At Optima®, we believe that art has the power to transform, inspire, and enrich lives. Whether it’s through the bold design of our buildings, the curated art displayed in our communities, or the vibrant cultural resources around us, we are deeply committed to celebrating creativity. The Chicago Imagists, a groundbreaking group of artists who emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, perfectly embody this spirit. Their fearless exploration of unconventional themes and styles reshaped the art world with their vibrant, surreal, and often humorous works, leaving a profound impact on contemporary art, and making their story a perfect fit for our continued exploration of art and innovation.

Who Were the Chicago Imagists?
The Chicago Imagists were a loosely associated group of artists connected through their studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Their work was united not by a single aesthetic but by a shared spirit of independence, curiosity, and an embrace of the unusual. While New York and Los Angeles dominated the contemporary art world at the time, the Imagists rejected the prevailing trends of minimalism and abstraction, opting instead for a highly personal, narrative-driven approach.

Under the mentorship of SAIC teacher and painter Ray Yoshida, these artists explored unconventional sources of inspiration, such as comic books, outsider art, advertisements, folk art, and popular culture. Their works were often infused with bold colors, whimsical patterns, and a surrealist bent, reflecting both the cultural zeitgeist and their distinct Midwestern perspective.

The movement had its roots in 1966 with the influential Hairy Who exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago. Organized by artists Jim Nutt and Gladys Nilsson, the exhibition’s name became synonymous with the group’s subversive, whimsical, and highly stylized approach to art. As the movement grew, it expanded to include several other factions of Imagists, including the Nonplussed Some and the False Image groups.

Their works drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences — comic books, advertisements, folk art, vernacular signage, and outsider art — often creating bold, vibrant pieces that celebrated the eccentric and unconventional.

The Hallmarks of Chicago Imagist Art
One of the defining characteristics of the Imagists’ work was its eclectic and irreverent approach to art-making. Their pieces were often described as playful, grotesque, and deeply imaginative, blurring the lines between high art and low culture. This celebration of unconventional beauty and humor set them apart from the art movements dominating other major cities.

For many Imagists, the human figure was a recurring motif — distorted, exaggerated, or abstracted in unexpected ways. Their art embraced the grotesque and the fantastical, with a focus on storytelling and psychological depth. Unlike the impersonal works of minimalism or conceptual art, Chicago Imagist pieces often invited a deeply personal and emotional response.

Key Figures in the Movement
Though the Chicago Imagists worked independently rather than as a formal group, several artists became synonymous with the movement. These trailblazers include:

• Roger Brown: Known for his paintings with stylized landscapes and iconic, almost cinematic scenes.
• Sarah Canright: Her work focuses on figurative compositions with a sophisticated use of texture and color.
• Ed Flood: Renowned for layered and reflective works that combined abstraction with pop culture elements.
• Christina Ramberg: Famous for her meticulous depictions of corseted figures, often exploring themes of restriction and transformation.
• Phil Hanson: Created dreamlike imagery, combining personal iconography with intricate patterns.
• Gladys Nilsson: Known for vibrant watercolor pieces with whimsical, fluid figures.
• Jim Nutt: Produced surreal, intricately detailed portraits with a dreamlike quality.
• Ed Paschke: His neon-lit paintings explored media, fame, and cultural iconography.
• Barbara Rossi: Focused on intricate, surreal works that blend color, humor, and spirituality.
• Suellen Rocca: Known for playful compositions incorporating pop-culture imagery and personal symbolism.
• Karl Wirsum: Celebrated for his cartoon-inspired characters and graphic, vibrant style.
• Ray Yoshida: Created works combining comic book fragments and other everyday materials, often blurring the line between high and low art.

Together, these artists formed a collective that challenged the norms of contemporary art, delivering works that were as personal as they were visually striking.

Legacy and Influence
The Chicago Imagists left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists today. Their works challenged traditional notions of what art could be and opened the door for a more inclusive and experimental approach to artistic expression. Their influence can be seen in contemporary movements that celebrate vibrant colors, bold narratives, and a synthesis of high and low culture. In addition, their impact is felt throughout Chicago’s vibrant art scene, including institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which regularly feature their works. The Imagists also paved the way for Chicago to be recognized as a center for innovative art-making, offering a distinct alternative to the art capitals on the coasts.

