“The Art-See Fart-See Show” An Art Exhibition of New Works by Erik R. Sosa January 12, 2006 Opening Night Benefits Urban Gateways

“The Art-See Fart-See Show,” an exhibition of new paintings by Erik R. Sosa will be unveiled January 12 at Wag Artworks, 2121 W. Division in Chicago. Meet this exceptional artist at the opening reception on Thursday, January 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. A $10 donation at the door will benefit Urban Gateways, a 44-year-old Chicago-based non-profit organization that uses the arts to changes children’s lives.

The opening reception will feature light appetizers, wine and a first look at the exciting new work by Sosa. This is a one night only viewing.

“The Art-See Fart See Show” is a kaleidoscope of paintings, ranging in form and style. When mounting an exhibition, Sosa feels each show offers him the opportunity to create a unique atmosphere with his canvases serving as the background to inspire the audience. His work has been compared to Kandinsky, Haring and Pollock but Sosa’s new exhibition showcases his own unique style.

Sosa believes that everyone has a talent and gift. His is the ability to view the canvas as a means of self expression.

“As an abstract expressionist, I don’t define myself to any one particular style,” says Sosa. “I’m continually inspired from all directions of life.” Through his combination of bright colors, geometric designs, organic shapes and/or free hand motion, Sosa produces an art style that is fresh and vibrant. “I never really know what I’ll be painting,” says Sosa. “You could say each canvas is my coloring book. I start to scribble out some lines, filling in with color and go with flow, creating till something clicks.”

Sosa’s passion for art is carried over to his passion of supporting the non-profit community.

In the past he has donated pieces of work to benefit such diverse organizations as Center on Halsted, Victor C. Neumann Association, Vital Bridges, Spanish Coalition for Jobs and Heartland, to name just a few. His opening in the summer of 2005 helped raise over $3,000 for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Sosa’s incredible talent and vision have helped him earn the coveted VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design award this year. This highly respected industry award was created in 2001 by VOX® Vodka and Out magazine to honor openly gay and lesbian individuals whose works have come to signify style, vision and design.

To commemorate its fifth year, VOX and Out honored artists and designers who are just beginning to establish a name for themselves – a new focus for the prestigious award. The first of five honorees nationwide, Sosa received the VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design Award on July 27 of this year.

Sosa is a self-taught Mexican-American artist, born in Mexico City and a Chicago resident since 1980. He currently resides in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
For more information about Erik R. Sosa, his work, and upcoming exhibition visit www.erikRsosa.com.
Each year, Urban Gateways provides multi-cultural literary, performing and visual arts programming for over 325,000 children in more than 360 schools throughout the Chicagoland area. For additional information about Urban Gateways, please visit www.urbangateways.org.
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