“Since its founding a decade ago, the nonprofit arts organization Comfort Station has become one of Logan Square’s most significant cultural hubs, regularly hosting film screenings, art exhibitions, concerts, lectures and more.
“But the programs neighbors have come to rely on might come to a halt if the organization can’t fill the $20,000 budget hole it’s facing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“To keep its programs going and to support struggling artists, Comfort Station leaders are holding an online auction Dec. 7-14 in which neighbors can bid on original, locally made art commissions.
“All of the commissions being offered are custom works for people’s homes, hence the name of the auction, Home Comforts. One of Vivian Maier’s photographs, taken in 1952, is also up for bid. The money raised will go to Comfort Station and the artists.
“The auction will feature the works of 20 artists, all based in Chicago. A light installation made by Sean Gallero and Petra Bachmaier, who go by the moniker Luftwerk; a custom portrait by Zakkiyyah Najeebah Dumas-O’neal; and a bent metal sculpture by Robert Burnier are among the offerings.
“Comfort Station, like many arts organizations across the city, has struggled to bring in revenue this year with in-person gatherings restricted due to the pandemic.
“Unlike other arts organizations, Comfort Station is not in danger of closing completely. The volunteer-run organization has a partnership with the city and Logan Square Preservation that allows it to operate rent-free out of a one-story cottage, an old city warming station at 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., and that won’t change.
“‘We’re very, very relieved and grateful that we can weather this. And a lot of of other arts organizations don’t have this luxury. They may not weather it; they may not know if they can reopen. We know we can reopen. There’s been a lot of gratitude for that,’ Martins said.” (Bloom, Block Club Chicago, 11/20/20)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
Can Logan Square’s Comfort Station Survive The Pandemic? Cultural Hub Raising Funds To Stay Afloat
