Chicago folksinger, songwriter and educator Mark Dvorak has accepted appointment to the advisory board of two important Midwest arts organizations.
The Uri-Eichen Gallery, 2101 S. Halsted, Chicago was founded by Kathy Steichen and her husband Chris Urias in 2011.
“Our goal for the gallery was to create an indendent space for art and community building in the Pilsen neighborhood,” said Steichen, who is an activist and employee of the AFL-CIO. “We presnet art exhibitions focusing on the struggles of working people in America and globally. We’re excited and honored to have Mark in the loop as a resource and supporter.”
The gallery is now in the process of restructuring. “We’re developing a new plan to become a non-profit organization,” said Steichen. “The Chicago arts community is vibrant with many people committed to the arts as a vehicle for social progress. We’re envisioning a five person board with a number of key artists and activist in an advisorsy role. We’ve come a long way in three and a half years, and are looking forward to making an impact in the years to come.”
Dvorak also accepted an honorary board position with the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan.
“We’re restructuring our entire program,” said Sandra Thompson, general manager of the Acorn. “We’ve put together an outstanding board who support our initiative here in southwest Michigan, and added an honorary team of artists and other professionals who will help broaden our scope and impact as an arts organization here in the lower Lake Michigan area.”
The Acorn presents up to fifty shows per year, running the gammut absurd post-modern clowning to new works by TONY award-winning Broadway creators to concerts by local rock and folk artists.
"We’re so pleased to have Mark on board. He’s an important voice in the folk music world and a welcome voice in the greater arts community,” Thompson said.
For more information on the Acorn Theater, visit their website at www.acorntheater.com. Visit the Uri-Eichen Gallery online at www.uri-eichen.com.