Save the Date... Friday, February 19

The Art of Human Rights
Benefiting Heartland Alliance
Friday, February 19th at the River East Art Center in Chicago

I've been working with Heartland Alliance—for the past few years—on their annual "Art Against AIDS" benefit—now "The Art of Human Rights". I act as one of the jurors for the live auction, donate one of my pieces in support of Heartland's efforts, and host the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The 180 show is a small selection of the works donated to the event by some very generous Fine Artists from around the country.

This year, I have donated a copy of "Attorney" [shown above], a two-color hand pulled lithograph that I created in the late 80's. It is one of an edition of fifteen, each valued at $550. From the abstract series titled "Uniforms", the work explores the idea that we are constantly trying to evoke the illusion that our insecurities are non-existent. We create protective barriers—or uniforms—to deter invaders from the space within ourselves. The images use structural abstraction to symbolize these uniforms, which are observed in the attitudes, personalities and relationships people develop as a source of protection. Additional work from this series can be found at gniech.com.

I hope you will join me at the Heartland event. All proceeds from the purchase of work at "The Art of Human Rights" event will go directly to Heartland Alliance to fund their HIV/AIDS programs and services, which include: primary care, referrals, assistance with transportation and lab costs, housing, alternative therapies such as chiropractic treatment and massage therapy, HIV prevention education, and oral health care. "The Art of Human Rights" benefit will take place on February 19th at the River East Art Center in Chicago. Additional information on the event can be found at: artofhumanrights.com.

Image: Charles Gniech, Attorney, hand-pulled, two-color lithograph, 1989, ed of 15, 12x17 framed to 18x24