Celebrating Art and Living the Life at Guichard Gallery
By MG Media – Guichard Gallery has been the talk of Chicago as one of the premiere distributors for fine art and culture. The art house is celebrating six years in its present location on 35th & King Drive, and the good times have only just begun.
The partnership between prominent attorney’s, Steven Mitchell and Stanley Stallworth, along with husband and wife team of Frances and Andre Guichard, the name sake of the magnificent three story château has collectively brought their expertise and taste in art to Chicago’s mainstream art lovers. The foursome also has some absolute incredible personal pieces of art lined throughout their humble abodes. Their knowledge for art and its premiere painters and sculptures have drawn the attention of people world wide.
Andre Guichard has been painting professionally since he was 19 years-old. Andre had art exposed to him at a young age because his father had been painting through-out his childhood. Andre was also influenced by his cousin, the late great outsider artist William Dawson.
In 2010, Guichard was commissioned to create an original painting for music and advertising mogul Steve Stout (Jay Z’s best friend and current business partner). Guichard was nominated to create an original ornament for the 2008 White House Christmas Tree. One of Guichard’s Jazz images Jazz From The Soul was Jazz Unites, Inc. 25Th Anniversary Jazz Fest Heritage logo in 2006. Another one of Guichard’s Jazz images, Hot Trumpeter, was the 2002 Chicago Jazz Fest logo. Andre has a permanent installation in the Bronzeville Jazz McDonald’s featuring six images from his Jazz series. He was one of a selected group of artists chosen to display work in the O’Hare International Airport, International Gallery Exhibition entitled Heaven and Earth, October 2000 through October 2001.
Andre & Frances Guichard and Steven Mitchell
Loyal wife and supporter, Frances Guichard, is Director of Administration for the Chicago Department of Public Health – Food Protection Program. In addition, Frances is responsible for the swimming pool and spas, water vending and shellfish programs. Mrs. Guichard also directs the Food Service Sanitation Certified Mangers Training Program, which certifies approximately 9,000 food service managers annually.
On the art side, Frances has played a major role in directing the planning and execution of several shows in Chicago, as well as Philadelphia and New York, working with dealers from around the world for the gallery. Frances has helped Andre and his business partners become the success they are today with the emerging gallery because of her commitment and dedication to details.
Indeed one of Bronzeville’s cultural treasurers just celebrated its second year anniversary with its presentation of Art di Gras series. Special past guest artist has been former NBA player Darrell Walker, prominent collector of African American art and presently assistant head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.
Gallery Guichard has recently partnered with Bombay Sapphire and Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation to create the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, a nationwide search for the newest wave of imaginative artists. “I am very excited to announce that I will be participating again as National Curator for the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series,” states Andre. This year Boston and San Francisco were added to the tour series.
Talented artists can submit their artwork in one of nine markets to be juried. 30 to 50 finalists’ works will be selected per market by a celebrity panel of high-profile collectors, artists and art administrators. The two first place winners in each market will advance to an exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach, December, 2011. The two winners from Miami will be given a show at Rush Arts Gallery in New York City. The goal of the Sapphire Artisan Series is to inspire, celebrate and give exposure to a diverse group of today’s up and coming artists and photographers. To submit work, call 773.373.8000.
Gallery Guichard exhibits artists from the African Diaspora genre, which represents the finest spectrum of fine art. Its collection includes original paintings, ceramics, sculptures, blown glass and photography. If you’re an art lover, please stop by and see the many amazing pieces on display.
