The arts education scene in Chicago has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum located on the University of Illinois Chicago’s campus. While the museum has long been a symbol of social reform, little attention has been given to the innovative arts education programs that were once piloted at Hull-House. However, a new exhibition titled “Radical Craft: Arts Education at Hull-House, 1889-1935” aims to shed light on this overlooked aspect of the settlement’s legacy.
The exhibition delves deep into how educators and reformers at Hull-House viewed arts and crafts as powerful tools for social change, connecting industrial laborers with their inner creativity. It serves as a historical counterpoint to a companion exhibition at UIC’s Gallery 400, titled “Learning Together: Art Education and Community,” which covers Chicago’s arts education from the mid-1960s to the 2010s.
Hull-House director Liesl Olson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significant role that arts education played in the Hull-House community. While Jane Addams is a well-known figure associated with Hull-House, the exhibition highlights the contributions of Ellen Gates Starr, a radical educator who championed the idea that art should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Starr’s principles, rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasized the value of hands-on creativity as a form of resistance to the monotonous labor prevalent in nearby factories.
The exhibition showcases a wide range of arts and crafts offered at Hull-House, including drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, bookbindery, ceramics, metalwork, woodworking, and basketry. It celebrates both celebrated and lesser-known artists who contributed to the vibrant arts community at Hull-House.
One of the exhibition’s focal points is the work of artist Alice Kellogg Tyler, who studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and in Paris. Her portraits of influential women like Jane Addams and Dr. Cornelia De Bey are prominently displayed, along with her renowned painting “The Mother,” which depicts a tender moment between a woman and her baby. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the art of bookbinding, showcasing elegantly bound books that reflect the value of meticulous craftsmanship over mass-produced printing.
As visitors explore the exhibition, they encounter a diverse array of artworks and craft objects from the museum’s collection, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. The exhibition also pays homage to the diverse community members who participated in Hull-House programs, shedding light on their artistic talents and specialties.
The exhibition’s emphasis on accessibility extends beyond the gallery space, with the publication of a catalog that is beautifully bound and printed on high-quality paper. In keeping with Hull-House’s commitment to inclusivity, the catalog is affordably priced to ensure broad access to its contents.
In addition to the exhibition, Hull-House is offering a series of workshops and programming designed to engage the community in artistic practices. From “Radical Mending” workshops focused on clothing repair to “Weaving Stories” sessions that explore heritage and culture through material practice, these programs aim to make arts education more accessible and inclusive.
Looking ahead, Hull-House is partnering with organizations like Red Line Service and Firebird Community Arts to offer ceramics and glassblowing workshops to underserved communities. By continuing the legacy of Hull-House’s commitment to arts education, these workshops aim to provide meaningful creative experiences to those who may not have access to traditional art materials and resources.
Overall, the “Radical Craft” exhibition at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is a testament to the transformative power of arts education and its enduring impact on communities. Through its exploration of Hull-House’s rich artistic history, the exhibition invites visitors to celebrate the legacy of creativity, innovation, and social change that continues to resonate today.