Last week, we headed over to adjoining Uptown neighborhood for the opening of FLATS Studio’s most recent community art exhibit, PoorTraits.
Supported by FLATS Chicago, FLATS Studio is a way of using empty storefront and vacant commercial spaces in FLATS buildings to support, engage, and encourage the artistic spirits of their communities. PoorTraits, located at the Uptown Gallery at 1050 W. Wilson, displays the work of Chicago artists whose work deal with issues of race, class, family and identity.
While we mixed up some autumnally appropriate cocktails (Fall Moscow Mules), we also got a chance to wander the thought-provoking gallery and listen to live music from the funky and talented Carla Starla.
After-the-fact, we were lucky enough to snag five minutes of FLATS developer and local entrepreneurial superstar Jay Michael’s time to hear more about their initiatives and what he loves about the FLATS’ north side neighborhoods.
KOVAL: The majority of FLATS Chicago buildings are located on the near-north side, primarily in the Uptown, Edgewater, and Ravenswood neighborhoods. What drew you to these neighborhoods?
Jay Michael: When I first moved back to Chicago from London I remember thinking that the Gold Coast had buildings that reminded me most of London…and in fact, it does. But it wasn’t until later in my time here that I realized that these same architectural masterpieces–large and small–exist on the Northside too. Only on the Northside they are in unique neighborhoods and little pockets with different walks of life all sort of merged together among small local businesses and patrons hungry for authenticity. Then I realized the Northside neighborhoods reminded me most of what I loved during my many years abroad–so it became the area of Chicago I focused my attention on when developing FLATS.
K: Since our production distillery is located in Ravenswood, we have our go-to spots for coffee, grub, and 
general tom-foolery, but we’re always looking to expand our selections. Any secret neighborhood spots we should know about?
JM: Pho 888 is my jam–there is no better Pho and Spring Rolls on Argyle, perhaps Chicago in general. For coffee, my all-time favorite is Heritage Bicycles…and thankfully they are opening a new location in a few weeks at 1325 Wilson in Uptown. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to having a few late night drinks at Big Chick’s–Uptown’s hairiest gay bar.
K: Let’s switch gears and talk about the Studio series for a minute. What’s the inspiration behind it? Where do you see this unique intersection of art and community moving in the future?
JM: You know, FLATS Studio was something born from an idea I had on a run. Really, I know it sounds silly but I was thinking of ways to better marry a fairly polarized community and it occurred to me that art may do the trick. Art is totally neutral. You can be gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor or anything in-between and find yourself moved by art. And it’s not always that you love what you see…you may in fact hate it but what its done in the end is bring you together with your neighbors and built a community. For me, FLATS Studio was a way for me to use empty buildings we owned to show art and to make events targeted at bringing people together, making them connect and in the end building a community. I see it as a movement on the Northside and frankly all over.
K: Finally, do you have a cocktail of choice?
JM: I love a nice local whisky on the rocks…I know not very exciting, but it’s what I love.
K: Finally finally, what did you dress as for Halloween this year?
JM: OMG, I went to a friends country house in New York and did NOT dress up for Halloween! I was too busy curled up in front of a fire sipping on some lovely Whisky avoiding trick or treaters. I had a long week!
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PoorTraits features the work Chicago artists John Dominguez, Kayla Lewis, Bryn Jackson, Audra Jacot, Edward Muela, Boris Ostrerov, and Mike Stidham.
Located at FLATS Studio’s Uptown Gallery at 1050 W. Wilson.
Exhibit runs October 24 through November 10 by appointment only