Discover the Chicago Imagists
The Chicago Imagists remind us that great art is not bound by convention but thrives when it embraces imagination and risk. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or new to the city, exploring their visionary works is a chance to connect with the creative pulse of this vibrant metropolis.

For Optima® residents, the creative legacy of the Chicago Imagists offers inspiration and a deeper connection to the cultural richness that surrounds our communities. Their work is a testament to the power of individuality and imagination, qualities we celebrate in every aspect of Optima’s design philosophy.

Interested in learning more? Read the thoughtful essays by curators Lynne Warren, Stephen Fleischman, and Richard H. Axhom here.

As the Arizona desert transitions into the cooler embrace of fall, the Mesa Arts Center is gearing up to offer an exciting lineup of events and exhibitions that perfectly align with Optima®’s commitment to fostering vibrant cultural experiences in our communities. Just a short drive from Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, the Mesa Arts Center provides an incredible opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in the rich artistic and cultural scene that thrives in the Valley of the Sun.

A Hub of Creativity and Culture
The Mesa Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Mesa, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the visual and performing arts. With its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped campus, and a commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions, the center has long been a cornerstone of the local arts community. This fall, the center is hosting an array of events and exhibitions that are sure to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.

Exciting Fall Exhibitions at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
One of the highlights of the Mesa Arts Center is the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, which will be showcasing several thought-provoking exhibitions this fall. The museum, which is known for its dedication to contemporary art, features rotating exhibitions that highlight the work of both local and international artists.

This season, visitors can explore the following exhibitions:

Intouch. Stephanie Metz’s grouping of fiber sculptures that invites physical touch by viewers. White cocoon-like ‘Hanging Pods’ each offer intriguing opportunities for connection with the art—and with other viewers.

Safety Blankets: Discourse on Neurodivergence. This exhibition gathers textile artworks by 16 artists depicting their lives and experiences as neurodivergent people. Initially a Phoenix-area solo exhibition by Charissa Lucille, the project transformed when Lucille invited 15 artists from Arizona and beyond to collaboratively expand on the show’s ideas, keeping with the ethos of encouraging conversation and community. Through expressions in fabric, this exhibition aims to disrupt misconceptions, spark connections and discourse, and challenge the meaning of neurodivergence.

Use It or Lose It. Working with repurposed materials to create textile-based pieces, Ben Venom contrasts the often menacing and aggressive counterculture components of gangs, punk/metal music, and the occult with the comforts of domesticity. This collision of traditional quilting techniques with elements tied to the fringes of society re-envisions the story of the material through a softer lens.

The reclaimed fabrics used in his work contain a multitude of personal histories and everyone’s unexplained stain, tear, or rip is included. These salvaged pieces are sewn into a larger narrative and become a part of a collective history within the work. The fragility of the materials and their assaulting imagery are brought together in the form of a functional piece of art.

Antifunction. B. Jean Larson and Susan Allred’s artistic processes are repetitive and meditative, and as such, they reflect on traditionally undervalued “women’s work,” reimagining labor-intensive crafts that are typically seen as merely decorative or functional. By transforming everyday items like rugs and quilts into non-functional sculptures, they create visually captivating and conceptually profound artworks that challenge the distinction between craft and fine art.

Engaging Performing Arts
In addition to the museum’s exhibitions, the Mesa Arts Center is also known for its diverse lineup of performing arts events. This fall, the center’s stages will come alive with a wide variety of performances, ranging from live theater and dance to music and comedy. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, jazz, or contemporary dance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Community Classes and Workshops
For those looking to engage more actively in the arts, the Mesa Arts Center offers a robust selection of community classes and workshops. These programs cater to all skill levels and interests, providing participants with the opportunity to explore new creative outlets or refine their existing talents. This fall, the center is offering classes in everything from painting and sculpture to photography and digital media, making it easy for anyone to find a class that suits their interests.

A Gathering Place for All
The Mesa Arts Center is more than just a place to view art or watch a performance; it’s a vibrant community hub where people come together to celebrate creativity and connect with one another. The center’s beautiful campus, with its inviting outdoor spaces and public art installations, offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon with friends and family.

