The Impact of an Artist

2010s Artists Education Youth

Mark Bradford, the first artist in residence, inspired audiences of all ages. 

When Mark Bradford was our artist in residence, I underwrote that. And that was one of my proudest moments. I mean, watching Mark with school groups and kids and grownups and people who don't know about what he did, just watching him, with his arms that were like two miles apart, and this elegant performer, but then talking about his work. I was, again, mesmerized by him. I saw the incredible impact that an artist can have on varying communities of people from age five to 85. And I still think that's one of the most important things we can do. We've had to take a little bit of a hiatus for a year or two, but it'll be back. But having an artist in residence is critical for an institution like us with the vision that we have.

(Re)Connect installation-in-process, Pop-Up Gallery, Chicago. Part of The Mark Bradford Project, May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

(Re)Connect installation-in-process, Pop-Up Gallery, Chicago. Part of The Mark Bradford Project, May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

Mark Bradford at Lindblom Academy May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

Mark Bradford at Lindblom Academy May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

Mark Bradford gives a talk in his exhibition, 2011. Photo © MCA Chicago.

Mark Bradford gives a talk in his exhibition, 2011. Photo © MCA Chicago.

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