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The Lubeznik
Center for the Arts proudly announces the Midwest film
premier of "Wesley Willis’s Joyrides" on February 9 at
4:00 pm in the Hyndman Gallery. The documentary will
explore the life of prolific Chicago artist and musician
Wesley Willis. The Center is honored to show this new film
during its current exhibits featuring outsider, visionary
and intuitive artists. Coincidentally, two of Willis’s
drawings are on display at the Lubeznik Center as part of
“Contemporary American Folk Art: The Arient Family
Collection” through February 16.
Termed by some as an “outsider artist” due to his
schizophrenia, the film examines Wesley's ability to draw
people in despite his intimidating facade. Through his
force of personality and his artistic talents, Wesley's
music and art attracted people from all walks of life.
Greeting people with a headbutt, Wesley quickly stood |
out
in a crowd. Through interviews with friends and
footage from the last four years of Wesley's life,
a portrait emerges of a man whose day to day
existence was wrought with pain and joy. Although
his life was troubled, Wesley never stopped
creating. He continued to draw pictures and write
songs up until his death.
~ Sarah Diamond, Programmer, Slamdance 2008
Documentary Competition Presented by Langley
Productions
Directors Chris Bagley and Kim Shively state: “The
places he [Willis] drew contained the stories of
his development as an artist. Through interviews
with friends and footage from the last four years
of Wesley’s life, a portrait emerges, one filled
with violence and joy and beauty where you’d least
expect it.” By the time of his death at the age of
40, Wesley had produced over 50 albums and
thousands of drawings – more than most of us could
hope to achieve in a lifetime.
As another special treat, architect, artist and
collector, Paul Young, will offer a brief
introduction to the film. Young met Wesley Willis
by chance on the streets of Chicago in 1981 and
invited him to sit-in during the classes he was
teaching at nearby Illinois Institute of
Technology. Willis took him up on the offer and
learned and created with the enrolled students for
five years. During that time, Young purchased many
of Willis’s early works and was ultimately
interviewed for the “Joyrides” film.
Don’t miss a very special opportunity to see
“Wesley Willis’s Joyrides” in Michigan City,
Indiana – even before it shows in Chicago! Visit
www.lubeznikcenter.com to view trailers and
learn more about Willis and the directors. A $3
admission donation is appreciated, with LCA
members admitted free. The film is 77 minutes in
length. Also, Paul Young and Margaret Fox will
host an “after party” at Young Fox Gallery for
anyone who wishes to see their collection of
Willis’s work. Directions will be available at the
screening or by calling the Lubeznik Center at
219-874-4900. Co-Sponsored by the Lubeznik Center
and Young Fox Gallery
Read more about upcoming events and this film |
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The Jack and Shirley
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
101 W. 2nd St.
Michigan City, IN 46360
219.874.4900
artinfo@lubeznikcenter.org
www.lubeznikcenter.org
Hours: Tu - Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun
11-4, closed Mon.
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