“Art that touches the soul.” This is the mantra that echoes throughout Chicago’s beloved Gallery Guichard, pulsing through its vibrant acrylics and driving forth its ethos. Reputed for its leading presence in African diasporic fine arts, Gallery Guichard resides in Chicago’s ultra-historic Bronzeville, the largest African American art district in the nation.
Started in 2005 by owners Andre Guichard, Frances Guichard and Stephen Mitchell, the gallery’s mission is to elevate the creative voices of multicultural artists specializing in the African Diaspora. Through curated exhibitions, experiential events and art tours, Gallery Guichard grants both emerging underrepresented talent and mid-career artists a platform to develop their imagination and creativity.
The gallery’s network of talent and discovery was born of a combination of artists Andre connected with over the course of his 27-year career as a practicing artist, as well as artists the couple met during their 10-year stint as international Curators for the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series. Gallery Guichard currently features a rotating collection of works from many global artists including Abiola Akintola, Stephen ‘Sayo Olalekan, Pearlie Taylor, Marlene Campbell and many others.
With the rise in demand for art, the gallery has recently utilized technology to create virtual exhibitions catalogs, including recent exhibitions Black Joy and Art as Activism. Working with both corporate clients and municipal governing bodies, Gallery Guichard is also evolving its methods to place art beyond its doors and directly into the hearts and minds of Chicago’s public.
This year, One Two Pru is fortunate to be collaborating with Gallery Guichard to showcase African Diaspora: Chicago, a new exhibition in our building’s iconic lobby from May 28 to November 25, 2021. This mixed-media installation weaves together the narrative of Chicago’s rich diasporic history, from its stunning history of jazz and blues to the homecoming to central downtown following the pandemic. We recognize this as an opportunity to connect art directly to a reputable location with the foot traffic of both the general public and potential corporate, museum and tourist collectors — and are grateful to be a part of this crucial process of reopening Chicago through art.
Learn more about the exhibition here and join us at the city’s landmark address to celebrate art that touches the soul.