For residents of Optima® communities, the Mesa Arts Center provides an ideal destination for cultural enrichment and entertainment. Whether you’re attending a performance, exploring an exhibition, or taking part in a hands-on workshop, a visit to the center is sure to leave you feeling inspired and connected to the rich cultural fabric of the Valley.

Plan Your Visit
As the fall season unfolds, be sure to explore the many offerings at the Mesa Arts Center. With its diverse lineup of events, exhibitions, and programs, the center promises to deliver a season full of artistic discovery and cultural engagement. For more information on upcoming events, including the exhibition opening on September 13, 2024, check out the Mesa Arts Center website and discover all this incredible venue has to offer.

Scottsdale’s appreciation for the arts is celebrated in every corner, from the myriad public art displays to the museums with ever-changing exhibitions. Yet, the heart of the city’s art scene beats strongest at the Celebration of Fine Art. This annual event, taking place from January 13 to March 24, 2024, is not just an exhibition but a community gathering, bringing together art aficionados and creators in a unique celebration of creativity.

Throughout the event’s 30-year history, the Celebration of Fine Art has become a staple event for art lovers to connect with each other and the talented artists who populate the 40,000-square-foot showcase. These creatives include 100 celebrated and emerging artists from across the country, whose art ranges from ceramics and jewelry to paintings and furniture.

Not only will the artists be showcasing their collections, but they will also create new pieces within their studios. This activity will take place throughout the 10-week event. Visitors are encouraged to engage with each artist and observe how various mediums are brought to life. Throughout the space, they also have access to a café and exclusive hour-long discussions each Friday at 4 p.m. that dive into the inspiration, techniques, and stories held by various artists.

Whether you’re new to the art world or a seasoned collector, the Celebration of Fine Art welcomes all. The show runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is just a ten-minute drive for Optima Kierland Apartments residents and a twenty-minute drive for Optima Sonoran Village residents. Tickets for the annual event can be found on their website.

Scottsdale and Chicago are both cities teeming with culture, arts and experiences, and with the new year comes an abundance of new exhibitions to explore. If you’re looking for a few ways to expand your world close to home, here are some of the best upcoming exhibitions in and around Scottsdale and Chicago:

Of the Earth, Morton Arboretum, Chicago

Replacing Morton Arboretum’s 2023 sculptural exhibition, Human + Nature, Of the Earth welcomes back five large-scale sculptures to the beloved outdoor museum. Created by Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska, each sculpture, created exclusively for the arboretum, is made of reclaimed wood and tree branches. Each of the five sculptures are thoughtful placed across the arboretum’s 1,700 acres, encouraging visitors to explore new areas they might not have been to before. Access to the exhibition is included with tickets to the arboretum and it runs through spring 2025.

Native America: In Translation, The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Photography’s latest exhibition, Native America: In Translation, welcomes stories of culture, heritage and what the legacy of colonialism looks like in our country. The nine Native American artists whose work appears in the exhibitions raise questions about identity, land rights and explore the abundant history of photography characterizing Native populations. The exhibition runs through May 12, 2024 and, like all exhibitions at The Museum of Contemporary Photography, is free to attend.

Oleaje [Groundswell], Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale

Step into the mind of Carolina Aranibar-Fernández at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art with her latest exhibition, Oleaje [Groundswell]. The vibrant and eye-opening showcase reveals the hidden stories behind global mining and trade. Carolina, a San Francisco-based artist with Bolivian roots, brings her personal touch to large-scale installations that are both visually appealing and thought-provoking. Using everything from sequins to beads, her work weaves a powerful narrative about our planet and its resources. The exhibition runs from February 10, 2024 – August 4, 2024 and tickets can be found here.

American Icons, Taliesin West, Scottsdale

Running through June 3, 2024 at Taliesin West, American Icons celebrates the renowned work of Georgia O’Keefe and Frank Lloyd Wright, icons in American art and architecture. The photography exhibition features 20 exclusive images of the two luminaries, exploring their lives, careers and how each affected American Modernism through art, design and culture. Tony Vaccaro, the photographer whose images are used in the exhibition, captured each icon separately during his career, but looking at the photographs, visitors will be able to find symmetry both visually and through their histories. Tickets for the exhibition can be found here.