About this project
The Opportunity Shop is still a fairly new project, one that has been running entirely on the fuel of volunteerism. We are still in the process of figuring out how we can best work to create something that is beautiful, inclusive, rewarding, provoking and most importantly – sustainable!
In an effort to cover costs of running this last Op Shop, and hopefully gain funds for the momentum and possibility of future Op Shops, we have started this fundraising project. If you feel the Op Shop is something you want to see continue in Hyde Park, please consider making a pledge! All donations are valued and appreciated!
The Op Shop was created last year by local artist/curator Laura Shaeffer, who envisioned utilizing otherwise empty urban spaces on a temporary basis to create sites of community involvement and artistic exchange. The Op Shop is independent of any institution and is managed entirely by volunteers.
The first Op Shop was located at the former Mac Realty offices at 1516 E. 55th Street in December 2009. It took the shape of an alternative gallery space, creating a platform for local artists and providing a rich program of events and workshops. The second Op Shop was located at the former Hollywood Video store at the corner of 53rd and Lake Park during April/May, 2010. In addition to hosting free/donation based events, classes and performances, ideas of creative reuse and the building of new economies were explored with projects such as a community run thrift store, a Resource Center corner and a Garden Exchange created by the artist collective Cream Co.
Each Op Shop is unique in its scope, concept and context. What they all have in common is the desire to expand and build upon our ideas of contemporary art and communal engagement.
*Special thanks to Amanda Englert, David Schalliol, Andrew Nord, Lokchi Lam, Eric Bartholomew and Gabriel Piemonte for their tireless support, creative input, hard work and dedication to this project and the community of Hyde Park. Please visit our website for a list of very important artists, volunteers and supporters of the Op Shop whom we thank as well! Special thanks as well to Peter Cassel from Mac Property Management, Susan Cambell, James Hennessy, Scott Mosak and Peter Ziegler from The University of Chicago, all of whom have allowed us to use their spaces with a spirit of trust.
* Special Thanks to Jane Comiskey and the United Church of Hyde Park and HyPa for their support in providing liability insurance.
With affection, yours, The Op Shop. www.theopshop.org
our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php...
FAQ
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59
Backers
$2,970
pledged of $2,600 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 22, 2010.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Anyone pledging more than $100 will receive a print (photograph or silkscreen or etching) by Rachel Tredon or Laura Shaeffer or another OP Shop printmaking artist. TBA
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
An original piece of art from the collection of Op Shop and Home Gallery
Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more
A very special portrait by Laura Shaeffer (drawing) or Rachel Tredon (photograph) A series of sessions with you or anyone in your family to do a portrait, we look forward to spending this time with you!
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