mexico and moved to the U.S. at the age of 17 after graduating from high school. He has been producing work since the age of 3 years old. Immy is a self taught artist has been producing work in Chicago for nearly 30 years. His work is done with using paper and Sharpie markers. He produces his work at in the Chicago Arts District at Artistic Jeanius.

Immy Mellin
Artist Statement
I create art because it’s my livelihood for me. It makes life worth living. My art is what I do to grow and develop as a human being. I create my art in such a way that you notice something different each time you look at it. As you notice the different aspects of my art I want people to experience growth in them the way that I do. I see life as a journey and my art as a visual snapshot of that journey.
My art makes me feel powerful and in control. With life there are so much that is unknown and it makes one feel weak. My art liberates me of feeling helpless and gives me the emotions of being in charge of my destiny.
I take my time with each panel. I use a pencil and eraser to draw shadows to create depth. I draw each panel completely and move on to the next. I see my painting in my head sometimes I sketch them out but mostly I freehand.
My art is my representation of classics from the master of the past but abstract and different. I encompass graphics and design to bring an element of visual stimulation along with the colors I use. All of my drawings are done with Sharpie markers. I began with other brands but hen realized that Sharpie markers were brighter and more vivid. They also produced the best lines that are straight and consistent.
I have a series of lovers which are couples embracing one another in each others arms. I try to portray the wonderfulness of love between two people who care deeply about each other. There was a time that I was married with a family of my own. My love for art conflicted with my love for my wife. I had to choose between art and my beautiful wife and I chose art. I think it’s my desire to be with my wife again that I see other couples that are happy and in love that inspires this series.
My art is love, truth, and life.

MONA LISA NUDE sharpie on paper 36x72"
THE PARTY CRASHERS sharpie on paper 119x42''
KOSUKE FUKUDOME sharpie on paper 17x70"

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