Side Street Studio Arts presents ‘Voices Visible’

Side Street Studio Arts in downtown Elgin will present “Voices Visible,” a pop-up exhibition featuring the work of five dynamic artists of color selected through its 2025 initiative, “Explorations of Equity in the Arts in Elgin.”

The artist reception will take place on Friday, April 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court. It is free and open to the public.

Funded by the Healing Illinois initiative, “Explorations of Equity in the Arts in Elgin” is a community-centered project designed to elevate historically marginalized voices in the arts through curated exhibitions, artist-driven merchandise, and free public programming.

The featured artists include:

• Maritza Garcia (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians), a Chicago-based artist and powwow dancer specializing in regalia and beadwork;

• Samantha Thompson (Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation), a nature photographer and loom beadworker capturing the Native American experience;

• Ada Vega (Corrupt Kids Inc.), a South Elgin printmaker and clothing designer blending punk culture with accessible art;

• Nicki Fortunati-Warren, a multidisciplinary artist and bookbinder inspired by memory, fantasy, and modern art movements;

• Andrés Emmanuel Dominguez Fernandez-Villagomez, a Chicano ceramicist and sculptor using his work to honor cultural identity and challenge stereotypes.

“This program gives local artists of color the tools, resources, and visibility they deserve — not just through one exhibition, but through ongoing support, mentorship, and paid opportunities,” said Erin Rehberg, co-founder and executive director of Side Street Studio Arts. “Voices Visible is a reflection of what true equity in the arts can look like.”

Community workshops

In addition to the exhibition, participating artists will lead a series of free, public workshops designed to share skills, creative practices, and cultural perspectives:

• Zine Club with Ada Vega (Corrupt Kids Inc.) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, May 22 and June 19. Learn to make your own mini-magazine with prompts and tools provided. Open to all ages.

• Block Printing with Nicki Fortunati-Warren from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16. Learn basic block printing techniques to create cards, tags, or art prints.

• Cardboard Portraits with Andrés Emmanuel Dominguez Fernandez-Villagomez from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 2. Create expressive portraits from cardboard and recycled materials, exploring sustainability through art.

• Loom Beadwork with Samantha Thompson from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 5. Learn the traditional bead loom technique and create your own beaded keychain while exploring the cultural history of beadwork.

• Beading Workshop with Maritza Garcia from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Create a pair of contemporary Native American beaded earrings and learn about cultural significance and technique.

All workshops are held at Side Street Studio Arts and are open to the public with no cost to attend. Materials are provided.

“Explorations of Equity in the Arts in Elgin” builds on over a decade of Side Street Studio Arts’ work to make the arts more equitable and inclusive in Elgin and the Fox Valley region.

For more information, visit www.sidestreetstudioarts.org or contact info@sidestreetstudioarts.org.