Summer is upon us. Which, for us Chicagoans, means hibernation’s end. Get out and see some art.
Rapid Pulse: This year’s edition of Rapid Pulse International Performance Art Festival will exhibit live performances, durational installations, a video series, artist talks, panel discussions, workshops and social events. Defibrillator Gallery, 1463 W Chicago Ave. June 4-14, 7-10pm. $15/$10 student single day pass.
Zounds: Solo RM, a quintessential staple in Chicago’s figurative graffiti community, exhibits a new mix of digital works on paper and original paintings. This body of work showcases his versatility across media while maintaining cohesive aesthetic considerations. Graffiti Institute, Mana Contemporary, 2233 S Throop St. June 5, 6-10pm. Free.
Tony Fitzpatrick and Tim Anderson: Check out some new works by local artists Tony Fitzpatrick and Tim Anderson. AdventureLand, 1513 N Western Ave. June 5, 7-10pm. Free.
Memoirs of the Minimum Wage: Inspired by anime, street art and his 1980s Chicago upbringing, Hebru Brantley’s pop-infused work touches on tough subjects with an affable approach, telling stories through the adventures of youthful characters. In this show, Brantley will display sketches, watercolors, paintings and sculptures that ask viewers to challenge the norm and question societal values. Vertical Gallery, 1016 N Western Ave. June 6, 6-10pm. Free.
CAKE: Drawing from Chicago’s legacy as home to many underground and alternative comics’ most talented artists, Chicago Alternative Comics Expo is a celebration of independent comics and is dedicated to fostering community and dialogue among independent artists, small presses, publishers and readers. Meet and purchase work from over 180 exhibitors, attend panel discussions featuring special guests and participate in comic-making workshops. Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted Ave. June 6-7, 11am-6pm. Free.
Golden Spike: Rock Shop of the Anthropocene: Comfort Station will be converted into a roadside rock shop with specimens, merchandise and works by artists in conversation about the contemporary geological condition. The shop will stand as a talisman of the quintessential American road trip experience and feature rocks, minerals and metals from the proposed current geologic epoch, the Anthropocene, which is defined by mankind’s permanent effects on the world’s environmental record. Comfort Station, 2579 N Milwaukee Ave. June 6, 4-8pm. Free.
Inside the Artist’s Kitchen Blogoversary: Inside the Artist’s Kitchen is a food and arts journal where artists open up their homes to share recipes, discuss their art practices over meals and document the kinship between the creation of food and art. The blog’s anniversary celebration will present photos from those visits and edible art. Which you, of course, are welcome to eat. The Franklin, 3522 W Franklin. June 6, 6-10pm. Free.
Sugar Foot Rain Dance: Presented by Arts + Public Life and the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture, this solo exhibition of recent works on paper by David Leggett examines the artist’s relationship with art history, race, culture and self. Arts Incubator, 301 E Garfield Blvd. June 12, 6-9pm. Free.
Unmasked!: Chema Skandal is a Chicago-based artist whose energetic paintings, prints and drawings celebrate his heritage and corner store Pop ephemera. “Unmasked!” is a collection of new work exploring the significance of masks in different cultures. Rational Park, 2557 W North Ave. June 12, 6-10pm. Free.
Starving Artist: Chicago Artist Coalition’s Starving Artist benefit returns, pairing the city’s most inspiring visual artists with its most innovative culinary talent. Venue One, 1034 W Randolph St. June 25, 7-11pm. $125 general admission/$50 artist and arts administrator ticket.