Ray Noland Grand Opening Exhibition June 11

If you haven't heard the buzz--the Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago, Eight Forty Eight, ArtSlant to name a few--than here's one more friendly reminder. This Friday, June 11 marks the grand opening exhibition by stencilmaster Ray Noland (aka CRO) at Chicago Urban Art Society, Sweet Tea and American Values. The solo exhibition features individual stencil works on canvas as well as large-scale installations, transforming the gallery walls into a simulated cityscape with stencil graffiti on building facades. Many of the works explore the absurdity of pop and political culture with humorous renditions of celebrity icons like Michael Jackson and former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (look for more details about Run, Blago Run Cakes - 500 cupcakes for 500 people this week on their Facebook page).

Shoe Shine Blago by Ray Noland (CRO)

Chicago Urban Art Society is a recently founded 501(c)(3) promoting the art makers visual voice with group and solo exhibitions, learning opportunities, and the foundation of an arts and culture archive. Sweet Tea and American Values celebrates the grand opening of CUAS's 4000+ sq. ft. community art center, hosting gallery exhibitions and classes as well as a meeting and event space for the Pilsen-Brigeport neighborhoods. CUAS was founded by Lauren Pacheco and Peter Kepha, founders and directors of the former 32nd&urban gallery/space in Bridgeport.

Sweet Tea and American Values runs June 11-July 30 with an opening on Friday, July 11 from 6pm-midnight. CUAS is located at 2229 S Halsted Street in Pilsen. For more information, visit chicagourbanartsociety.com. DJ's Sadie Woods and Revel will be spinning during the event.